Battle of Baton Rouge and the scuttling of CSS Arkansas

Background. Confederate leadership believed retaking Baton Rouge was key to driving Union forces out of Louisiana and threatening New Orleans. Major General Earl Van Dorn resisted Union bombardment at Vicksburg, where the ironclad CSS Arkansas had previously damaged Union ships. The Arkansas sailed down the Mississippi River to engage Union vessels near Baton Rouge, while Confederate troops under Breckinridge moved closer to the city at night.

The Engagement. Union troops formed up a mile outside Baton Rouge on August 4. On August 5, the Confederates lined up in two divisions north of the city, where Union troops were centered. The undermanned CSS Arkansas arrived to engage the Union ironclad USS Essex, which helped repel the Confederate Army attack. However, Arkansas's engines failed just four miles above the city, preventing effective naval support.

Aftermath. The Union victory halted Confederate attempts to recapture the capital city of Louisiana. Without naval support, Confederate commander Breckinridge was unable to attack Union positions and withdrew. The CSS Arkansas was set on fire and destroyed by her crew to prevent capture. This event is commemorated annually in Magnolia Cemetery.