Why Was Fort Buhlow Built?
Was there another fort nearby?
Why was Fort Buhlow built? Fort Buhlow was built in response to rumors that the Union Army was going to attack the Red River in the spring of 1865. General Edmund Kirby Smith, commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department, saw that strong fortifications were needed to defend the river in case of such an attack.
General Kirby Smith wanted the forts to be built on promontories overlooking the river. The perfect location was found just above the town of Alexandria near the remains of the Union-built Bailey's Dam. The dam remains and rocks of the river rapids at this location would force the enemy gunboats to slow down which would give the Confederate soldiers in the forts the opportunity to fire down on them.
Historical records show that another fort, Fort Alexandria, was also planned as part of the fortification. It was located on the south side of the river near the mouth of the Bayou Rapides. Construction was due to start in December 1864. No firm evidence exists of this fort being built. However, eight miles downstream of Alexandria an earthwork fort was built overlooking the river.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil.
Location. 31° 19.647′ N, 92° 26.949′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana and in Acadiana Cajun Country. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Deserting soldiers and the end of the war (here, next to this marker); Who was Fort Buhlow named after? (here, next to this marker); How Fort Buhlow was built (a few steps from this marker); Who was stationed at Fort Buhlow? (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Fort Buhlow (within shouting distance of this marker); Desertion and the end of the War (approx. 0.2 miles away); How was Fort Randolph Built? (approx. Ό mile away); Why was Fort Randolph Built? (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pineville.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Fort Buhlow and Fort Randolph (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. Located in the Fort Randolph/Buhlow State Historic Park. Entrance fee is required. Free to Veterans. Both sites are walking trails/boardwalks. Large nice museum/information center.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 265 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 29, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
