Fort DeRussy

Fort DeRussy is a Civil War fortification near Marksville with preserved earthen walls and defensive structures built to withstand military attacks. The site spreads across open grounds and includes a cemetery, giving visitors a sense of the period when soldiers occupied this location.

The fort was built in 1862 as a Confederate defensive position to control the Red River Valley and protect regional settlements. It fell to Union forces under Admiral Porter in 1864 and ceased to serve a military purpose.

The name honors Colonel Lewis G. DeRussy, a Confederate officer who had graduated from West Point decades before the war began. Walking through the grounds, you can see how the fort was laid out to control access along the river and protect settlements in the region.

The site is located a few miles north of Marksville and is accessible by road, with walking paths through the earthworks. The cooler months offer more comfortable visiting conditions, as summer heat and humidity in the area can be significant.

The fort bears the name of Colonel Lewis G. DeRussy, who at the time was the oldest West Point graduate serving in Confederate forces.

Location: Avoyelles Parish

Inception: 1862

GPS coordinates: 31.18380,-92.05440

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:40