The Battle of Ponchatoula was a battle in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and Ponchatoula Creek at the onset of the Vicksburg Campaign during the American Civil War. Fought from March 24 to March 26, 1863, the battle was part of an offensive campaign waged by the Union's 6th Michigan, 9th Connecticut, 14th Maine, 24th Maine, 165th New York Zouaves, and 77th New York infantry against Confederate troops to capture Ponchatoula for the Union and destroy the town's railroad bridge. This was ultimately a failure by the Union, as the outcome of the battle led to the Confederates regaining control of Ponchatoula.
Battle of Ponchatoula
Ponchatoula Creek where the bridge skirmishes took place. Image taken on March 26, 2016 by Robert Bruce Ferguson.
165th New York Infantry Regiment
The 165th New York Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Sergt.-Major John W. Dickins
Reunion of veterans of the 165th New York Infantry Regiment