Tuesday, April 22, 2014

LA Lt. GOVERNOR ADDS LAND TO MANSFIELD BATTLEFIELD

Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne to announce land acquisition at Mansfield State Historic Site

 

Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne will announce a land acquisition at the Mansfield State Historic Site.
Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne will announce a land acquisition at the Mansfield State Historic Site. / File photo
The additional land will enhance the site and add opportunities for historical interpretation including Civil War medicine programs and battle re-enactments. An 11 a.m. press conference will take place April 26 in conjunction with the Site’s Civil War re-enactment commemorating the sesquicentennial of the Battle of Mansfield happening April 26 and April 27.
The battle of Mansfield was the most significant engagement of the Red River Campaign, the Union’s failed attempt to capture Shreveport and occupy east Texas.

Confederate troops, led by Gen. Richard Taylor, scored an overwhelming victory at Mansfield against Union forces, which were commanded by Gen. Nathaniel Banks. The battle involved almost 30,000 troops and resulted in almost 4,000 casualties.

Weekend activities will run 9 a.m –5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on Sunday, with a battle re-enactment at 2 p.m. each day. In addition to the battle, re-enactor camps, demonstrators and period vendors will be onsite for visitors to enjoy.

Mansfield State Historic Site is located three miles south of Mansfield on La. Hwy. 175. The park can be accessed east-west via U.S. Hwy. 84, or north-south via I-49.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2014140418009