American Historical Ephemera and Photography

Stereoview of a six-inch gun and ammunition overlooking the river at Port Hudson after the siege. A soldier, who appears to be African American, is seated at far right. -- Stereoview showing a "Rebel gun bearing upon the river," as identified on another example of the same image (see Wilson's Creek National Battlefield). A soldier, who appears to be African American, is shown at left, observing the site. -- Stereoview showing the "Priest Cap," the northernmost point in the Confederate defenses at Port Hudson, as identified on another example of the same image (see Wilson's Creek National Battlefield). A soldier is visible in the middle, positioned between Confederate works in the foreground and Union works in the distance.

Together, 3 stereoviews. Although lacking studio imprints, the images were almost certainly taken by McPherson & Oliver of Baton Rouge, LA. Condition generally good, with some toning, light occasional spotting.

The Siege of Port Hudson, which lasted from 22 May - 9 July 1863, was the final engagement in the Union campaign to recapture the Mississippi River. When Confederate forces surrendered the garrison on 9 July, the entire Mississippi River was under Federal control, and the Confederacy was cut in two. In the early days of the siege, two African American regiments were chosen to participate in the fighting, including the 1st and 3rd Louisiana Native Guards. The regiments pressed an attack against a well-fortified Confederate position. Following the siege, the garrison at Port Hudson became a recruiting center for Black troops.

Provenance: Acquired from the great grandson of Union General Edward Griffin Beckwith (1818-1881) (consignor relates). Beckwith commanded the defenses of New Orleans from August 1863 - January 1864, after the fall of New Orleans in 1862.