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Fort Randolph

Louisiana, US

Fort Randolph

Fort Randolph was built in late 1864 by Confederate force as a defense against an expected third invasion by Union forces of the Louisiana Red River Valley in 1865. The fort was named for Captain Chistopher M. Randolph who was in charge of its construction. After the 1864 Red River Campaign, Confede

rate General Edmund Kirby Smith, commander of the confederate Trans-Mississippi Department, realized the need for fortifications along the Red River that could prevent Union naval vessels from ascending the river past Alexandria Louisiana. The fort had an outer ditch and central earthen citadel with gun positions, magazine, and bombproof shelters for the garrison. It is estimated that the fort held from 4 to 8 guns. It was built in tandem with Fort Buhlow (located just to the north of Fort Randolph). It was sited on a hill overlooking the rapides in the Red River then in existence and the remains of Bailey's Dam which had been built in May 1864. The fort was built mainly by free Negroes and slaves who were conscripted to provide labor. Confederate soldiers from units stationed in the area also contributed to the construction so that the fort would be completed before the start of the...

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