Deserting soldiers and the end of the war
On April 15, 1865 General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Brigadier General Ulysses Grant. At Fort Buhlow, soldiers quickly fled home, feeling that the end of the war was near. With the threat of a Union advance northward, Brigadier General Joseph Brent ordered the evacuation of the forts' soldiers and the destruction of all heavy artillery, central magazines and bombproofs. The remaining soldiers however refused to obey.
The soldiers at Fort Buhlow continued their artillery duties. On May 17, during one of these duties a cannon full of blank charges burst killing Private Heber Bennett. He was one of the last fatalities in Louisiana. On May 19, General Brent under orders from General Hays negotiated a peaceful surrender. On June 2, Alexandria was taken by a Union occupying force. On June 3, 1865 with only 86 soldiers left, Fort Buhlow and Fort Randolph surrendered.
Although no fighting occurred at the forts, they are evidence of the Confederate Army's last stand against the Union in Louisiana. Many historians believe that the forts' advantageous position high above the Red River could have successfully slowed or stopped an enemy attack.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil
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Location. 31° 19.644′ N, 92° 26.952′ W. Marker is in Pineville, Louisiana, in Rapides Parish. Marker is on Riverfront Street north of Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 135 Riverfront Street, Pineville LA 71360, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Who was Fort Buhlow named after? (here, next to this marker); Why Was Fort Buhlow Built? (here, next to this marker); Who was stationed at Fort Buhlow? (within shouting distance of this marker); How Fort Buhlow was built (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. ¼ mile away); Why was Fort Randolph Built? (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pineville.
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 April 12, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 182 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 12, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
