The Mansfield State Historic Site was dedicated in 1957. It is administered by the Parks Department of the State of Louisiana and does not have a separate Web site. The Web site of the Parks Department is www.lastateparks.com.

The Historic Site consists of more than 100 acres of the 6,000 acres that comprised the battlefield. The museum houses artifacts from the battle, including weapons, uniforms, munitions, tools and letters. An interpretive trail named to honor Confederate General Alfred Mouton winds through the park which also includes a cannon and several monuments.

A video shown in the Visitors’ Center gives an excellent overview of the battle on April 8, 1864 and the events surrounding the battle. A museum gift shop offers books and other items of interest. A picnic area is available. The historic site is included on the National Register of Historic Places.

A modest entrance fee is charged.

Key Staff - Mansfield State Historic Site
Site Manager – Steve Bounds
Interpretive Rangers – Scott Dearman and Don Smith

If you are interested in volunteering at the Mansfield State Historic Site, you may contact them at (318) 872-1474.

Mansfield is located in DeSoto Parish (county) in northwest Louisiana, near the Sabine River and Texas border. Pleasant Hill, the site of the second most important battle in the Red River Campaign, is located to the south, approximately 17 miles. The key area of battle at Pleasant Hill is in private hands and is cared for by a family that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to historic preservation.

Several structures standing during the Civil War remain in Mansfield. Among them is Christ Memorial Episcopal Church which served as a hospital. A building that was part of the Mansfield Female College was donated in 2003 to the State of Louisiana for use as a museum. It is just south of the First United Methodist Church whose structures stand on the site of the old college. Several residences from the era are privately owned.

Other attractions
Desoto Parish Tourism Information
Louisiana Travel Information

Accommodations
Mansfield has two options for Bed and Breakfast as well as a budget motel. Accommodations are also available in Shreveport to the north and Natchitoches to the south.

If you can not visit the site, we suggest viewing our Photo Album which is full of photos and of the Mansfield Battlefield and also photos of the mining which threatens the site.