Battle of Jackson

Battle of Jackson. Monday August 3, 1863. , The 2nd Vermont Battery's flight took it southward {1} down East Colloge Street, It's best hope was to reach the Clinton Road (present-day LA 10), turn East, cross the Spring Branch and rejoin the main body of retreating Federals. , The battery's guide was shot as they fled southward on East College Street. The resulting confusion caused a wrong turn {2} at or near this intersection. The battery galloped several blocks to the west (to your rear) where one gun was lost {3} to pursuing Confederates. The remaining crew and gun returned to East College Street and hurried southward., Meanwhile, about 100 yards to your immediate front {4}, the main body of Federals withdrew under fire through what was then a long ravine. , At the time of the battle, a large two-story frame building (built circa 1828 by the College of Louisiana) stood on the present location of the Republic of West Florida Museum (the red brick building to your front)., The Louisiana Constitutional Convention, held in Jackson from August 5 to 24, 1844, is believed to have met in this building. , The small white frame house to your immediate right (Lockridge Cottage, circa 1820-21) was the residence of George L. and Mildreth (Milburry) Waller McDonald in August 1863. There were six children in the household at the time. Mrs, McDonald died at the age of thirty-nine on March 30, 1864.