The battle of Mansfield was fought April 8, 1864. The result was one of the last major Confederate victories of the Civil War. The engagement was fought in three phases, beginning at 4:00 p.m. and lasting until nightfall. The three phases are linear and follow LA Hwy 175 along four miles. The battlefield is threatened by a lignite mine that has already devastated portions of Phase 2 and Phase 3.

The battle was named Sabine Crossroads by the Union forces. This crossroads still exists and is the beginning point in Phase 2. The lignite mine has encroached on the north side of Hwy 175. Only two structures, both houses that existed on the field at the time of the battle, remain.

Photographs and text are courtesy of Gary Joiner — Click on pictures for larger view

One of two remaining battlefield structures, the Allen House. . .

. . . and is located in Phase 2 of the battle. The house is undergoing restoration, but the yard and building are the only portions being saved. The mine is operating a surface pit well over 50 feet deep within 150 feet of the house. This building was used as a Union hospital during the fighting and served briefly as headquarters for Major General Nathaniel Banks.

The draglines used in this mine are among the largest in the world. Each scoop carries away the volume equivalent of a three-bedroom, two-bath house. The scoop dredges a cycle in less than one minute. There are two dredges operating in the mine. The third phase has been heavily impacted north of Hwy 175. To date ,no mining has been conducted south of the road. The mining company, owned by AEP SWEPCO, has purchased leases well into the center of Phase 1, but has not mined this area.