Port Hudson, located about 10 miles south of St. Francisville, Louisiana, on highway 61, is an important Civil War site that many people haven't heard about. It doesn't receive as much fanfare as Vicksburg. But coupled with the surrender of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863, and the surrender of Port Hudson a few days later, the Union army broke the grip of the Confederacy on the Mississippi River. There is a lot to see at Port Hudson, which once had a series of big cannons dug into high bluffs overlooking the river that devastated Union gunboats. But, like Vicksburg, the river long ago struck a new course that left Port Hudson high and dry. There is an extensive museum filled with relics and displays and artifacts and maps and much information about the 47-day siege, which was longer than Grant's siege of Vicksburg. You can drive the area to see the bluffs, trenches, where river batteries were established, the national cemetery and other earthworks. And you can see how the Mississippi River has changed from then to now. And you can walk about six miles of trails to view the site, too. Foot-sore tourists are warned, however. There are no water fountains on the trail system. Or a McDonald's. But the map provided by the visitors center for drivers of the property is very detailed and informative and worth the time. It is a wonderful insight into one of the most important battlefield sites in the Civil War that many people aren't familiar with.
It was pleasant walking around the grounds, good place for a picnic. They have a short film presentation and a small museum with artifacts. I'm not from around this area and as such it did not have any special meaning to me other than would present at any other civil war site. I'd recommend it as a nice afternoon but not as a destination I'd travel much distance to see.
Perfect site for a 2 hour immersion into happenings during the Civil War. Interpretive center well worth it and the short movie is very informative. Pack a lunch as there are picnic areas. Enjoy the board walkways to the battlements and be prepared to be amazed by the terrain that the two sides fought in and over.
Drove 2 1/2 hrs to see this site. Apparently they are closed Sunday & Mondays when their website says Mondays & Tuesdays.
Very moving, educational experience; we wished we had more time to linger in the beautiful wooded areas where so many died. The visuals in the museum are so meaningful and one is so moved to read journal entries and see photos of those who are long dead.
The museum at this place has a lot of interesting displays.In back of the museum is a tall wooden structure which one can climb and obtain a good view of the surrounding area. The museum covers the siege of Port Hudson and the struggle between Union and Confederate forces for control of the Mississippi. There are various items inside such as artillery shells and other artifacts. Located throughout the park are various army and naval guns with placards which explain their calibers and use.
located just north of the Port Hudson Nat. Cemetery - beautifully kept commemorative area with several walking trails, a museum, & picnic areas. - very historic & important battleground during the Civil War.
Visited this site on a rainy day. But even with 2 bus loads of school kids jostling around, there was a lot to see as this was an important Civil War battle location. The 10 minute film was very informative. And because of the kids, we got to see a musket demonstration!The posted Tick warning and the rain, (tornado warning) detered us and we did not walk the trails, but it all looked well laid out and close.
I was a history major with a concentration in the American South. Most of my history classes in college were about the Civil War but I STILL had no idea that this place existed.My husband started researching his family ancestry and discovered that some of his relatives fought here so on a recent trip to the area we decided to stop by and check it out. The visitors center has a really nice museum and well detailed history of the siege here. We even saw the actual flag that my husband's ancestors fought under. I knew a lot about the siege at Vicksburg but I never knew about Port Hudson. It turns out that it was a pretty important place and the siege here lasted longer than the one at Vicksburg. The museum is very well done - a short video and a walk through it and I felt like I learned a lot about what happened here.Outside the museum there are several trails to walk on that take you past the earthworks that were dug during the siege. I've visited a lot of Civil War battlefields and these are some of the most well preserved earthworks I've ever seen. The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is because the trails aren't well marked. There are maps here and there but there were several places where we reached an intersection and didn't know which way to go. I know state parks don't have as much funding as national parks but some better signage would make it a better place.I wish that more people knew that Port Hudson existed. It's a piece of American history that seems to be mostly forgotten or ignored. If you're in the area it is definitely a place to see, especially if you are on your way to Vicksburg.
There was a nice, clean museum with interesting artifacts and displays and a short film describing the Battle of Port Hudson. A nice walking trail around the actual battle site.