Client:
Red River Waterway Commission
Mr. Ken Guidry, Executive Director
(318) 352-7446

Located on the Red River in Pineville, the Fort Randolph/Fort Buhlow State Historic Site is a joint cooperative effort of the Red River Waterway Commission (RRWC), Department of Health and Hospitals, and Office of State Parks. Once complete, the site will serve as a regional hub for the historical interpretation of the Red River Campaign, Bailey’s Dam, the burning of Alexandria, and the construction of Forts Randolph and Buhlow. The master plan concept expanded on the historical significance and preservation of the Civil War earthen structure. Moore Planning Group, LLC researched other earthen fortifications, collaborated with both the RRWC and state parks for required park elements, and worked with the community and private entities to determine the value of the project.

The project is currently in the bidding and construction phase. Once the project is completed, visitors will be able to learn about Bailey’s Dam, a marvel of engineering that saved the Union Fleet from certain destruction during their retreat down the Red River. The dam is no longer visible due to the elevated level of the Red River, but an overlook of the river will mark the location of the dam.

Visitors will also be able to tour the earthwork forts built by the Confederate forces. Construction began on both forts in September of 1864 as a response to the Union Fleet’s Red River Campaign, and as a defense against the potential subsequent activities of the Union forces along the Red River. Both forts were completed in the early months of 1865, and were adequately armed with heavy cannons and field artillery, and manned by over 800 men. However, the war in Louisiana came to an end without a shot being fired from either of the forts. This facility will serve as a Central Louisiana destination for Civil War enthusiasts interested in exploring a currently unknown part of arguably the most important event in American history.