Port Hudson in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Sharpshooter Tower

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 30, 2016

1. Sharpshooter Tower Marker

Inscription.
"At the same time the approaches to Fort Desperate were checked by deadly fire of the Arkansas marksmen there, who, perched up in their sharpshooter tower, could fire down into every part of the enemy's ditch, which had now been brought within thirty yards of our works..."
Lieutenant Howard C. Wright
Company C,
30th Louisiana Infantry Regiment

The dirt ramp in this corner of Fort Desperate is believed to be part of the sniper tower used by soldiers of the 15th Arkansas. From this tower, the sharpshooters harassed Union soldiers digging their approach sap and eventually halted its construction.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.

Location. 30° 41.283′ N, 91° 16.563′ W. Marker is in Port Hudson, Louisiana, in East Feliciana Parish. Marker can be reached from U.S. 61, one mile north of Plains/Port Hudson Road, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located about 1 mile along the trail to Fort Desperate, part of a 6-mile walking trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 236 US Hwy 61, Jackson LA 70748, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Desperate Artillery (here, next to this marker); Fort Desperate (a few steps from this marker); Union Sap (a

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few steps from this marker); Subterranean Torpedoes (a few steps from this marker); Confederate Tunnel (a few steps from this marker); Exterior Rifle Pit (a few steps from this marker); Union Trench (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Batteries 7 and 8 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Hudson.

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 30, 2016

2. Sharpshooter Tower Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 25, 2016, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 697 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 25, 2016.