Web Author's Notes:
This simple map clearly shows the general route and actions of the Federal force under Gen. Nathaniel Banks during the Red River Campaign.  The campaign was an attempt to take Shreveport, Louisiana, the Confederate capitol of the state and industrial center supplying the Confederate army.

It should be noted that the 16th Ohio did not join this campaign, a failed mission lead by General Nathaniel Banks, until April 26, 1864, when Banks forces were in full retreat back down the Red River, fleeing the attacking Confederate General Richard Taylor. The 16th Ohio, with other elements of the 13th Army Corps, had been pulled from their occupation along the Texas coast, to reinforce Banks and, possibly, to prevent Taylor from threatening the strategic, Union-controlled Mississippi River.