Port Hudson State Historic Site

Port Hudson was the scene of the longest genuine siege in U.S. military history, lasting from May 23-July 9, 1863.  On May 27, two regiments of the Louisiana Native Guards demonstrated valiant fighting ability in a Union assault of this stronghold.  The Native Guards became the first African-American unit to partake in a large scale battle as part of the U.S. Army.  With the surrender of Vicksburg, MS on July 4, 1863, Port Hudson was the last Confederate stonghold on the Mississippi River.