History

Jefferson Parish During The Civil War

Much of Jefferson's pre-war economy was based on the production of sugar using slave labor. The parish responded early to the Confederacy's call to arms. On December 13 of 1860 the Jefferson Mounted Guards were organized under the leadership of Captain Guy Dreux. Dreux would serve as leader of the Gaurd until its surrender at Meridian, Mississippi in 1865. The Gaurd was a well equipped cavalry unit of approximately 70 men which served as an escort to General Beauregard and succeeding commanders of the Army of Tennessee. This cavalry unit was equipped at the expense of its members.

East Bank Fortifications

Jefferson Parish had military significance as the northern line of defense for New Orleans. On the east bank the Confederacy established camps Lewis and Parapet. Early in the war these camps had a festive atmosphere. An enthusiastic and optimistic group of 10,000 visitors converged on Camp Lewis for a barbecue and ball on July 4th of 1861.

New Orleans fell into Union hands in April of 1862. Jefferson Parish saw no significant action during the war, however Federal troops camped along its river banks and in other parts of the parish to defend the Union position in New Orleans. The above drawing is of "Pickets of the Federal First Louisiana "Native Gaurd" gaurding the New Orleans, Opelousas And Great Western Railroad" by E.A. Davis.

Union troops completed the fortifications that had been started by the Confederates on the East Bank of the river. The Union fortifications followed a zig zag pattern from the river toward the lake along what is currenly Causeway Boulevard. Most of this defensive line consisted of earthen embankments. Near the river the embankments enclosed powder magazines, officers quarters and other military stuctures. Union camps were set up behind these lines, including several camps for refugee slaves.

West Bank Fortifications

The Confederates had also begun a fortification line on the West Bank which extended south from the river along the Westwego Canal. Like the fortifications on the East Bank, the West Bank fortifications were strengthened and extended by Union occupation forces.

Union forces erected Fort Banks on the West Bank at a location currently under the Huey P. Long Bridge. Fort Banks was situated to allow it to provided crossfire with Camp Parapet.

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