The Battle of Port Hudson was a significant military engagement during the American Civil War, occurring from May 1863 to July 1863. It took place in Louisiana and was part of the Union's campaign to gain control of the Mississippi River. The battle involved a prolonged siege by Union forces against the Confederate garrison stationed at Port Hudson. The Union army, led by General Nathaniel P. Banks, aimed to capture the fortifications to secure the river and split the Confederacy. After several weeks of fighting and heavy casualties, the Confederate forces, commanded by General Franklin Gardner, surrendered on July 9, 1863, marking a crucial victory for the Union.