Third Louisiana Redan

 (1862-1863) - A Confederate fortification established in 1862 as a part of the defenses of Vicksburg in Warren County, Mississippi. Named after the CSA, 3rd Louisiana Infantry. Abandoned after the fall of Vicksburg in 1863.

History
Built as a triangular earthworks fortification to guard the strategic Jackson Road entrance into Vicksburg along with the Great Redoubt.

From the beginning of Union General Ulysses S. Grant's attack on Vicksburg the Third Louisiana Redan was under heavy bombardment and attack from Union forces. The Confederate defenders drove off the attackers and inflicted such heavy casualties on 22 May 1863 that the frontal attacks were abandoned. Union forces then dug tunnels underneath the redan and planted 2,200 pounds of black powder. The powder was exploded on 25 Jun 1893 and it blew a crater 12 feet deep and 40 feet wide. The Confederate defenders knew that the tunnel was being dug and positioned themselves to take advantage of the explosion they knew was coming. The crater proved to be the undoing of the Union attackers because it was too hard to scale the sides and once inside it they were easy prey for Confederates on the rim. The Union troops withdrew to avoid further casualties.

The redan remained in Confederate hands until the surrender of Vicksburg on 4 Jul 1863.

Current Status
Part of Vicksburg National Military Park, Warren County, Mississippi.

Sources:
 * , page 451

Links:
 * North American Forts - Vicksburg
 * NPS - Tour Stop 3