Third Louisiana Redan

The Third Louisiana Redan was built to help guard the Jackson road entrance into the city of Vicksburg. The redan was named after the regiment that garrisoned it, the Third Louisiana Infantry. The Confederates were aware of the union approach trench and mine digging, but despite efforts of sharpshooters, were unable to stop the Federals. On June 24, 1863, the Union mine reached 40 feet under the redan. It was filled with 2,200 pounds of black powder and fuses were prepared. At 3:30 p.m. on June 25, the mine was exploded and simultaneously Northern artillery and infantry began firing all long the line. The 45th Illinois Infantry spearheaded the attack against the redan where a huge crater (12 feet deep and 40 feet wide) was made. The assault was unsuccessful, however, because the Confederates positioned at the rear of the redan held their ground and the attacking Union soldiers could not advance out of the crater. The next day, Union soldiers withdrew after it had been decided that the men could not remain in the open crater and that it would cost too many lives to make further progress.

Article and photos courtesy of The National Park Service
Vicksburg National Military Park