A masterpiece of Confederate bluff: charred logs arranged to look like cannon successfully fooled Union forces advancing on Shreveport in 1864. The ruse earned its name when a general called it 'a humbug' — but it worked, buying time for real defenses. The site later housed a WWII induction center and VA hospital.
Quick facts
- ·Charred log 'cannons' fooled Union reconnaissance
- ·Originally named Fort Turnbull
- ·Built to defend Shreveport during 1864 Red River Campaign
- ·Later used as WWII induction center
- ·VA hospital built on site in 1947
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Editorial content compiled with AI assistance. Place details verified against public records.