Derry in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
The Battle of Cloutierville
Though far from the fighting for most of the Civil War, the Red River Campaign in the spring of 1864 brought the war and its destruction to Magnolia Plantation. Retreating Confederates contributed to the first wave of destruction in late March, burning gins and thousands of bales of cotton to keep the valuable crop out of the hands of United States troops. The second wave was the work of retreating U.S. soldiers after the disastrous Battle of Mansfield and the inconclusive Battle of Pleasant Hill on April 8 and 9. Retreating troops burnt buildings and crops as they moved south. On April 22-23 the two sides skirmished at Magnolia Plantation. U.S. forces in Cloutierville under General Thomas Kilby Smith defeated Confederate cavalry attacking over the plantation's fields. By the time U.S. forces left the area, Magnolia's main house had been burnt to the ground and the plantation's overseer killed.
"On the retreat of the Federals, old man Tranquillin [LeComte] came to me with tears in his eyes and said, 'You burned all my cotton on the west bank of the river and the Yankees burned all on the east side.'"
Second Lieutenant F.L. Grappe, 2nd Louisiana Calvary, 1882
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is April 22, 1864.
Location. 31° 32.848′ N, 92° 56.468′ W. Marker is in Derry, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. Marker can be reached from State Highway 119, one mile north of State Highway 1, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1111 LA-119, Cloutierville LA 71416, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Industry vs Manpower (a few steps from this marker); The Cost of Cotton (within shouting distance of this marker); A River Runs Through It (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gardens and Porches (about 600 feet away); Plantation Landscape (about 600 feet away); Escaped! Freedom Seekers in 1863 (about 700 feet away); Escaped! Freedom Seekers in 1804 (about 700 feet away); Unearthing The Past (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Derry.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 152 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 8, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.