Fort Randolph, Civil War fort in Pineville, Louisiana
Fort Randolph is an earthen fortification located on a strategic hill near the Red River, featuring a central citadel, surrounding ditch, gun emplacements, and ammunition storage. The remains reveal how such structures were designed and built during the Civil War.
Confederate forces built this fortification in late 1864 under Captain Christopher M. Randolph to defend the Red River Valley against potential Union advances. It was surrendered to Union troops in 1865 before seeing any combat.
The site reflects how people from different backgrounds worked together during its construction. Visitors can see how this collaborative effort shaped what remains today.
The visitor center and interpretive signs help explain the military design and campaign history to guests. Guided tours provide deeper context and help visitors understand how the different parts of the fortification functioned.
Though equipped with up to eight mounted guns and fully prepared for battle, this fortification never saw combat before its surrender. This unused firepower makes it a revealing example of hastily built but ultimately unnecessary defensive lines.
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