Siege of Port Hudson (Louisiana)-- Part 1: Banks Vs. 7,500 Rebels

From National Park Service  Explore the History and Culture of Southeastern Louisiana"  Port Hudson.

Port Hudson was the site of the longest siege in American history, lasting 48 days.  It pitted 7,500 Confederates against  40,000 Union troops. for almost two months in 1863.

In August 1862,  the Confederates began constructing earthworks at Port Hudson to control the Mississippi River.  In 1863, Union Major General  Nathaniel P. Banks moved against them.  Three Union divisions came down the Red River to attack Port Hudson from the north, while two more divisions advanced from Baton Rouge and  New Orleans to strike from the east and south.

Francis Warren's 49th Massachusetts was among these Union forces.

By May 22, they had isolated 7,500 Confederates in their 4 1/2 miles of earthworks.  Banks ordered an attack all along the Confederate lines on May 27, 1863.

--Old Secesh