150th Anniversary of the Red River Campaign kicks off at Fort DeRussy

150th Anniversary of the Red River Campaign
1864-2014

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March 14 marked the opening of the civil war's Red River Campaign with the first major battle at Fort DeRussy.

The Red River Campaign began and ended in Avoyelles Parish and lasted until mid May.

On Friday, March 14, 2014, historians in Marksville opened a two month display of the Red River campaign in Avoyelles Parish. Patrick Bordelon, who has spent  lifetime collecting civil war artifacts under the battlefields of Avoyelles, created a display of cannon pieces, shells, bullets and buttons he has found. Award winning author Steve Mayeux was on had at the opening of the display to sign anniversary editions of his book "Iron men and Earthen Walls".

Filmmaker Chris Veade also unveiled his new documentary on Fort DeRussy at the event. Available on DVD.

 

A short illustrated history of the campaign which also includes over 50 portraits of Confederates in uniform who were at the Red River Campaign was released on March 14, 2014 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of this major Louisiana civi war chapter.

In addition, a specially designed envelope for collectors was stamped and postmarked at the Marksville Postoffice on March 14 to designate the 150th anniversary.