Although I had known about the “Marching Song of the 1st Arkansas,” which was written in 1864 and was sung to the tune of “John Brown’s Body” (or the Battle Hymn of the Republic) – I had not known that … Continue reading →
Although not present at the battle of Milliken’s Bend on June 7, 1863, the story of the 1st Arkansas Infantry, African Descent (later renamed the 46th U.S. Colored Infantry or USCI) nevertheless is essential in the larger narrative of events … Continue reading →
This Veterans’ Day, I’d like to remember Calvin Freeman. I know he was a Milliken’s Bend veteran, and served with the 11th Louisiana Infantry, African Descent (later renamed the 49th U.S. Colored Infantry). But that’s about all I know. I … Continue reading →
Long before the enslaved of Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom through Union General Gordon Granger’s General Orders No. 3, issued on June 19, 1865, now celebrated as “Juneteenth,” the enslaved men, women, and children of northeast Louisiana seized their … Continue reading →
Milliken’s Bend is now featured in an entry in the Louisiana online encyclopedia, 64 Parishes. The article provides a brief but solid overview of the battle and its significance. It contains links to other related articles at 64 Parishes, and … Continue reading →
