In May of 1863, the woods and ravines around the tiny river town of Port Hudson, Louisiana became the site of the longest siege in American military history. On this walking tour through Port Hudson State Historic Site, you’ll get a chance to relive scenes from the final battle, during the Union’s campaign to open the Mississippi River through the neighboring town of Vicksburg. While walking through this scenic forested area, once the Port Hudson battlefield, you’ll discover why the Union’s top military objective was ultimately a misguided one. Led by an expert Civil War historian, this tour explores trails throughout the battlefield that are protected by the State Historic Site, giving you a deeper understanding of the Civil War. You’ll follow the action surrounding the 48-day siege chronologically, beginning with the intense 3-day fight as Union forces slowly pushed the Confederates into their defensive positions. Along the way, you’ll also see some of the most important sites linked to the battles and Siege of Port Hudson, including: • Fort Desperate, described as the “most lethal” of the Confederate embankments • Commissary Hill, where a battery was located during the war • Alabama Arkansas Redoubt, a temporary fortification created by the Confederacy • Fort Babcock, the closest position to the Confederate line that Union troops were able to hold • Various avenues of approach, trenches and rifle pits Join us on this 2.5-hour walk where you can enjoy one of Louisiana’s most beautiful hiking trails while learning about one of the most significant battles in American history.