![]() NPS Photo The Connecticut State Memorial is located at the Grant's Canal Site, near Delta, LA, and represents the contributions of the Ninth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers. ![]() NPS Photo The Ninth Connecticut arrived at De Soto Point, opposite Vicksburg, on June 25, 1862, and began felling trees, cutting roots, and turning dirt. Supply problems, lack of drinking water, and temperatures that reached above 100 degrees took a heavy toll as malaria, dysentery, and heatstroke spread throughout the command. With the river level dropping and troops incapacitated by heat and disease, the canal project was abandoned on July 24, far short of completion. Some 153 men of the Ninth died within a four-month period following their arrival at the canal. While the Ninth saw no further action at Vicksburg, it participated in the Battle of Baton Rouge in August, and was then assigned to defenses in the New Orleans area. ![]() NPS Photo |
Last updated: April 14, 2015