Freed The Gunboats

The 5^th Minnesota Infantry came to Union Admiral David Dixon Porter’s rescue on the Red River at Campti, Louisiana on April 3^rd 1864.

Minnesota Governor Alexander Ramsey received authorization from the United State Assistant Secretary of War, Thomas A Scott on October 23^rd 1861; to raise a fifth regiment.  The 5^th Minnesota mustered into Union service April 30^th 1862 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota.

Union General A J Smith with two brigades, including the 5^th were called to Campti, Louisiana on April 3^rd 1864.  Union Admiral David Dixon Porter’s gunboats had become trapped on the Red River at Campti.  After freeing the gunboats, which moved safely upriver, the 5^th Minnesota along with the rest of Smith’s men burnt the town of Campti.

The 5^th Minnesota lost 8 officers and 261 enlisted, were killed, or died of wounds and diseases during the war.