Centenary College of Louisiana at Jackson - Wartime Campus Life

Wartime Campus Life

Although no longer a college, Centenary's campus was not altogether abandoned. The preparatory department continued for some time, and upon its closing the campus was transformed into a Confederate hospital. More than 500 Confederate soldiers—mostly from Port Hudson—were treated at the Centenary hospital. Some eighty of those sent to Centenary died there, and are buried in a Cemetery on the grounds.

After the fall of Port Hudson, Centenary was taken over by the Union Army, and used as a field hospital, supply depot, and recruiting post—primarily for the United States Colored Troops. A large body of Confederate cavalry were sent to disrupt the recruiting practices and resulted in the largest battle to occur within the town limits of Jackson. The Confederates suffered minimal casualties, routed Union forces and captured ammunition and other supplies. Union Forces suffered nearly one-third of the garrison detachment killed or wounded.