Because the Mississippi River formed much of Louisiana’s eastern border, control of vital ports became a strategic factor for both Union and Confederate forces. Once Civil War was declared, the Union’s objective in Louisiana was to gain control of the Mississippi River, forcing Confederate troops to defend Louisiana and prevent Federal troops from dividing the eastern and western parts of the Confederacy along the Mississippi.
Louisiana was also strategically important as a conduit for such military supplies as munitions, foodstuffs, clothing and livestock. Goods from Mexico and Texas flowed eastward and northward along Louisiana railroads and rivers into other Confederate states.
Explore Louisiana Civil War sites:
• Alexandria / Pineville and Area
• Baton Rouge, Port Hudson and Area
• New Orleans
• Red River Campaign
• More Sites