Southern Louisiana

Last Update: 20/JULY/2025

Fort Sabine Military Reservation
(1837, 1838 - 1871), Sabine Pass
Several period maps show a Fort Sabine, Post on Sabine Lake (2), or U.S. Garrison, on the east side of the southern end of Sabine Lake in Louisiana, about one mile north of the Sabine Pass Lighthouse at Brandt Point (built 1856), about where present-day LA State Highway 82 crosses the channel. A large fort was proposed in 1838, and plans drawn, but nothing was ever built. The reservation originally was composed of 20,575 acres, but was gradually reduced over time. The reservation was transferred from the War Department to the Department of the Interior in 1871, and was disposed of by the Federal government sometime after 1900, except for the 45-acre lighthouse tract which was the last remaining parcel in government hands until 1953. Some period maps also depict a Fort Sabine on the western side of Calcasieu Pass, near the old town of Leesburg (present-day Cameron), which is apparently in error.

A U.S. Army encampment (Camp on Sabine Lake (1)) (October-December 1837, possibly into January 1838) was located on Garrison Ridge at the southern end of Sabine Lake, to control the contraband slave trade and illegal smuggling. One company of the U.S. 3rd Infantry Regiment was here, as well as one company of the U.S. 6th Infantry Regiment (at different times). A U.S. Customs House was also located on Green's Bayou just to the east, to counter the Republic of Texas customs house at (city of) Sabine Pass. Many merchant ships had claimed that Texas had no jurisdiction over commerce in Sabine Lake, which developed into an undeclared "commerce war" until Texas statehood in 1845.

A temporary U.S. Army post was actually built on the Texas side of Sabine Pass in April 1836 to better protect the international border, and to counter any possible Mexican Army advance into Sabine Lake, as the ground on the Texas side was higher and more stable than the Louisiana side. This was at the time considered foreign soil, and was concurrent with the "Runaway Scrape" and the subsequent Battle of San Jacinto (April 1836), which ended up being a victory for the Republic of Texas. (See Fort Sabine (4) on Texas page 2.)

Post at Niblett's Bluff
(Niblett's Bluff Park)
(1863 - 1864), near Vinton
A CSA fortified camp built by slave labor in May 1863, and first garrisoned by elements of Brig. Gen. Henry H. Sibley's Texas Brigade, located on the east side of the Sabine River about five miles north of present-day I-10. Palm huts for winter quarters (1st Texas Cavalry) were built in late 1863. Remnants of breastworks still remain along the Sabine River.

Camp Cox (1)
(1862), Calcasieu Parish
A temporary Confederate (13th Texas Cavalry Battalion) camp (July 1862) located about 18 miles from the Sabine River. Undetermined location.

Cantonment Atkinson
(1823, 1829 - 1832), Lake Charles
A Federal camp located on the Calcasieu River, on the northeast shore of Lake Charles, to counter illegal smuggling operations. Occupied from October or November 1829 to early 1832. Site located on South Lakeshore Drive, at or near the old Bilbo Cemetery. The Thomas Bilbo family acquired and settled the tract in 1834.

In early-mid 1823 there were 41 men posted here at Camp Atkinson, apparently the same site, or very close to it.

Camp Reid
(1862), Calcasieu Parish
A temporary Confederate (13th Texas Cavalry Battalion) camp (July 1862) located on the east bank of the Calcasieu River. Undetermined location.

Camp Charles
(1862), Lake Charles
A temporary Confederate (13th Texas Cavalry Battalion) camp (July 1862) located one and one-half miles from the town (or lake ?).

The city of Lake Charles was originally known as Charles Town or Charleston until 1867.

Camp Fullman
(1862), Calcasieu Parish
A temporary Confederate (13th Texas Cavalry) camp (July 1862) located on a branch of the Calcasieu River, about 30 miles east of the Sabine River.

Camp Davis (3)
(1862), Calcasieu Parish
A temporary CSA (13th Texas Cavalry) camp (July 1862) located about 22 miles east of Lake Charles. Exact location unknown. Possibly the same as Camp Calcasieu (July 1862) (also 13th Texas Cavalry).

Jean Lafitte's Fort (2)
(1818 ? - 1821 ?), Calcasieu Lake
A crude shell midden fortification built by Jean Lafitte's crew on Money Hill - Dead Man's Lake (Barb Shellbank) as they were chased by an American warship into Calcasieu Lake. Built sometime between 1818 and 1821 (date uncertain). The remains were reportedly still evident in the 1890's.
See also The Legacy of Jean Lafitte in Southwest Louisiana by W.T. Block

Calcasieu Lake Redoubt
(1861 - 1862), Calcasieu Lake
A CSA two-gun water battery and surrounding breastwork, with 82 men under a Capt. Davis. Built in November or December 1861, occupied until at least April 1862. Exact location undetermined, reportedly about 40 miles from Lake Charles. Possibly at Calcasieu Pass (?).

Camp Davis (2)
(1861 - 1862), Calcasieu Pass
A CSA two-gun earthen battery and troop encampment (Company G, 21st Louisiana Infantry Regiment, under Capt. J.C. Batchelor) (August 1861 - April 1862).

¤ TEMPORARY HARBOR DEFENSES of CALCASIEU PASS

¤ Calcasieu Pass Military Reservation
(1942 - 1944), Cameron FORT WIKI
A two-gun 155mm battery was located here to defend the important port facilities of (city of) Lake Charles. The concrete Panama mounts and magazines were built between November 1942 to March 1943, with two base-end stations, two searchlight stations, and a combined battery commander's station and harbor entrance control post, but the defense was never officially activated, and was declared surplus in December 1944. Located on the west side of the deep water ship channel. No remains.

The dredging and widening of the deep water ship channel through Calcasieu Pass was commenced in 1938, and completed in July 1941, which created Monkey Island at the Lighthouse Bend ("the Loop") of the old river. The old Calcasieu Pass Lighthouse (1876) was demolished in the process (in 1940).

Post at Mermentau Pass
(1862), near Oak Grove
A Confederate camp (February 1862) (32 men under a Capt. White) located near the mouth of the Mermentau River. The post (battery ?) was later reported by the Union Navy in September 1862 as destroyed and deserted. Possibly the same as below.

Post at Grande Chenier
(1861), near Grand Chenier
A Confederate camp for one company of Louisiana state militia (December 1861) with a one-gun battery on the Mermentau River at or near Lower Mud Lake. Possibly the same as above.

Camp Mermentau
(1862), near Mermentau ?
A Confederate (13th Texas Cavalry) camp (July 1862) located near the Mermentau River.

Camp Abundance
(1862), near Rayne ?
A temporary CSA (13th Texas Cavalry) camp (July 1862) located 15 miles west of the Vermilion River, possibly on or near Bayou Queue de Tortue.

Camp Leroy Stafford
(1864), near Ville Platte
A Confederate (Brent's Confederate Cavalry Brigade) camp (December 1864).

Post at Washington
(1865), Washington
A Union garrison post (June-December 1865), composed of five infantry companies and one cavalry company (unspecified).

Camp Plaquemine (3)
(1865), near Opelousas
A Confederate (Quartermaster Section, 8th Louisiana Cavalry) camp (January 1865), probably located on Bayou Plaquemine Brûlé, west of town.

Post at Opelousas (1)
(1769 - 1804), Opelousas
A Spanish garrison was located here beginning in 1769. A palisaded compound (fort ?) was built in 1769 on the grounds later occupied by the Academy of the Immaculate Conception at 872 Main Street (at North Main and East Convent Streets) (since demolished). Taken over by the Americans in January 1804, before Camp Hamilton (1) was later built at a new site.

Camp Hamilton (1)
(1804 - 1808), Opelousas
A temporary Federal garrison (detachment, 2nd U.S. Infantry) was located east of the town, near Bayou del Puent, possibly on the north-south ridge just west of the bayou, and north of the Opelousas-Port Barre Road. Also known as Post of Opelousas (2). Established in September 1804 (or earlier ?), and abandoned after October 1808. Part of the garrison was temporarily transferred to Natchitoches in July 1806, leaving only 19 men. Present-day Fort Hamilton Drive (Parish Road 1-319) is located between State Highway 742 and US 190 (Ronald Reagan Highway), just east of the present city limits.

Camp Hamilton (2)
(1863), near Opelousas
A Confederate camp of this name was reportedly located in the vicinity, from a Union soldier's diary reference in October 1863. Possibly a mistaken identity for the Camp Hamilton (1) site (?).

Camp Overton
(1862), Opelousas
A Confederate camp (April 1862) in or near town for a unit from Calcasieu Parish.

Opelousas Camp of Instruction
(1862), Opelousas
A Confederate training camp (May 1862). Undetermined exact location.

Camp Porter
(1862), Port Barre
A Confederate state militia (St. Landry Parish Militia Regiment) muster camp (June 1862). Also known as Camp at Port Barre.

Camp Barri Croquant
(1863), near Port Barre
A Union divisional (XIX Corps) encampment (October 1863) located on the north side of Bayou Maria Croquant at its junction with Bayou Teche, about two and one-half miles south of town.

Camp Bourbeaux
(1863), near Sunset
A Union (Brig. Gen. Stephen G. Burbridge's Brigade) camp on the west side of Bayou Bourbeaux, about two miles west of town. Attacked by Confederates in November 1863, forcing the Union troops to abandon the area.

Camp Carrion Crow
(1863), near Petetin ?
A Confederate camp situated along both sides of Bayou Carrion Crow (Bayou Carencro).

Camp Vermilion (1)
(1862), near Lafayette
A Confederate (13th Texas Cavalry) camp (July 1862) on the east bank of the Vermilion River in Lafayette Parish (undetermined location).

Camp Texas (1)
(1862), near Lafayette
A Confederate (13th Texas Cavalry) camp (August 1862) on the east bank of the Vermilion River near town.

Lafayette Civil War Defenses
(1863, 1864), Lafayette
Confederate Camp Taylor (2) (18th Louisiana Infantry Regiment, July-August 1863) (Consolidated Crescent Regiment, September 1863) was located on Vermilion Bayou (River) in or near the city, reportedly 17 miles from Camp Pratt (1). This camp was re-occupied by the Confederate 12th Texas Cavalry in August 1864.

Union troops arrived in October 1863 and built a roughly two mile line of defensive trenchworks and rifle pits located along the north bank of the Vermilion River in the southern area of town, most between Pinhook Road and the river. The line was facing generally north and west and parallel to the river. The line was added to and strengthened in November 1863. The town was known as Vermilionville until 1884.

Union Camp Indiana (2) (24th Indiana Regiment of Volunteers) (October 1863) was located along Vermilion Bayou (River) somewhere near town (undetermined location).
Union Camp Vermilion (2) (October-November 1863) was another camp also in the area.

Fort Burton
(1862 - 1863), near Butte La Rose, St. Martin Parish
A CSA three-gun redoubt on an Indian mound, with nearby barracks for supporting infantry (60 men of the Louisiana Crescent Regiment), on the west end of Cow Island, at the junction of Cow Island Bayou, Bayou à la Rose, and the Little Atchafalaya River. Also known as Fort Butte à la Rose. Built in November 1862, manned by a naval crew from the C.S. Cotton, it was captured by the Union (16th New Hampshire Infantry Regiment) in April 1863 and later destroyed when abandoned (May 1863). The site is directly across the river from the town's boat landing.

Camp Jones
(1863), Butte La Rose
A Confederate (Companies F, G, and H, Louisiana Crescent Regiment) camp (January 1863) located across from Fort Burton. Sharpshooters were based here to harass Union ships approaching Fort Burton.

Camp La Salle Coulee
(1863), near Youngsville ?, Lafayette Parish
A Confederate (18th Louisiana Infantry Regiment) camp (August 1863). Possibly "Lassier's" Coulee (?).

Posts at Attakapas
(1763, 1769 - 1804, 1804 - 1808, 1818 - 1819), St. Martinville
A Federal garrison was here beginning in April 1804 until at least December 1808. There were 14 men reported here in December 1808. A second occupation (one company, 1st U.S. Infantry Regiment) began in October 1818 (aka Post at St. Martinville).

A French trading post and community was previously here by 1763. A Spanish garrison was here beginning in 1769, until the American arrival in 1804. A formal military "fort" by either nation was not known to have been built here. Attakapas under the Spanish was a subpost of Opelousas, with which it was often combined, or later with the post at New Iberia. The town was renamed in 1811 when it became the seat of the newly created parish.

Camp Boutte
(1864), St. Martin Parish
A Confederate (St. Martin's Rangers) camp (December 1864) reportedly located somewhere near St. Martinville.

Camp Bayou Portage
(1863), near Portage, St. Martin Parish
A CSA (2nd Louisiana Zouaves Mounted Battalion) camp located just north of Lake Dauterive on the east (north) bank of Bayou Portage, about ten miles from St. Martinville. Captured by Union cavalry in November 1863.

Camp Pratt (1)
(1862 - 1863), near Segura, Iberia Parish
A Confederate regional training camp for conscripts from those parishes south of the Red River, located on the southwest shore of Spanish Lake (formerly Lake Tasse), about five miles northwest of New Iberia. Established in May or June 1862. Elements of the 18th Louisiana Infantry Regiment and the Louisiana Crescent Regiment were here during 1862. A militia camp (9th Brigade of Louisiana Militia) may have been here or nearby as early as February 1862. Skirmishes occurred here in October and November 1863. Union troops (Headquarters 19th Corps) occupied the camp in November 1863, and possibly later. Prisoners of war (Union or Confederate ?) were also kept here at one time. Traces of earthen embankments still existed in the 1970's (and may still) between the old lakeshore and the railroad right-of-way.

Post at New Iberia
(1790's), New Iberia
A Spanish garrison was here. Nine men were listed at the post in 1793. Apparently abandoned before the American military arrived in 1804, as it was not listed as a post to be occupied after the transfer.

Camp Iberia
(1862), near New Iberia
A temporary Confederate (13th Texas Cavalry Battalion) camp (August 1862).

Camp Lewis (2)
(1863), near New Iberia
A Union (75th New York Regiment of Volunteers) infantry camp (November 1863).

Camp Misery
(1863), Iberia Parish ?
A Union encampment located somewhere along Bayou Teche (unknown location).

Camp Dauterive
(1862 - 1863), Iberia Parish
A CSA camp (December 1862 - February 1863) located at the Dauterive sugar mill about one mile from Grand Lake, and "seven miles from Camp Fausse Pointe". Elements of the Confederate Guards Response Battalion and the Yellow Jacket Battalion were here. There are various spellings found for the name, including Dautrive, D'Autin, De Huntive, De Huitreve, and Doctrive (January 1863). The family name was originally spelled D'Hauterive.

A Confederate two-gun battery was located at Dauterive Landing in late 1863, at the upper end of Lake Fausse Pointe near Point Coquille, which was captured by Union cavalry in November 1863.

Camp Fausse Pointe
(1863), near Loreauville ?, Iberia Parish
A Confederate camp (Confederate Guards Battalion, January 1863) (Confederate States Zouaves Battalion, November 1863) located on the east side of Bayou Teche, near Lake Fausse Pointe, seven miles from the Dauterive plantation. Undetermined exact location.

Camp DeBlanc
(1865), Iberia Parish
A Confederate (4th Louisiana Cavalry Regiment) camp (April 1865) located somewhere near Lafayette (?) and near "Lake Fayse". Undetermined location.

Camp Qui Vive (1)
(1863), Iberia Parish
A Confederate (Companies I and K, 18th Louisiana Infantry Regiment) camp (January 1863) located at Fausse Pointe on Bayou Teche, about eight miles from the Dauterive plantation.

Camp Field
(1862 - 1863), Avery Island
A Confederate (Louisiana Crescent Regiment) camp (November 1862 - January 1863) at Avery Island.

Camp Fusalier
(1864), Iberia Parish ?, or St. Mary Parish ?
A CSA headquarters camp (May 1864) for the Lower Teche Confederate forces. Unknown location.

Camp Grevemberg
(1864), Iberia Parish ?, or St. Mary Parish ?
A Confederate (4th Louisiana Cavalry Regiment) camp (August-September 1864) in the lower Bayou Teche region, said to be "near Fusalier's place". Unknown location.

Camp Hunter (1)
(1862 - 1863), near Charenton
A Confederate encampment (January 1862 - February 1863) and camp of instruction located on the Martial Sorrell plantation on the west bank of Bayou Teche along the Indian Bend, at the intersection of the then road to Charenton with the road to Franklin from Jeanerette, about halfway between present-day Adeline and Baldwin along present-day LA Highway 182. Some companies of the 4th Louisiana Infantry Regiment were here in January 1862.

Indian Bend Redoubt
(1863), Charenton
A Confederate three-gun battery (February 1863) at the Indian Bend of Bayou Teche.

Camp Lake View
(1863), Charenton
A Confederate (Company B, 18th Louisiana Infantry Regiment) camp (January-February 1863).

Camp Down ? ?
(1860's), near Oaklawn, St. Mary Parish
A camp (Union or Confederate ?) on Bayou Teche above the Oaklawn Plantation.

Camp Emory
(1864), near Irish Bend ?, St. Mary Parish
A Union encampment somewhere near Franklin. Possibly located on the "Carlin Plantation" in the Irish Bend area upriver.

Post at Franklin (1)
(1861), Franklin
A Confederate garrison post was reported here in December 1861, composed of two companies of infantry, one battery of artillery, and one company of cavalry (units undesignated), purportedly for slave control.

Camp Franklin was a Union camp of the 2nd Brigade, 4th Division here in October 1863.
Post at Franklin (2) was a Union occupation post during July to October 1865.

Camp Jackson (2)
(1815), St. Mary Parish
A Louisiana militia (4th Brigade) hut encampment (January-February 1815) located somewhere in St. Mary Parish.

Camp Teche
(1862), St. Mary Parish
A CSA post (Company A, 18th Regiment of Louisiana Volunteers) (November 1862) located on Bayou Teche near Grand Lake. Exact location undetermined.

Fort Bisland
(1863 - 1865), near Calumet, St. Mary Parish
The Confederate Pattersonville Fortifications (begun in February 1863) extended along the road and across both sides of Bayou Teche, with two small redoubts and a lunette, with three gun batteries on the south or west bank of the bayou. Much of the works on the north or east bank of the bayou were not built until April 1863. Located just downriver from the Bethel Church, which was about eight miles upriver from Pattersonville (now Patterson). Located here were elements of Brig. Gen. Henry H. Sibley's Texas Brigade, the 28th Louisiana (Gray's) Infantry Regiment, the 18th Louisiana Infantry Regiment, Lt. Col. V.A. Fournet's Louisiana Yellow Jacket Battalion, and the 2nd Louisiana Cavalry Regiment. Camp Bisland was the CSA headquarters camp on the Bisland Plantation further up the river, and Camp Bethel was the troop camp just below that, near the Bethel Church. The CSA Battery Fusalier (February 1863) was near the Bethel home near Camp Bisland. The Confederate works were captured by the Union in April 1863, who gave the entirety of it the singular "fort" appellation. Occupied by the Union until the end of the war. The general site is located about five miles west of Patterson.

A Confederate defensive position (mostly infantry rifle pits) was located about one mile downriver from Fort Bisland at Cornay's Bridge. Confederate trenchworks were also located on the Mead Plantation nearby, "about six miles below Centerville".

Fort Berwick
(1861 - 1863), Wax Bayou, St. Mary Parish
A CSA two-gun moated quadrangular earthwork located about four miles west of Morgan City, on the north side of the Wax Bayou outlet at the Atchafalaya River. Initially known as Battery at Wax Bayou. Begun in May 1861, completed in July 1861. Company E, 4th Louisiana Infantry Regiment was here in November 1861, replaced by Capt. Jones' company of the Allen Guards in February 1862. It had six guns listed when it was abandoned after New Orleans fell to the Union (April 1862). It was briefly re-occupied by the CSA for one month in June-July 1863.

Morgan City Civil War Defenses
(1862 - 1866), Morgan City, and Berwick
Fort Brashear, the largest of five earthen defense works built by the Union in November 1862 to protect the city, formerly known as Brashear City until 1876. The city was briefly captured by the Confederates (under Gen. Richard Taylor) in June 1863, capturing over 1300 prisoners and 11 guns, but retaken by the Union after the fall of Vicksburg, Mississippi (July 1863). Later enlarged for an 800-man garrison, it was probably maintained and garrisoned until December 1866. Site is marked at 212 Fourth Street adjacent to Atkinson Memorial Presbyterian Church. Known later after the war as Fort Star (2).
An unnamed six-gun earthen redoubt (built after 1863) was located on the north side of the railroad, about three blocks from Berwick Bay. A four-gun water battery was located on the bay. Trenchworks with two redans connected the Union strong points.
Fort Buchanan (1863 - 1864), a six-gun earthwork located about one mile north of Fort Brashear opposite the entrance to Bayou Teche. Dismantled after June 1864.
Berwick City Battery (1863 - 1864), a fortified bridgehead on the west side of Berwick Bay, with flanks on the river and enclosing a 20-foot high Indian mound for one pivot gun.
A (Union ?) military camp was located on another old Indian mound a short distance north of Berwick City, at a "Dr. Rhodes' place".
Fort Weitzel located to the east at Amelia or Boeuf Station, on the south side of the railroad.
Camp Reno (1) (February 1863), a 114th Regiment New York Volunteers camp (unknown location).

Fort Ridley (1863), a CSA-named four-gun fort, either a new work built (June-July 1863), or a captured Union work and renamed, located about one mile from the rail depot, garrisoned by a detachment of the Louisiana Crescent Regiment.
Camp Lovell (1) (November (?) 1861 - April 1862), a CSA camp for 1000 men in Berwick City, probably initially garrisoned by the 4th Regiment of Louisiana Volunteers after their return from the Mississippi coast, although the St. Mary Cannoneers were first sent here in September 1861. The 26th Louisiana Regiment of Volunteers was organized here in March 1862 but left for New Orleans in April 1862. Probably occupied by Union forces after they captured the area later in November 1862.
Two unnamed Confederate works were reported along the riverbank in Berwick City, south of the fortified bridgehead.
Fort Shafer (November 1861 - April 1862), a Confederate battery located at the junction of Bayou Shafer with Bayou Boeuf, a short distance below Morgan City, garrisoned by the Delta Rifles of the 4th Louisiana Infantry Regiment, in wooden barracks.

Young's Fort
(1863), near Amelia
A Confederate two-gun battery on Bayou Chêne in June-July 1863. Exact location undetermined. Found abandoned by the Union, and possibly mis-named (?) in the Union report.

Fort Chene
(1861 - 1863), near Amelia
A CSA five-gun moated and stockaded earthwork located on Mossy Point, at the junction of Bayou Chêne and Bayou Shafer on the south shore of Bateman Lake. Begun in May 1861, completed in August 1861, initially manned by the Perseverance Native Guards (60 men) of New Orleans. A company of the 4th Louisiana Infantry Regiment was also here in the summer of 1861. Abandoned in April 1862 after the fall of New Orleans. Occupied by the Union in November 1862. Recaptured by the CSA for one month in June-July 1863 before abandoned again.

Post on Bayou Louis
(1864), near Bayou L'Ourse, Assumption Parish
A Union garrison post (Company I, 33rd Illinois) (August 1864) at L'Ours Station on the New Orleans, Opelousas, and Great Western Railroad, east of Amelia near Ursa.

Pelican Battery
(unknown dates), Point au Fer Island, Terrebonne Parish
A Louisiana state map published in 1894 depicts this name on the Point au Fer Shell Reef (Eugene Island) on the east side of the ship channel to the mouth of the Atchafalaya River. Origin of name unknown. Site northwest of North Point, now submerged or overwashed.

Post at Plaquemine (1)
(1804 - 1808), near Plaquemine
A Federal garrison was here.
(location not to be confused with Plaquemines Bend below New Orleans)

Camp Schlatre
(1861), Plaquemine
A CSA (Company A, 1st Louisiana Cavalry Regiment) muster camp (August 1861).

Fort Plaquemine (2)
(1864 - 1865), Plaquemine
A Union earthen fort on the Mississippi River at Bayou Plaquemine, begun in late April 1864, completed in June. Garrisoned by the 8th U.S. Heavy Artillery, and the 14th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery (Colored). One report listed four 20-pounder Parrott guns, another report listed seven 32-pounders and one 30-pounder Parrott gun. The garrison and armament was ordered withdrawn in June 1865. Probably soon thereafter re-garrisoned by an infantry unit as the post was still listed as an active garrisoned post until November 1865.

Indian Village Redoubt
(1863), Indian Village, Iberville Parish
A small Confederate work (Texas troops) (January 1863) located at the junction of Bayou Plaquemine and Bayou Gros Tête, about nine miles west of Plaquemine.

Camp Gourrier
(1889), Ascension Parish
A Louisiana National Guard (2nd Infantry Battalion) summer training camp (August 1889) located on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Undetermined location.

Camp Landry
(1861), Darrow
A Confederate (Ascension Parish Militia Regiment) camp (June 1861).

Post at Hermitage Landing
(1864), Darrow
A Union garrison post (June-December 1864) located at the Hermitage Plantation, opposite Donaldsonville. A state marker was located on River Road (LA 942) just west of Stanford Levy Road, east of town. Posted here, among other units, were the 11th New York Cavalry (June 1864), the 118th Illinois Mounted Infantry (October 1864), and four companies of a Massachusetts infantry regiment (December 1864).

Fort les Oumas
(1710's), near Donaldsonville ?
A French stockade located at or near the Houma Indian villages, the first French post located above New Orleans on the Mississippi River. The Houma resettled here after 1709, originally from north of present-day Baton Rouge when first encountered by the French in the 1680's. Undetermined exact location, but probably on the west side of Bayou Lafourche.

Fort Butler (2)
(1862 - 1865), Port Barrow
A Union star-shaped five-bastioned log and earthen fort, with brick and plank facings, and surrounded by a moat, built beginning in November or December 1862, with guns mounted by the end of January 1863. First garrisoned by the Union 1st Louisiana Volunteers. It was attacked by Confederates in June 1863, which was at that time garrisoned by several companies of the 28th Maine Regiment. Nine guns were listed in January 1865. The foundation was excavated in 1996, and a future reconstruction was planned. The U.D.C. Monument was erected in 1999. Located on the west or north side of the mouth of Bayou Lafourche, just across from Donaldsonville. Some reports and maps have mis-identified this post as Fort Barrow, which simply seems to be a mis-spelling of, or confusion with, the name of the old town. Also referred to as Fort Donaldsonville in some accounts.

Camp Lafourche
(1814 - 1815), Donaldsonville
The headquarters camp of the 2nd Brigade 1st Division of Louisiana Militia under Brig. Gen. Stephen Hopkins. There were 400 men at post here in February 1815. Located at or near town.

Camp Weitzel (2)
(1863), Donaldsonville
A Union (1st Regiment Louisiana Volunteers) camp (November 1863). The 21st Indiana Battery was also here.

Post at Donaldsonville
(1864 - 1871), Donaldsonville
A Union garrison post (June 1864), which continued through Reconstruction until January 1871. Units unspecified.

Camp Taylor (1)
(1862), near Donaldsonville
A CSA (13th Texas Cavalry Battalion) encampment (October 1862) located three miles from Donaldsonville (undetermined location).

Camp Vincent
(1862), near Belle Terre ?
A Confederate (Company G, 2nd Louisiana Cavalry Regiment) camp (September-October 1862) on Bayou LaFourche, about four miles from Donaldsonville.

Post at Valenzuela dans La Fourche
(1779 - 1793 ?), Belle Rose, Assumption Parish
A small Spanish garrison post (established April 1779) at the Canary Islander (Isleños) settlement (c. 1778) on Bayou Lafourche, with possibly a blockhouse or other small type of fortification. There were four men reported here in 1793. State marker located on East Bayou Road (LA State Highway 308), just south of Belle Alliance Road.

Camp Vacherie
(1862), Vacherie, St. James Parish
A Confederate (Company A, 2nd Louisiana Cavalry Regiment) camp (October 1862).

Post at Napoleonville
(1864 - 1865), Napoleonville
A Union garrison post (12th U.S. Cavalry and two companies of the 2nd Maine Cavalry Regiment, June 1864). In June 1865 twelve companies of the 3rd Rhode Island Cavalry Regiment were here. The post was garrisoned until November 1865.

Camp Terrebonne
(1862), near Thibodaux
A Confederate (13th Texas Cavalry Battalion) camp (September 1862). Undetermined location.

Camp at Thibodaux (1)
(1862 - 1863), Thibodaux
A Confederate camp (July 1862 - July 1863), located nine or ten miles from Camp Cox (2). Lt. Col. V.A. Fournet's Yellow Jacket Battalion was here in July 1862. The headquarters of Gen. John L. Lewis of the Louisiana Militia was here in August 1862. The 18th Louisiana Infantry Regiment was here in July 1863.

Camp Hubbard
(1863 - 1864), Thibodaux
A Union troop encampment. Among the units here were the 8th Vermont Infantry Regiment, the 9th New York Infantry Regiment, the 3rd Brigade 1st Division, and the 2nd Rhode Island Cavalry Regiment.

Camp Stevens
(1862 - 1863), Thibodaux
A Union encampment located on the Acadia Plantation, established after the Battle of Georgia Landing (Labadieville) (October 1862). Still active in January 1863 as the headquarters of Union General Geoffrey Weitzel's brigade. Also here at various times were the 8th Vermont, the 12th Connecticut, and the 75th New York Volunteers. Site now part of the campus of present-day Nicholls State University.

Post at Thibodaux (2)
(1864 - 1865), Thibodaux
A Union garrison post (June 1864 - November 1865). The 2nd Maine Cavalry Regiment was here in June 1864.

Camp Gillis
(1862), near Thibodaux
A Confederate (13th Texas Cavalry Battalion) camp (September 1862). Undetermined location.

Camp Martin (1)
(1862), Lafourche
A CSA training camp for the 5th Brigade Louisiana state miltia (August 1862). Later converted to a conscript camp.

Post at Lafourche Crossing
(1864 - 1865), Lafourche
A Union garrison post (June 1864 - November 1865) protecting the railroad line. The 75th U.S.C.T. Infantry held the post after June 1865.

Post at Bayou du Ashland
(1865), near Lafourche
A small Union (detachment 75th U.S.C.T. Infantry) camp (June-November 1865) near Lafourche Crossing.

Camp at Terrebonne Crossing
(1863), near Thibodaux Junction
A Union (176th New York Volunteers Regiment) stockaded camp (June 1863) (30 men) located four miles from LaFourche on the New Orleans, Opelousas, and Great Western Railroad.

Post at Terrebonne Station
(1864 - 1865), Thibodaux Junction
A Union garrison post (21st Iowa Infantry Regiment and three companies of the 8th Indiana Infantry Regiment) (June 1864 - June 1865) protecting the railroad line. One company of the 75th U.S.C.T. Infantry was here from June-November 1865.

Post at Chacahoula
(1864), Chacahoula, Terrebonne Parish
A Union garrison post (two companies of the 8th Indiana Infantry Regiment, and one company of the 2nd Maine Cavalry Regiment) (June 1864) protecting the railroad.

Post at Tigerville
(1864 - 1865), Gibson, Terrebonne Parish
A Union garrison post (two companies of the 8th Indiana Infantry Regiment, June 1864) (one company of the 75th U.S.C.T. Infantry, June-November 1865) at Tigerville Station on the New Orleans, Opelousas, and Great Western Railroad.

Post at Bayou Boeuf (3)
(1865), near Theriot (?), Lafourche Parish
A Union (75th U.S.C.T. Infantry) camp (June-November 1865). Undetermined location, presumably along the N.O.O.G.W. railroad south of Lake Boeuf.

Camp Wilson
(1862), Lafourche Parish ?
A Confederate (Louisiana state militia) camp (August 1862). Undetermined location.

Camp Cox (2)
(1863), Lafourche or Terrebonne Parishes
A CSA (18th Regiment Louisiana Volunteers) camp (June-July 1863). Located nine or ten miles from Thibodaux (undetermined location).

Camp Goode
(1862), Terrebonne Parish
A Confederate (Terrebonne Parish Militia Regiment) camp (August 1862). Undetermined location.

Fort Quitman
(1861 - 1862), Grand Caillou Bayou, Terrebonne Parish
A CSA two-gun earthen redoubt. Built in September 1861 as Fort Butler (1), also known as Fort on Grande Caillou Bayou. Renamed in January 1862. Garrisoned by Companies A and G of the 22nd Regiment of Louisiana Volunteers (142 men). Abandoned in early May 1862 after New Orleans fell (April 1862). Exact location undetermined, possibly near Dulac (?).

Bayou Plat Military Reservation
(1844 - 1886), near Dulac, Terrebonne Parish
A 100-acre tract on Bayou Plat (aka Plat Bayou or Plat Bay) reserved for coastal defense, located along the lower Grande Caillou Bayou in Terrebonne Parish, south of Dulac. Disposed of by the Federal government prior to 1920. Nothing was ever built. Named in one source as Peat Bay, apparently in error (?).

Camp Hopkins
(1814 - 1815), Bayou Lafourche, Lafourche Parish
A Louisiana state militia camp (with two small field guns) (70 men under Capt. Charles Hick) (October 1814) located somewhere on the lower Bayou Lafourche. Also known as Post at (or Camp on) Bayou Lafourche. A blockhouse and one-gun battery was proposed for Bayou LaFourche to block any attempted British advance. Unknown location. This company remained in service until April 1815.

Fort Guion
(1861 - 1862), near Leeville, Lafourche Parish
A CSA two-gun water battery (with 100 men) located on the lower Bayou Lafourche, about three miles above its junction with Bayou Moreau, where a picket post was also maintained by the garrison. Also known as Bayou Lafourche Redoubt. It was built in November or December 1861, and was abandoned after New Orleans fell in April 1862. Companies A and F of the consolidated 22nd and 23rd Regiments of Louisiana Volunteers were here in February 1862. A post office by this name existed for many years after the war.

Bayou Lafourche Military Reservation
(1844 - 1886), near Port Fourchon
An area along the Gulf Coast around the mouth of Bayou Lafourche, including Belle Pass and Pass Fourchon on either side of Bay Marchand, and also around Bay Champagne, reserved for coastal defense. Two tracts of land, 700 acres on the west side, and 720 acres on the east side. Disposed of by the Federal government prior to 1920. Nothing was ever built.

Fort Blanc ? ?
(circa 1800 ?), Caminada Bay, Lafourche Parish
A possible settlers' "fort", or a pre-historic Indian shell midden (?), on Fort Blanc Bayou at Bay St. Honore, north of Caminada Island. A "Chemin du Fort Blanc" (White Fort Road) is depicted on the north side of Caminada Bay on an 1805 map of Louisiana. The presumed site is now submerged.

Cantonment Caminada
(1813), Caminada Island
A Louisiana state militia (2nd Battalion Volunteers) camp, active in August 1813.

Caminada Pass Military Reservation
(1844 - 1886), Caminada Island
A 438-acre tract of land along the Gulf Coast at Caminada Pass, west of Grand Isle, reserved for coastal defense. This single tract was on the east end of Caminada Island (Chéniere Caminada), or also possibly the east end of what is now Elmer's Island. Disposed of by the Federal government prior to 1920. Nothing was ever built.

Fort Lafitte (1) ?
(1805 ? - 1815), Grande Terre Island
Grande Terre Island was Jean Lafitte's main base of operations before the War of 1812, but no actual true fort used by his band of Baratarians was known to have been located here at that time, despite popular myth. Some Louisiana state militia (2nd Battalion Volunteers) troops were on the island in July 1813 (Cantonment at Grande Terre Island (1)), located somewhat east of the future site of Fort Livingston. The U.S. Navy attacked and evicted the pirates in September 1814 in order for the Army to eventually establish here their own military post, a planned seven-gun battery with barracks (Fort at Barataria Pass). A temporary stockade post was begun in April 1815 (Post at Grande Terre Island (2)) by the 44th U.S. Infantry Regiment, but was never completed by July 1815 when it was abandoned. It was never officially named. The ruins of this post, including a brick cistern, supposedly still remained until the 1856 hurricane.

A sugar mill plantation was located nearby after 1821, with several large brick structures located on the bay-side of the island northeast of Fort Livingston, just beyond the military reservation boundary, as shown (and mistakenly named "Fort Lafitte") on 1841 and 1853 military maps. A 1914 photograph also exists of these structures, several of which still remained standing until destroyed by Hurricane Betsy in September 1965. The presumed site is now eroded away and under water.

Fort Livingston
(1841 - 1866/1886), Grand Terre Island FORT WIKI
Located on the southwestern tip of Grande Terre Island, directly across the inlet (Barataria or Grand Pass) from Grand Isle State Park on Grand Isle. Named in early plans as Fort at Grande Terre Island (3) until 1833. Site acquired in 1834, but actual construction did not start until 1841. It was built in general plan similar to Fort Barrancas in Pensacola, Florida, with a perimeter of 308 yards, armed with 58 guns and a wartime garrison of 400 men. A lighthouse was built nearby in 1856. The original military reservation acreage at that time was 126 acres. In 1861 the fort was unmanned and still not armed. The fort was briefly occupied by Confederates from March 1861 to April 1862, armed with 12 heavy guns, but never saw combat. Confederate garrison forces first included Companies G and H of the 1st Regiment Louisiana Artillery, then four companies of the Orleans Battalion of Artillery, and four companies of the 23rd Louisiana Volunteers. Union troops (at least one company of heavy artillery) permanently occupied the post after October 1863, until placed in caretaker status in December 1866. The fort was officially abandoned after hurricanes destroyed a large part of the structure in 1885, and again in 1893 and 1915. The post was formally transferred to the state in 1923. A light tower was erected on the north wall in 1897. A few guns still remained on site until the 1950's. Ruins remain, about two-thirds of the former post not yet lost to coastal erosion. Public access by boat only. State marker located in Grand Isle at the Grand Isle Community Center at 3811 State Highway 1. NCPTT-NPS Field Report - March 2010

NEED MORE INFO: Undetermined locations:
Union Camp Strong (1862) located somewhere on Bayou LaFourche.

Confederate Camp on Bayou Teche (December 1862), an unspecified company of the Louisiana Crescent Regiment, located somewhere on Bayou Teche.
Camp McBride (October 1863), Texas troops under Brig. Gen. Thomas Green, located somewhere on the west bank of the Atchafalaya River.
Camp McWaters (February 1863), Companies D and K, 2nd Louisiana Cavalry Regiment, probably along Bayou Teche.
Confederate (?) Camp Reno (2) (April 1863) possibly located on the Mississippi River near Donaldsonville, or along Bayou Lafourche near Napoleonville.

Western Louisiana - page 1 | Central Louisiana - page 2 | New Orleans Area - page 4
Florida Parishes - page 5

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