Army of Western Louisiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Army of Western Louisiana |
|
|---|---|
| Active | –May 26, 1865 |
| Country |  Confederate States of America |
| Allegiance |  Louisiana |
| Branch |  Confederate States Army |
| Type | Field army |
| Disbanded | Surrendered May 26, 1865 |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Richard Taylor John G. Walker |
The Army of Western Louisiana was a group of soldiers. They were part of the Confederate States Army. This army fought during the American Civil War. They took part in many important battles. These battles were part of the plan by Union General Nathaniel P. Banks. His goal was to capture Port Hudson, Louisiana.
For most of its time, this army was led by General Richard Taylor. A big success for them was a victory in April 1864. This happened at the Battle of Mansfield. On June 17, 1864, General Taylor was promoted. He then moved to lead a bigger army. General John G. Walker took over command.
Later in 1864, the soldiers of this army fought in southern Arkansas. The Army of Western Louisiana surrendered on May 26, 1865. They surrendered with all other troops in their region. This region was called the Trans-Mississippi Theater.
Who Made Up the Army of Western Louisiana?
The Army of Western Louisiana was made of different groups of soldiers. These groups were called brigades and battalions. They included infantry (foot soldiers) and cavalry (soldiers on horseback). There were also artillery units with cannons.
Army in April 1863
In April 1863, General Richard Taylor was in charge. His army included:
- Mouton's Brigade: Led by General Jean Jacques Alfred Alexander Mouton. This group had several Louisiana Infantry Regiments. It also had artillery batteries like the Pelican Battery.
- Sibley's Brigade: Led by General Henry Hopkins Sibley. This brigade was mostly made of Texas Cavalry Regiments. They also had the Valverde Battery.
- Unattached Units: These were other groups not part of a main brigade. An example was the 2nd Louisiana Cavalry Regiment.
Army in March 1864
By March 1864, General Richard Taylor still led the army. The army's structure had changed a bit:
- Mouton's Brigade: Still led by General Alfred Mouton. It included Louisiana infantry and artillery.
- Polignac's Brigade: Led by General Camille Armand Jules Marie, Prince de Polignac. This brigade had several Texas Cavalry units. These cavalry units fought on foot.
- Cavalry: This larger cavalry group was led by General Thomas Green. It included:
- Lane's Brigade: Led by General Walter P. Lane. This group had Texas Partisan Rangers and units from the Arizona Brigade. They also had McMahan's Artillery.
- Bagby's Brigade: Led by General Arthur P. Bagby. This brigade included Texas Cavalry Regiments. It also had McAnnelly's Scouts and Moseley's Artillery.
See Also
- List of Confederate Armies
