Discovering Louisiana: Port Hudson State Historic Site in Jackson

We have driven past the signs for Port Hudson State Historic Site numerous times, constantly saying we should check it out but always having another destination in mind.  With my goal of exploring more of Louisiana, we planned a trip to the Port Hudson State Historic Site for a picnic lunch and family hike. 

S was excited to go on a picnic and planned our entire menu: tuna sandwiches, grapes, chips, homemade cookies and pink lemonade.  I packed our lunch in one of my favorite stackable pieces, where each of us had our own container to eat out of and used an old thermos for our drinks.

When we entered the gates we followed the road to the picnic area on the right.  There were plenty of tables and bathrooms too.

After our picnic, we headed to the museum to pick up a map to the 6 miles of trails.  To begin our expedition, we took trail A and were immediately encircled by a partly shady forest.  The trails were wide and well defined.

We wanted to cross Foster Creek, so we headed to trail F and G.  A long bridge lead us across the creek, which was surprisingly clear despite the muddy, sandy bottom.  The elevation change and bluffs that surrounded the trails were amazing.

The siege at Port Hudson was the longest in American military history, where approximately 30,000 Union troops were held off by 6,800 Confederate troops for 48 days before the Confederates negotiated a surrender.  The battles were some of the most severe fighting in the entire Civil War.  It was also the first battle where African American troops were allowed to participate.

Our first look at the earthen hills (trenches dug by the soldiers) was at the Arkansas-Alabama Redoubt.

Along the trail you will find a large selection of signs providing you with information about the battle and vegetation.

We continued on the trails taking N towards Sandy Creek.  Near Bennett’s Redoubt we spotted an armadillo digging in the leaves.  S was fascinated by him and wanted us to be very quiet in the hopes of seeing him again.

As you approach the end of trail N, the path gets narrower and narrower and steep.  I would not recommend this section of trail with little kids.  My husband was carrying S and I was uncomfortable a couple times, however this was the only spot that we experienced this.

We headed back the way we came and along the way S had so much fun jumping over sticks and rocks.  And sometimes daddy helped her jump super high!

When we returned to the trail head, we explored the museum which included interactive exhibits and miniature models. We had a wonderful time hiking and exploring Port Hudson State Historic Site.

We look forward to stopping by again soon to discover more trails.

For more information about the Port Hudson State Historic Site, please visit their website here.