Stirling’s Plantation (Fordoche Bridge)

THESE ARE ARCHIVED PAGES OF THE OLD EHISTORY SITE These pages are not actively maintained and may have errors in content and functionality

		THESE ARE ARCHIVED PAGES OF THE OLD EHISTORY SITE click here for the NEW eHistory site These pages are not actively maintained and may have errors in content and functionality


eHistory > World History > Military > Major Conflicts > Stirling’s Plan...	Search


A Moment in Time

Articles

Biographies

Books

Countries

Glossary

HistoryLists

Images & Maps

Military

Personal Histories

Timelines

Stirling’s Plantation (1863)

War:

American Civil War

Also known as:

Fordoche Bridge

Date(s):

29 Sep 1863

Location:

Pointe Coupeé Parish, Louisiana, US

Outcome:

Confederate victory

Description:

Maj. Gen. Napoleon J.T. Dana, USA
Brig. Gen. Tom Green, CSA

Dana had a half a brigade; Green had the forces that could be assembled locally.

The Union lost about 500 men, the Confederates apparently 120.

Following the Union defeat at Sabine Pass earlier in the month, Banks devised another plan to occupy important locations in Texas. Instead of going direct, he would send troops up the Bayou Teche, disembark them on the plains and march overland to Texas.

U. S. Grant sent him a division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Napoleon J.T. Dana to garrison Morganza and prevent Rebel troops from operating on the Atchafalaya River. A 1,000-man detachment, under the command of Lt. Col. J.B. Leake, was at Stirling’s Plantation to guard the road to the Atchafalaya River and deter any enemy raiders. Brig. Gen. Alfred Mouton, commander of the Sub-District of Southwestern Louisiana, decided that he had a favorable opportunity to defeat the Union forces around Fordoche Bridge. On September 19, he instructed Brig. Gen. Tom Green to prepare the attack, and provided reinforcements. The order to attack came on the 25th.

Green’s force began crossing the Atchafalaya River on the 28th, and all were over after midnight of the 29th. After a short rest, at dawn Green’s men marched out, pouring rain helping them achieve surprise.

Almost immediately Confederate cavalry began skirmishing with Union pickets at Fordoche Bridge and continued for about a half hour. Green’s other troops then hit the Union force, drove through them and captured many in their billets, although most of the Federal cavalry found an escape route. Green had over 450 prisoners, as well as two guns and two flags.
Although Dana sent reinforcements, mud and rain slowed their progress and allowed Green to get away. Green had defeated this Union force handily, but it did not deter Banks from his intended movement.

Content provided by:
eHistory Staff

Selected sources:
American Battlefield Protection Program, Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service.

About | Contact

THESE ARE ARCHIVED PAGES OF THE OLD EHISTORY SITE
These pages are not actively maintained and may have errors in content and functionality