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Third Louisiana Redan: A Confederate Stronghold

Explore the Third Louisiana Redan at Vicksburg National Military Park, a key Confederate fort and site of intense Civil War siege warfare.

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The Third Louisiana Redan, located in Vicksburg National Military Park, was a key Confederate fortification guarding the Jackson Road entrance to the city. Union troops targeted it during the Siege of Vicksburg, with intense fighting and underground mining operations. Today, visitors can explore the site and learn about the strategies and sacrifices made during this pivotal Civil War battle.

A brief summary to Third Louisiana Redan

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and requires some walking to fully explore the area.
  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and experience cooler temperatures.
  • Check the Vicksburg National Military Park's website for alerts and closures before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach the Third Louisiana Redan within Vicksburg National Military Park, start at the Visitor Center located at 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg. From the Visitor Center, follow the park's main tour road, Union Avenue, south. The Third Louisiana Redan is located near tour stop 3, a short drive from the Visitor Center. Park entrance fee is required. A 7-day pass is $20 per vehicle. An annual pass can be purchased for $35.

  • Walking

    If already within Vicksburg National Military Park, begin at the Visitor Center. Follow the walking trails from the Visitor Center to Union Avenue. The Third Louisiana Redan is a short walk along Union Avenue, and is near tour stop 3. Consult the park map available at the Visitor Center for specific trail routes. Note that the National Cemetery is currently closed to vehicular traffic but open to pedestrians; visitors can park in the USS Cairo parking lot and walk to the cemetery.

  • Public Transport

    Limited public transportation is available in Vicksburg. Use a taxi or rideshare service to reach the Vicksburg National Military Park Visitor Center at 3201 Clay St. From there, you can walk or request another ride to the Third Louisiana Redan. Taxi/rideshare cost from downtown Vicksburg to the park entrance is approximately $15-$25.

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Discover more about Third Louisiana Redan

The Third Louisiana Redan stands as a testament to the fierce fighting that took place during the Siege of Vicksburg. As part of Vicksburg National Military Park, this historical landmark offers a glimpse into the strategic importance of Vicksburg during the American Civil War. The redan, a triangular-shaped fort, was manned by the Third Louisiana Infantry Regiment and guarded the Jackson Road, a vital route into the city. Union forces, under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant, relentlessly targeted the Third Louisiana Redan. After failed direct assaults, Union engineers began digging approach trenches and tunnels to undermine the Confederate defenses. On June 25, 1863, Union troops detonated a mine filled with 2,200 pounds of black powder beneath the redan, creating a massive crater. Despite the explosion and a subsequent assault by the 45th Illinois Infantry, the Confederates held their ground. A second mine was detonated on July 1, but the Confederate line remained unbroken. Today, visitors can walk the grounds of the Third Louisiana Redan, exploring the earthworks and imagining the intense conflict that unfolded here. Historical markers and interpretive signs provide context and insight into the events of the siege. The site serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides of the Civil War.

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