Port Hudson Reenactment, Seminar Nov. 5-7 at Port Hudson Historic Site

For 48 days, Confederate troops defended its fortifications and the 80-foot-high bluffs that dominate the Mississippi River in one of the longest sieges in American history. 

Then after Vicksburg surrendered on July 4, 1863, the starving Southern forces at Port Hudson surrendered, effectively dividing the Confederacy and making supply lines even more difficult.

Port Hudson State Historic Site will host two historic events Nov. 5-7 — the 4th Annual Baton Rouge Civil War Symposium and the 158th Anniversary Re-enactment of the siege of Port Hudson.

Civil War Symposium

The Baton Rouge Civil War Round Table is holding the Civil War Symposium on the Port Hudson State Historic Site. Experts in the field will cover such topics as naval and land battles, post siege events, and the human side of war. 

The symposium will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, and 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Sunday, Nov. 7. Attendees will come from places as far away as Arizona. 

For Symposium Registration, go to www.brcwrt,com, or call (225) 937-2782. Admission is $115 before Oct. 29 and $125 after Oct. 29.

Re-enactment Nov. 6-7

The Park is hosting the 158th Anniversary Re-enactment of the Siege of Port Hudson. Battles with hundreds of re-enactors, living history camps, sutlers, firepower, medical, and period dance demonstrations will be featured in this family-oriented event which is a fun way to learn about local history. It is open to the public.

For Re-enactment information,  go to Port Hudson State Parks website, https://www.lastateparks.com/historic-sites/port-hudson-state-historic-site, or call 225-654-3775.

The Park is located at 236 Hwy. 61 in Jackson, LA. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $4 for ages 4-62.

A portion of the symposium proceeds will benefit the Friends of Port Hudson.

Symposium Weekend

Friday Night: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Reception at the Republic of Florida Museum

Saturday Symposium: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Breakfast snack, Lunch, Book Raffle, Grand Raffle, and the Civil War re-enactment.

Speakers

Sam Hyde, PhD. “Port Hudson’s Brutal Legacy: General Orders No. 33 and the Transformation of the War in Southeast Louisiana”

Samuel Hyde is Director of the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies at Southeastern Louisiana University. He is author or editor of 11 books. When the Confederate garrison surrendered, the Federals issued General Orders No. 33, which allowed Union soldiers to make war on civilians.

Lawrence Lee Hewitt, PhD. “Portraits of Port Hudson.” – The former manager of the Port Hudson and Camp Moore Historic Sites has written many books about on the Civil War and is currently writing a history of the Port Hudson Civil War photographs.

Russel Blount, Author/Historian is the author of five books on the Civil War.  He is a frequent speaker at battlefield parks, museums, Civil War roundtables and other historical forums.

Dr. Samantha Cavell. “A River Afire: the Naval Battle of Port Hudson” – The naval action that took place at Port Hudson on the night of March 14-15, 1863 saw Admiral David Farragut confront the might of seven major Confederate batteries in a desperate attempt to “run the guns” and bring his warships north of the town. This night action would, however, end in disaster for most of Farragut’s squadron while Rebel yells announced victory from atop the bluffs. 

Steven Michot PhD. “Post-Port Hudson: The Battle the Union Wanted to Forget” – The topic will cover the 13 July 1863 Battle of Koch’s Plantation which involved 10,000 recently redeployed Union soldiers from the Port Hudson battlefield. Facing the Northerners were 1500 hard-driving Texas cavalrymen. In a spectacular show of warrior spirit, the Confederates drove the Union defenders from the field and achieved a lop-sided victory that the after-war chroniclers tried to downplay.

The Central City News will broadcast parts of the events of Saturday, Nov. 6 and Sunday, Nov. 7 at Central City News on Facebook.