The Battle of Port Jefferson is a reenactment of the Red River Campaign.  The theory of the reenactment portrays the defense of Jefferson from the Federal troops marching north through Shreveport and on into East Texas in an effort to capture Port Jefferson.  As history reports, in the spring of 1864, Union General Banks and his troops fought at the battle for Mansfield, Louisiana, approximately 80 miles southeast of Jefferson.  At that time, the Union army was not far from advancing into Jefferson.

The Red River was chosen as the best approach into Texas, and 35,800 navy-army Union troops were sent orders to advance into Texas through Louisiana under the command of General N.P. Banks.  

In early April 1864, the Union troops followed the course of the Red River, progressing with little opposition through Alexandria and Natchitoches, Louisiana.  With the intention of capturing Shreveport, then the capitol of Louisiana and the Trans-Mississippi headquarters, the advancing Union army veered away from the Red River, heading toward Shreveport by way of Mansfield.  By veering away from the Red River, the Union army was divided from the Union navy.  This and other tactical blunders of General Banks created future advancements in this area of the South very difficult.

General Robert E. Lee commenced Confederate commander General Richard Taylor (son of President Zachary Taylor) to Louisiana, who decisively influenced the final outcome of the Mansfield Battle, as well as the Battle of Pleasant Hill, with a series of successful maneuvers.

The Union army retreated, crossing the Atchafalaya River, thus ending the disastrous Red River campaign; a crucial victory for the Confederate army.  The Confederates were able to prevent complete Union control of Louisiana which stopped the progression of the war into Texas.

This year’s reenactment proved to be very exciting.  Acting out the scenario as to “what could have happened”, with force, the Union troops took over the historic city of Jefferson in the Battle of Port Jefferson. Realizing the Union troops would continue their march through town toward the plantation of Twin Oaks, the Confederate troops quickly prepared to protect the plantation grounds.  The Battle of Twin Oaks Plantation was fought on Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday, entertaining hundreds of spectators with powerful canons, brigades of fighting soldiers proudly waving their flags, and the Calvary of horses with guns blazing.

Before the afternoon battle took place, Twin Oaks Plantation Inn (which is one mile from the actual battlefield) hosted an “Afternoon of Grace and Lace”, a ladies reception honoring the high ranking officers.  Fortunately for the plantation, the 15th Texas Regiment was camped on the plantation grounds. Spectators were invited to witness the historical correct Confederate encampment, as well as the Union troops that took over the plantation, removing the large Confederate flag, the “Stainless Banner”, from the plantation’s front porch, all during the ladies reception, while the many ladies dressed in period correct dresses sang “Dixie” to the Union troops marching up to the plantation’s front door.

With the several faithful Belles standing on the porch behind plantation owner, Tammy Ennis, the Union General Dolive approached Mrs. Ennis saying, “I will make a deal with you.  Either stop singing that song or we will burn your plantation down.”  Remaining very calm in a moment of despair, with the thought of burning beloved Twin Oaks, the only words Tammy could reply,

“Now, that wouldn’t be very nice would it?”  The loyal ladies stopped singing, but fearless, began to softly hum the song instead. As luck would prevail for Twin Oaks, the Union army decided to rest for awhile on the grounds. In the spirit of true Southern Hospitality, the men were given water for their canteens and horses.  And of course, were invited to return to Twin Oaks to visit the 15th Texas after the battle.  (Many of the men were Southerners having to galvanize to the Union uniform.  Some of the men did later visit the plantation for some evening activities in the camp.)

During the Saturday afternoon battle, the Union forces were successful in maintaining their advancement, overtaking the Confederates.  Like the actual war, the battles went back and forth, gaining ground and then losing ground with causalities. On Sunday, the Confederates won the Battle of Port Jefferson while protecting Twin Oaks Plantation, enabling the plantation to continue assisting the transport of supplies to the Confederate army, thus preventing the advancement further into Texas.

The Marion County Chamber of Commerce sponsors this very entertaining and educational event, in conjunction with the Jefferson Pilgrimage, which is sponsored by the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club.  Each year, this event is hosted the first weekend in May. 

If you are interested in becoming involved as a reenactor or attending the enjoyable 1864 ladies reception, please email Tammy Ennis with your name and address.  If you are interested in attending the reenactment activities at Twin Oaks Plantation, let us know and we will send you an invitation.  The plantation activities are free events; however, period clothing is a requirement during certain hours, and is enforced.  The 15th Texas camp will be open to the public during certain hours. (Period dress not required when open to the public.)  In January, Twin Oaks Plantation Inn will begin to list the times of the various activities, explaining in more detail the requirements and times of period clothing and when the public is invited onto the grounds. We encourage everyone to find time to participate in the many activities of the Jefferson Pilgrimage and Battle of Port Jefferson. 

For more information, contact the Marion County Chamber of Commerce or visit online www.jefferson-texas.com.

Please see the 15th Texas Website for more information about the reenactment.