By the outbreak of the American Civil War, the population of Baton Rouge was nearly 5,500. The war nearly halted economic progress, except for businesses associated with supplying the Union Army occupation of the city, which began in the spring of 1862 and lasted for the duration of the war. The Confederates at first consolidated their forces elsewhere, during which time the state government moved to Opelousas and later Shreveport. In the summer of 1862, about 2,600 Confederate troops under generals John C. Breckinridge (the former Vice President of the United States) and Daniel Ruggles attempted to recapture Baton Rouge.
by the outbreak of the american civil war the population of baton rouge was nearly 5500 the war nearly halted economic progress except for businesses associated with supplying the union army occupation of the city which began in the spring of 1862 and lasted for the duration of the war the confederates at first consolidated their forces elsewhere during which time the state government moved to opelousas and later shreveport in the summer of 1862 about 2600 confederate troops under generals john c breckinridge (the former vice president of the united states) and daniel ruggles attempted to recapture baton rouge