Presentation by: Dr. T. Michael Parrish, Professor, Baylor University
Location: UNT Health Science Center, MET Building, 1000 Montgomery, Fort Worth 76109
Dinner starts at 6PM Program starts at 7PM
(Menu: Almond Crusted Tilapia, City Rice, Seasonal Vegetables and Dessert. Cost $13. Please RSVP to jimrosenthal5757@aol.com or by calling or texting 817-307-9263)
Several serious Union attempts to invade Texas during 1862 and 1863 had failed, including an attempt to capture Galveston, an attack on Sabine Pass and the Texas Overland Expedition via Southern Louisiana. In the Spring of 1864, an army of 30,000 troops under Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks and a powerful group of naval vessels under Adm. David Dixon Porter pushed up the Red River Valley. Their intent was to capture Shreveport, enter Texas and move to capture the entire state. The Red River Campaign ended in a crushing Union defeat that damaged the overall war effort and devastated the heart of Louisiana, but left Texas relatively unscathed and prosperous. Why did Lincoln and his administration think Texas was so important that it justified such momentous efforts? The reasons were economic, political and strategic. These will be covered by Michael Parrish in his presentation on March 10th.
Dr. Parrish is the Bowers Professor of History at Baylor University. He is the author or co-author of numerous books on the Civil War including the definitive biography of Gen. Richard Taylor. He is also the editor or co-editor of three Civil War book series. Copies of his Taylor book will be available for purchase and signing at the meeting. See you on the 10th!