Donaldsonville, La.-- Part 4: Fort Butler

Many escaping slaves entered Union lines to gain their freedom.  General Benjamin Butler declared them to be contraband and would not return them to their owners.  They stayed and worked for the Union and helped build the star-shaped Fort Butler in Donaldsonville.

It was a work of earth and wood, one 381 feet long facing the Mississippi River.  The other sides were protected by Bayou Lafourche and the land side had a deep moat.  A stockade surrounded the fort which contained a high and thick earth parapet.

It was built to accommodate 600 men, but in 1863, only manned by a small force of about 180.  Their commander was Major Joseph Bullen of the 28th Maine.

--Old B-Runner