Port Hudson State Historic Site

07/09/2026

On July 9, 1863, after a 48-day siege, the Confederate garrison at Port Hudson, commanded by Major General Franklin Gardner, formally surrendered to Union forces under Major General Nathaniel P. Banks. Upon learning on July 7th that Vicksburg had fallen to General Ulysses S. Grant a few days earlier on July 4th and recognizing that no relief could reach his command, General Gardner agreed to surrender.
Confederate soldiers marched out of their fortifications and lined up with their backs to the Mississippi River just south of the town of Port Hudson, stacked their arms, and were eventually paroled (officers were taken prisoner), while Union troops occupied the stronghold and raised the United States flag over the defenses (the original Confederate garrison flag lowered that day is on display inside the site's museum). The surrender of Port Hudson gave the Union complete control of the Mississippi River, fulfilling a key objective of the Anaconda Plan and effectively dividing the Confederacy in two.
The attached photograph was taken that day as the Confederate troops lined up. It is a unique photo as it is the only known Civil War photo of troops surrendering and it is the only known photo of Confederates at Port Hudson.

07/09/2026

A few pictures from the July 5th Firepower program.

Louisiana State Parks

06/17/2026

Port Hudson was the site of the longest military siege in American history and one of the most important Civil War battles fought in Louisiana. Situated on high bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, the Confederate stronghold controlled a critical section of the river and became a major obstacle for Union forces.

In 1863, thousands of soldiers battled through dense forests, ravines, and earthworks during a siege that lasted 48 days. The fall of Port Hudson, combined with the surrender of Vicksburg, gave the Union complete control of the Mississippi River and split the Confederacy in two.

Today, visitors can explore miles of preserved trenches, artillery positions, and battlefield landscapes that remain remarkably intact. Walking the grounds provides a powerful connection to one of the most significant military campaigns in American history.

Port Hudson remains one of Louisiana's most important historical landmarks and one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation.

06/14/2026

163 years ago today, the assault on June 14, 1863, was the second major Union attempt to capture the Confederate stronghold during the Siege of Port Hudson. After a failed assault on May 27, Major General Nathaniel P. Banks ordered another attack on June 14.
Following an artillery bombardment before dawn, Union troops advanced against well-constructed Confederate earthworks. Poor coordination, difficult terrain, dense early morning fog, and the strength of the defenses disrupted the assault almost immediately. Union divisions attacked at several points along the line, including the heavily fortified positions known as "The Citadel", “Fort Desperate”, and the “Priest Cap,” but were unable to break through.
The fighting was brutal. Soldiers advancing across open ground were met by intense rifle and artillery fire from defenders who were protected behind earthworks and deep ditches. Soldier accounts describe the battlefield as littered with dead and wounded men, many of whom remained exposed to fire for hours under a blazing, hot sun.
By the end of the day, the assault had failed at every point. Union casualties totaled roughly 1,800 killed, wounded, and missing, while Confederate losses were comparatively light. The defeat convinced Banks to abandon large-scale frontal attacks and continue the siege instead which went on for another 25 difficult days.

06/08/2026

05/21/2026

163 years ago today, the Battle of Plains Store was fought on May 21, 1863, just a few miles away in the Zachary Plains of East Baton Rouge Parish. It was a crucial Union victory that directly initiated the Siege of Port Hudson.
Union forces were marching north from Baton Rouge to secure a river landing spot for the main army. They met 600 Confederate troops at a vital crossroads near Plains Store.
The opening skirmish forced the initially outnumbered Confederates to withdraw. Later in the afternoon, 400 Confederate reinforcements arrived from the Port Hudson garrison. These fresh troops launched a fierce counterattack, temporarily routing a Union regiment and overrunning their artillery. However, the Union army quickly regrouped, launched a massive counteroffensive, and drove the Confederates from the field.
Defeated, the Confederate forces retreated behind the main defense lines of Port Hudson. By winning this crossroads, the Union army closed the last escape route for the garrison. Two days later, the combined Union forces completely surrounded the stronghold, beginning a brutal 48-day siege that lasted until the Confederates surrendered on July 9, 1863.

• Commanders: Major General Christopher C. Augur (Union) vs. Colonel Frank W. Powers and Colonel William R. Miles (Confederate).
• Casualties (K/W/M): 100 Union and 89 Confederate.

Photo: Plains Store

05/20/2026

We will be open on Memorial Day from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, so come on out and hike the trails, have a picnic lunch, and check out the museum and exhibits.

05/11/2026

The following position(s) with the Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism are posted on the Civil Service "Find a Job" website at http://www.civilservice.la.gov.

Office of State Parks
Interpretive Ranger 1-2 (Historic) - (CRT-2026-220997-MBT)
located at Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson, LA.

The Office of State Parks (OSP) serves the citizens of Louisiana and visitors by preserving and interpreting natural areas of unique or exceptional scenic value, planning, developing and operating sites that provide outdoor recreation opportunities in natural surroundings, preserving and interpreting historical and scientific sites of statewide importance and administering intergovernmental programs related to outdoor recreation and trails.
This position is located at Port Hudson State Historic Site, in Jackson, LA. The purpose of this position is to provide site interpretation to site visitors through guided tours, audio­visual presentations, living history demonstrations, and other methods. It is the responsibility of this position to ensure consistency in programming and the programs offered are of high quality.

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS THE FOLLOWING COMPETENCIES:
Accepting Direction: The ability to be open and willing to follow guidance or instructions.
Learning Actively: The ability to pursue learning, seek feedback, and integrate new knowledge to improve personal and professional performance.
Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well-supported conclusions.
Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.
Focusing on Customers: The ability to understand and meet the needs, preferences, and experiences of internal and external customers.
Fostering Engagement: The ability to build a supportive environment that encourages motivation, belonging, and active participation.
Minimum Qualifications
Three years of experience in archaeological or anthropological work; or in planning or presenting interpretive or educational programs relating to cultural or physical history; OR

Three years of experience in conservation work or natural resource management; or in planning or presenting interpretive or educational programs relating to the natural environment; OR

A bachelor's degree.

Job Specification
The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties and Other Information
Job Duties:

Conceptualizes, designs, coordinates, and develops new educational programs, interpretive exhibits, and audiovisuals.

Implements site level educational programs and interpretive activities to connect visitors to the site.

Works with educational institutions to provide related interpretive activities for school groups.

Works closely with Administrative Office Educational Services and Public Information teams, and site management to review programs and exhibits for historical accuracy and interpretive value.

Writes, prepares layouts, edits, and produces a variety of promotional and informational materials such as brochures, flyers, media programs, etc.

Works with site manager to promote special programs throughout the year.

Provides information and answers inquiries for site visitors.

Maintains detailed computerized and hard copy databases of site's historical collections.

Tracks loans and donations; identifies priority items for conservation.

Position-Specific Details:

Location: Port Hudson State Historic Site, in Jackson, LA
Appointment Type: Probational, Promotional, or Detail to Special Duty
Career Progression: This position may be filled as an Interpretive Ranger 1 or 2, depending on experience. As part of a Career Progression Group, vacancies may be filled based on the qualifications of the selected applicant. Please refer to the "Class Specifications" page for specific information of salary ranges, minimum qualifications and job concepts for each level.
Work Schedule: Port Hudson State Historic Site is open daily (except 3 major holidays). Position will work a rotating schedule of 40 hours/week, that can include some holidays and/or weekends as needed, to ensure coverage at the park.
Travel: Position requires driving around the park for patrol as part of the daily shift. Travel may be required to other state parks to assist in staffing or events, as needed. A state vehicle is available for employee use while on duty.

If offered the position, candidate must be able to drive to Baton Rouge to submit a background check.

How to Apply:
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.
*Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

If offered the position, the candidate must be able to drive to Baton Rouge to submit a background check.

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism are participants in the E-Verify system for identification and employment eligibility purposes.
Louisiana as a State, is a Model Employer for People with Disabilities.

Contact Information:

For further information about this vacancy contact:
Melissa Thibodaux
Department of Culture, Recreation, & Tourism
1051 N. 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Fax: (225) 342-7928
[email protected]

Announcement closes on 5/25/2026.

Please apply directly online through the Civil Service "Find a Job" website at http://www.civilservice.la.gov by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date of the announcement(s).

04/27/2026

Such a great school group! Thank you for visiting the site!