Greenwell Springs in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Greenwell Springs
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, November 6, 2009
1. Greenwell Springs Marker
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 30° 34.572′ N, 90° 59.642′ W. Marker is in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana, in East Baton Rouge Parish. Marker is at the intersection of Greenwell Springs Road (State Highway 37) and JL Fairchild Road, on the right when traveling north on Greenwell Springs Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Greenwell Springs LA 70739, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Indians Along Amite River (approx. 2 miles away); Watson (approx. 2.4 miles away); Osgood Corner (approx. 4 miles away); Parish of St. Alphonsus Liguori (approx. 5.2 miles away); Blackwater Conservation Area (approx. 6.3 miles away); Comite River
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Regarding Greenwell Springs. In early August 1862, more than 2,800 Confederate soldiers were ordered on a grueling forced march from Amite, Louisiana, to Baton Rouge. By the time they reached Greenwell Springs, far fewer could carry on. They rested at the resort, and some who were unable to continue stayed there. Those who were able to go on stopped at the Comite River around 2 p.m. on Aug. 4, 1862. They drank the water and bathed in the river, a welcome respite from their terrible march.
After the battle, wounded Confederate soldiers were brought to the Greenwell Springs Hotel, which was quickly converted into a military hospital. The residents along Greenwell Springs Road volunteered to tend those who were injured or dying. Many were the suffering young men who were comforted by the kindness of the women of Greenwell Springs. Yankee soldiers too were brought to the hospital, and they too were treated with concern and kindness. Some of the young soldiers who died were buried on the grounds.
As the crisis subsided and the wounded were gradually sent back to their units or home, the hotel, which had seen so many interesting visitors and exciting events, fell into disuse. People began to return to Baton Rouge, and many dismantled their camps as the only source of lumber to begin rebuilding their homes in Baton Rouge. Much of the hotel too was dismantled. Then in 1865, what remained of the hotel was destroyed in a fire.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2015. This page has been viewed 1,262 times since then and 187 times this year. Last updated on July 18, 2015. Photo 1. submitted on July 5, 2015. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
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