Civil War Sites in Louisiana

Deeply embedded into Louisiana’s landscapes is Civil War history, from battlefields and forts to historic buildings that tell the story of a nation divided. Whether you’re a dedicated history buff or are simply curious to learn more, these sites offer a compelling look at Louisiana’s role in one of America’s most pivotal conflicts.

State Historic Sites

Stand where history was made. See the Port Hudson State Historic Site, where a 48-day siege — the longest in American history — took place. Nearby, the Mansfield State Historic Site preserves the battlefield of one of Louisiana’s most significant conflicts, while Camp Moore Museum & Cemetery highlights what Confederate training camps once looked like. In Pineville, Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site peek into the Red River Campaign and its strategic political efforts.

Civil War-Focused Museums

Explore the past at Louisiana’s Civil War museums. In New Orleans, Louisiana’s Confederate Memorial Hall holds one of the South’s most extensive collections of wartime artifacts, from uniforms to personal letters. Marvel at the Gothic architecture of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, once the site of heated wartime debates. For a uniquely personal perspective on civilian life during the war, visit Shadows-on-the-Teche in New Iberia, which showcases letters and family accounts that capture the struggles of those who lived through it.

Civil War Cemeteries in Louisiana

Reflect on the Civil War’s significance at one of the state’s dedicated Civil War cemeteries. Centenary State Historic Site, once home to Centenary College, now serves as the final resting place for soldiers who perished in battle. Port Hudson National Cemetery contains the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers, a solemn reminder of the war’s heavy toll on all parties. Across Louisiana, smaller cemeteries also preserve the memory of those who served during this turbulent and defining chapter of American history.