Fort Southerland was one of five Confederate forts established in the Camden area in 1861 and occupied by troops under Maj. Gen. Sterling Price in 1862. The fort served to protect the Bradley Ferry crossing of the Ouachita River and approach to Camden from the El Dorado area to the south.

During its march to northeast Louisiana as part of the effort to relieve Federal pressure on Vicksburg, confederate Brig. Gen. J. C. Tappan's Arkansas brigade rested in the vicinity of Camden from May 25, to June 3, 1863.

This site has local significance because it is associated with military activities and events that achieved or affected important local objectives of the Vicksburg campaign.

The site would be documented. Acknowledging the site in the Vicksburg Heritage Coalition literature is encouraged.