Port Hudson, Louisiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Port Hudson
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 Port Hudson
Location in Louisiana
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| Country | United States |
| State | Louisiana |
| Parish | East Baton Rouge |
| Elevation | 98 ft (30 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 225 |
Port Hudson is a small community in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, United States. It's famous for a big battle that happened there during the American Civil War in 1863. This battle, called the siege of Port Hudson, was very important for controlling the Mississippi River.
Contents
Geography of Port Hudson
Port Hudson is located along the east side of the Mississippi River. It's about 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Baton Rouge.
History of Port Hudson
In 1833, one of the first railroads in the United States was built here. It connected Port Hudson to Clinton. Clinton was a busy trading center for farm goods. These goods were sent by train to Port Hudson. From there, they were loaded onto steamboats on the Mississippi River. Old Port Hudson officially became a town in 1838.
The Civil War Battle
During the American Civil War, Port Hudson was the site of fierce fighting. Both the Confederate and Union armies wanted to control the Mississippi River. The Siege of Port Hudson was a long and difficult battle. You can still see where the old town and railroad tracks were on maps from 1864. The railroad tracks were removed before 1920.
African American Soldiers
During the siege, the 1st and 3rd Regiments of the Louisiana Native Guards fought bravely for the Union. These soldiers were later part of the United States Colored Troops. They were the first black troops to have some black officers. Some of these soldiers were free people of color, who had been educated before the war. Most were African-American slaves who had escaped to freedom and joined the Union army.
Port Hudson National Cemetery
After the battle, the Port Hudson National Cemetery was created. It was first used to bury Union soldiers who died in the fighting.
Important Landmarks
Today, part of the battlefield is a park and museum. It's called the Port Hudson State Historic Site. You can visit it in nearby East Feliciana Parish.
Confederate Soldiers Monument
In 1930, a group called the Louisiana Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy put up a monument. It's an 11,000-pound stone pillar, called an obelisk. It honors the Confederate soldiers who defended Port Hudson. In 2007, the monument was moved to one of the few buildings left from the time of the siege.
National Historic Landmark Status
In 1974, the Port Hudson National Cemetery was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important historical place in the United States. The National Park Service now takes care of it.
African American Heritage Trail
In 2009, Port Hudson was chosen as one of the first 26 sites on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail. This trail highlights important places in African American history in Louisiana.
Port Hudson in Culture
The bravery at Port Hudson has been remembered in poems. "The Black Brigade at Port Hudson" by John A. Dorgan is one example. Another is "The Black Regiment: Port Hudson, May 27, 1863" by George Henry Boker. These poems were published in collections about American events and poetry.
Annual Events
Every year, a Civil War reenactment is held at the Port Hudson State Historic Site. People dress up in historical costumes and recreate parts of the battle. It's a great way to learn about history!
See also
In Spanish: Port Hudson (Luisiana) para niños
