Date: April 8, 1864
Casualties: Estimated 4,400 total (US 2,900; CS 1,500)
The Battle of Mansfield was the major battle fought west of the Mississippi River. The battles west of the Mississippi are often ignored by text books, but there were many. This particular battle was part of the Union's Red River Campaign in Louisiana.
For some time the Union forces had been moving up the Red River area of Louisiana and Confederate General Richard Taylor decided to set up a defensive line just south of Mansfield, Louisiana. On the morning of April 8, 1864, Union forces led by General Nathaniel P. Banks engaged this defensive line. Skirmishes continued throughout the day and about 3 p.m., Taylor decided that the Rebels, although outnumbered would launch a major attack. The north had taken more than enough of Louisiana! The Confederate forces repelled Banks first division, then another and then a third. The battle continued into the night, resulting in over 4,000 casualties. The next day, both sides met again at nearby Pleasant Hill.
The Battle of Mansfield ended with a victory for the highly motivated Confederates and the Union forces led by General Nathaniel P. Banks retreating south to Alexandria.
Mansfield State Commemorative Area
15149 Highway 175, Mansfield, Louisiana 71052; (318) 872-1471 or (888) 677-6267. Site of the major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River. Small fee to enter museum, but not the grounds.
My family recently stopped by the Mansfield State Commemorative Area. Driving up I was impressed by the solemn quietness of the rural area. Adding to the serious atmosphere you meet entering the area, are three older monolithic monuments to the soldiers who died fought and died there. The monuments have discolored and become mottled with age. They reminded that humans are also frail and detiorate with age. It seemed such a shame that so many had to die in the prime at the site rather than aging and dying according to nature. The wrath of humans against each other is a crime against God and nature.
The grounds are well-kept and the facilities clean. The museum and its landscaping could use a facelift (new paint, new flowers), but it is obviously loved and well-cared for. The staff person that we interacted with was helpful and knowledgable.
This is the kind of place I like to visit. A serious place for learning, but also places for picnics and for kids to run around and play for awhile. The Mansfield Commemorative Area is a great place for a family outing, a class field trip, or a seniors group visit.
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