DeSoto Parish’s Vanishing Historic Structures

February 17, 2016 - During the American Civil War the United States recruited large numbers of Free Men of Color, as well as recently freed slaves, into the army. Louisiana supplied a large number (78,000) of these men who would make up the Corps d’Afrique or the United States Colored Troops. Come to Mansfield State Historic Site on Saturday, Feb. 27, to take part in the following programs on African-American Soldiers in America”:

January 27, 2016 - On February 13th from 11am to 3:30pm, Mansfield State Historic Site will host its first annual Black History Month Symposium. The understanding of pre-1865 American history of the South is often seen in Black and White. This view often ignores the French and Spanish influences to our nation’s social structure. Come learn about America’s as well as Louisiana’s forgotten history.

November 19, 2015 - On Saturday, December 12, Mansfield State Historic Site will re-create the scenes of Christmas experienced by those living in north Louisiana in 1865, by taking visitors on a special night tour of the Mansfield battlefield. Beginning at 6 p.m., tour guides in period clothing will take visitors onto the battlefield by candle lantern, where re-enactors will act out various scenes at stops along the trail.

July 30, 2015 - Have you ever wanted to be a Civil War soldier? Are you 9 to 12 years old? Mansfield State Historic Site is hosting an immersive event that will allow you to experience the life of the soldiers of the American Civil War. From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, you can enlist, set up your camp, drill, enjoy a period type lunch, and more! There are 11 slots available for this program and pre-registration is required by Saturday, August 1.