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TOUR STOP 3,
Third Louisiana Redan
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| The Third Louisiana Redan was built to help guard the Jackson road entrance into the
city of Vicksburg. The redan was named after the regiment that garrisoned it, the
Third
Louisiana Infantry. The Confederates were aware of the union approach trench and mine
digging, but despite efforts of sharpshooters, were unable to stop the Federals. |
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On June 24, 1863, the Union mine reached 40 feet under the redan. It was filled with
2,200 pounds of black powder and fuses were prepared. At 3:30 p.m. on June 25, the mine
was exploded and simultaneously Northern artillery and infantry began firing all along the
line. The 45th Illinois Infantry spearheaded the attack against the redan where a huge
crater (12 feet deep and 40 feet wide) was made. The assault was unsuccessful, however,
because the Confederates positioned at the rear of the redan held their ground and the
attacking Union soldiers could not advance out of the crater. The next day, Union
soldiers withdrew after it had been decided that the men could not remain in the open
crater and that it would cost too many lives to make further progress.
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Last update: Monday, January 22, 2001
http://www.nps.gov/vick/ts_3/ts_3.htm
Editor: G. Zeman |
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