Highland in Shreveport in Caddo Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Fort Humbug

Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 28, 2017

1. Fort Humbug Marker

Inscription. Formerly Fort Turnbull, built by the Confederates to defend Shreveport, then capital of Louisiana. In 1864, charred logs simulating cannon were used to deter Union forces from attacking.

Erected 2008 by the Louisiana Army National Guard (replacement marker).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.

Location. 32° 30.006′ N, 93° 43.468′ W. Marker is in Shreveport, Louisiana, in Caddo Parish. It is in Highland. Marker is at the intersection of East Stoner Avenue and North Spring Street (State Route 1), on the left when traveling east on East Stoner Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 East Stoner Avenue, Shreveport LA 71101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. American Ex-Prisoners Of War (approx. ¼ mile away); This Marks the Site of Battery 1 (approx. ¼ mile away); Fort Turnbull (approx. ¼ mile away); This Marks the Site of Battery 3 (approx. 0.3 miles away); This Marks the Site of Battery 4 (approx. half a mile away); Pete Youree Confederate Monument (approx. half a mile away); Coates Bluff (approx. half a mile away); Greenwood Cemetery (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shreveport.

Regarding Fort Humbug.

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Fort Humbug was originally a Confederate fort named Fort Turnbull. The Commander charred a number of logs and placed them facing south along a hillside overlooking the Red River, hoping they would look like cannons. From 1861 to 1865 there were only 5 dozen cannons in all of Shreveport and surrounding forts. Southern General John B. Magruder said, "That's not going to work, that's a humbug" — but it did, and the name stuck. Fort Humbug has that name to this day.

Present Day Fort Humbug is the headquarters of the Louisiana Army National Guard 2nd Battalion, 108th Cavalry of the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team all armored (tank) units. During wartime, the 108th Cavalry can deploy two motorized troops, or companies, to serve as armored reconnaissance for the 256th Infantry based out of Lafayette. They provide the eyes and ears for the commanders to find hostile forces so that those enemies may be engaged. They also have a support company that travels with the cavalry, supplying trucks, cooks, maintenance, and anything else to help the mission.

Fort Humbug Marker in front of Confederate memorial & National Guard buildings. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 28, 2017

2. Fort Humbug Marker in front of Confederate memorial & National Guard buildings.

Charred wooden poles made to look like cannons. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton

3. Charred wooden poles made to look like cannons.

View from marker towards intersection. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 28, 2017

4. View from marker towards intersection.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,234 times since then and 335 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 10, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.