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. It 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.
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: 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. 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
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 347 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 12, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
