Monett's
Ferry, LA
April 23, 1864
Looking downriver (northeast). The Confederates
held the high bank on the right, now covered with trees. The Federals attempted
a direct assault but the lower bank on the left side of the river gave the
advantage to the Confederates.
Looking upriver (southwest). The Confederate
line extended in this direction. A Federal unit crossed about 2 miles upriver
and attacked the Confederates' flank, forcing it to withdraw.
Photos and captions by Dave Comeau, October 1997
State historical marker at the site:
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Battle of Monett's Ferry
April 23, 1864
On this site was fought one of the
critical engagements of the Red River campaign. After Mansfield the
retreating Federal army under Gen. N.P. Banks headed for Alexandria,
pursued by a smaller Confederate army under Gen. Richard Taylor. Taylor
devised a daring plan to encircle the Federals and cut off their lines
of retreat. Gen H.P. Bee was to hold the vital crossing at Cane River,
occupying positions on the bluffs south of the river. Bee repelled an
attack by troops under Gen. W.H. Emory, but hearing that his flanks were
turned he withdrew, thus permitting the Federals to continue to
Alexandria.
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