Fort Randolph (Pineville, Louisiana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Randolph
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 Location in Louisiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | Off U.S. 165, Pineville, Louisiana |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1864 |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000300 |
| Added to NRHP | June 01, 1981 |
Fort Randolph was a special fort built during the American Civil War. It was located in Louisiana, near the Red River. The fort was created by Confederate soldiers to protect against attacks from the Union army. It was named after Captain Christopher M. Randolph, who helped build it.
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Fort Randolph: A Civil War Stronghold
Why Was Fort Randolph Built?
After a big battle called the Red River Campaign in 1864, a Confederate general named Edmund Kirby Smith realized something important. He saw that forts were needed along the Red River. These forts would stop Union navy ships from sailing up the river past Alexandria, Louisiana.
So, Fort Randolph was built in late 1864. Its main purpose was to defend against a possible third invasion by Union forces. This invasion was expected in the Louisiana Red River Valley in 1865.
What Did the Fort Look Like?
Fort Randolph was designed to be very strong. It had an outer ditch, which was like a deep trench around it. Inside, there was a central area made of earth called a citadel. This citadel had places for cannons, a safe room for gunpowder (called a magazine), and bombproof shelters. These shelters protected the soldiers from explosions.
Experts believe the fort held about 4 to 8 cannons. It was built at the same time as another fort, Fort Buhlow, which was just north of Fort Randolph. The fort was placed on a hill. This spot gave it a great view of the fast-moving parts of the Red River. It also overlooked the remains of Bailey's Dam, which had been built in May 1864.
Who Built the Fort?
Building Fort Randolph was a huge job. Many people worked on it. Most of the labor came from free African Americans and enslaved people. They were brought in to help with the construction. Confederate soldiers who were stationed nearby also helped. Everyone worked hard to finish the fort quickly. They wanted it ready before the fighting season began in the spring of 1865.
The Fort's History After the War
Even though it was built for battle, Fort Randolph was never actually used in any fighting during the American Civil War. The war ended, and the fort was surrendered to Union forces on June 3, 1865.
Years later, in October 1927, a group called the United Daughters of the Confederacy held a special event. They placed markers at both Fort Randolph and Fort Buhlow to remember their history.
Fort Randolph was recognized as an important historical place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 1, 1981. In November 2010, Fort Randolph became part of the Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site. This means it is now a protected area where people can visit and learn about its past.
