Battle of Baton Rouge presentation INSIDE the Main Library

A couple years ago we had a wonderful ride led by Ronnie Harris about the Battle of Baton Rouge. Nearly 50 people attended and it was a smashing success (see picture above). In case you haven’t noticed, it’s REALLY hot outside, so this year Ronnie is going to give his presentation inside and we’ll have a ride later on in the year when it’s cooler to go to the locations he discusses in the presentation.

The Battle of Baton Rouge was fought in 1862 and was fought largely in the area of town now considered to be part of Mid City. In fact, if you know where the Magnolia Cemetery is, you know where much of the battle was waged.

“If you have any interest in history, or better yet local history, you shouldn’t miss this presentation of the Battle of Baton Rouge, 1862,” reads his flyer. “161 years ago, both land forces and naval ships of the Union and the Confederacy fought one of the first battles of the Civil War in the South. A miliary engagement that started in the woods and cornfields, heavily fought in a cemetery, and ended with the City of Baton Rouge bombarded. Interesting first-person accounts of sights and sounds of invasion, war and aftermath will be recounted from the time of the Louisiana succession through the beginning of a 12-year occupation.

“Through research into books, newspaper articles and photographs this will retell the story of a tragic time in Baton Rouge’s history. You will find that this presentation will link today’s landmarks to historic events on that fateful day on August 5, 1862.

The presentation will be held Wednesday, August 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the EBR Parish Main Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd. It is free and open to the public.