Port Hudson in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Subterranean Torpedoes

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 30, 2016

1. Subterranean Torpedoes Marker

Inscription. "...as an additional security against assault, now that the enemy had approached so near, I had a number of 8, 10, and 13-inch shells planted in the scrap wall of ditches as "torpedoes" and connected them by means of wires, with the interior of the works..."
1st Lieutenant Fred Y. Dabney,
Chief Engineer,
Port Hudson Garrison

Concerned that Union soldiers would invade by tunneling through the walls of Fort Desperate, Confederate engineers halted their plan. By planting 8, 10, and 13-inch cannon shells into the dirt walls surrounding the fort, the engineers ensured this would not happen. Wired with friction primer detonators the shells could be exploded by Confederate sentinels inside Fort Desperate.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.

Location. 30° 41.274′ N, 91° 16.555′ W. Marker is in Port Hudson, Louisiana, in East Feliciana Parish. Marker can be reached from State Highway 61, one mile north of Pride/Port Hudson Rd., on the left when traveling north. Located on the grounds of the Port Hudson State Historic Site. The marker is located about 1 mile along the trail to Fort Desperate, part of a 6-mile walking trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jackson LA 70748, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker. Fort Desperate (a few steps from this marker); Fort Desperate Artillery (a few steps from this marker); Sharpshooter Tower (a few steps from this marker); Union Sap (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Tunnel (within shouting distance of this marker); Exterior Rifle Pit (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Trench (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Batteries 7 and 8 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Hudson.

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 30, 2016

2. Subterranean Torpedoes Marker

July 30, 2016

3. Subterranean Torpedoes Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2016. This page has been viewed 441 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 30, 2016. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.