The Siege of Port Hudson

Staff, re-enactors, and authentically uniformed volunteers descend on Port Hudson State Historic Site to commemorate the longest siege in American military history, which took place at Port Hudson between May 21 and July 9, 1863. There were more than twelve thousand casualties during the siege. Nowadays a visit to Port Hudson needn't be life-threatening, but attendees coming to this annual siege reenactment will still find themselves surrounded by volunteers in period attire portraying three branches of the services—artillery, cavalry, and infantry—as well as cooks, laundresses, and other civilians who traveled with the soldiers. 9 am–5 pm both days at 236 Highway 61. $4 adults; free for children under 13 years old and for seniors. (888) 677-3400. crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks. See our story on re-enactments, Off to War, but Back by Dinner, here.