| Louisiana Circle is located on Washington Street overlooking the Mississippi River
approximately 1 mile north of Interstate 20. The batteries at Louisiana Circle and
South Fort were the southernmost anchor of the Confederate defense line. The heavy guns
located at these positions had a commanding view of the Mississippi River and the Federal
naval approaches from the south. The Confederates participated in duels with the ships of
the Federal fleet and also with Federal land-based artillery. During the siege the
"Widow Blakely" was emplaced about one mile north of its present location at
Louisiana Circle. It was named after its English manufacturer, "Blakely," and
the fact that it was the only Blakely cannon in the Vicksburg defenses. A 10"
Columbiad was positioned at the present day Louisiana Circle. |
