Battle of Fort De Russy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Fort De Russy |
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| Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States |
 Confederate States |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| A.J. Smith Joseph Mower |
William Byrd | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 10,000 men | 350 men | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 48 killed and wounded 2 missing |
2 killed 5 wounded 317 captured, |
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The Battle of Fort De Russy was an important fight in the American Civil War. It happened in Louisiana on March 14, 1864. This battle was the first major event of the Red River Campaign.
During this campaign, the Union Army wanted to capture Shreveport. Shreveport was a key city for the Confederate forces. It was their state capital and military headquarters in the west. Union General Banks led the main Union effort. However, the attack on Fort De Russy was led by General A.J. Smith and Brigadier General Joseph Mower. They surprised the Confederate soldiers at the fort. The Union forces captured Fort De Russy, taking over 300 prisoners. They also seized the Confederates' only large cannons. This victory forced Confederate General Richard Taylor to retreat. It opened up south and central Louisiana for the Union army.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened: The Red River Campaign
The Union Army planned a large mission into Confederate territory in early 1864. This mission was called the Red River Campaign. Its main goal was to capture Shreveport, Louisiana. Shreveport was the headquarters for Confederate General E. Kirby Smith.
Major General Nathaniel P. Banks and Rear Admiral David D. Porter worked together. They led the Union forces. Admiral Porter's ships and General A.J. Smith's soldiers started moving on March 12, 1864. They went up the Red River. This river was the most direct way to Shreveport. General Banks and his soldiers marched by land.
Obstacles on the Way to Shreveport
The Confederates had placed many obstacles in the Red River. These made it hard for Union ships to pass. But the biggest challenge was Fort DeRussy. This fort was very strong. It was made of earth and had a special battery with iron plates. This design was meant to stop Union ironclad ships.
General A.J. Smith's troops traveled on boats from Vicksburg. They got off the boats at Simmesport on March 12. Simmesport was about 30 miles from Fort DeRussy.
Union Advance Towards the Fort
On the morning of March 13, Smith sent out some soldiers. They were to check for any enemy forces ahead. This group found and chased away a Confederate brigade. After this, Smith's main army started marching towards Fort DeRussy. They did not go far before nightfall.
The Battle at Fort De Russy
The next morning, March 14, the Union soldiers continued their march. They soon found out that a Confederate division was nearby. This enemy force could attack them. General Smith had to place some of his troops to block any attack from these Confederates.
When the Union army reached Fort DeRussy, the Confederate soldiers inside opened fire. There were about 350 Confederate defenders. General Smith decided that General Mower's division would attack the fort. He began to get Mower's soldiers ready for the assault.
The Union Charge
Around 6:30 PM, General Smith gave the order to charge the fort. About twenty minutes later, Mower's men climbed over the fort's walls. The Confederate soldiers quickly surrendered.
Fort DeRussy was considered very strong. Some even said it could not be captured. But it had fallen to the Union forces. This victory meant the Red River was now open for Union ships all the way to Alexandria.
Preserving the Battlefield
The Civil War Trust (which is now part of the American Battlefield Trust) has worked to save parts of the Fort DeRussy Battlefield. They and their partners have helped protect 73 acres of this important historic site.
