Donaldsonville, La. --Part 5: Battle of Fort Butler

Part of Fort Butler's garrison included  the 1st Louisiana Volunteers, a black military group, as well as some Louisiana Native Guard and some fugitive slaves.

In June 1863, Confederate forces consisting of more than 1,000 Texas Rangers under General Tom Green attacked Fort Butler.  Free Blacks and fugitive slaves joined in the successful defense of the fort.  This is one of the first instances of Blacks fighting as a group for the Union.

The Fort is on the NRHP.

The American Civil War site:

Major Thomas Greens's cavalry was joined by Major General James P. Major's troops.  On June 28, 1863,  in the early morning hours, they attacked the fort.  The small garrison was aided by Union gunboats in the river.  There was some close hand-to-hand combat, even at times with bricks being thrown.

With daylight, the Fort was still in Union hands and the Confederates withdrew.

It Is Hard To Find Information On This Battle.  --Old B-R'er