Events Calendar:
Battle of Baton Rouge
Battle of Baton Rouge Commemoration
Event Date: August 4th, 2012The historic Battle of Baton Rouge fought on August 5, 1862 during the Civil War will be commemorated on August 4, 2012 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. The ceremony will include a presentation entitled "Henry Watkins Allen: From Brave Soldier to Louisiana Governor" by accomplished Civil War Historian Richard H. Holloway.
In August, the Foundation for Historical Louisiana holds a patriotic ceremony at Historic Magnolia Cemetery to honor the 1862 Battle of Baton Rouge. The program features a color guard, canon firing, wreath laying, taps, a vocalist, and civil war enthusiasts in period dress. Children are encouraged to attend this free event. Civil War books and heritage items are on sale from the Foundation for Historical Louisiana’s museum store.
The Battle of Baton Rouge took place on August 5, 1862 on the grounds of Magnolia Cemetery. Louisiana seceded from the Union on January 25, 1861. On May 29, 1862, Union troops led by Brigadier General Thomas Williams began the Federal Occupation of Baton Rouge.
On August 5 at 4 a.m., Major General John C. Breckinridge and his 2,600 troops from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky entered Baton Rouge and began fighting Union forces. The Confederate army forced the Union troops back toward the Mississippi River. But, in order to recapture Baton Rouge, the Confederates needed their iron clad ram, the C.S.S. Arkansas to destroy all the Union ships on the river. The Arkansas, however, suffered engine trouble and was burned and set adrift by its crew four miles upriver from Baton Rouge. Unharmed, the U.S. S. Essex and four other Union gunboats bombarded the Confederate troops until they withdrew and marched out of Baton Rouge that same day. Among the soldiers that fell was Brigadier General Williams and A.G. Todd, half-brother of Mary Todd Lincoln, President Lincoln’s wife.
The event is free and open to the public under the oaks in Historic Magnolia Cemetery, 422 N. 19th Street, Baton Rouge.Related Information & Resources:
- RESOURCE | Battle Commemoration
