Port Hudson 1863: Confederate Stand on the Mississippi River (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781636247113)

Port Hudson's strategic river fortress becomes the focal point of a prolonged Civil War siege, detailing its fortification, costly engagements, and broader consequences.

Often overlooked, Port Hudson on the Mississippi River was below Vicksburg and above Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Its possession by the Confederates ensured that commerce could flow to and from the Red River. Being situated atop a high bluff, it was a natural point to be fortified to control river traffic. Both Union and Confederate forces were late in recognizing this (and Farragut had sailed past it a year earlier to demand Vicksburg's surrender) but its peaceful idleness would not remain long. The Confederates began fortifying it and the Union's attempt to capture it became the longest siege of the American Civil War. It was also costly and largely unnecessary too and in terms of losses the Union suffered over 8,000 dead, wounded or died of disease. This fully illustrated book examines this campaign and its consequences.

Author: Gary Yee
ISBN-10: 1636247113
ISBN-13: 9781636247113
Publisher: Casemate
Language: English
Published: 11/01/2026
Pages: 128
Format: Paperback