Thirty-five thousand soldiers, four stated objectives - zero achieved. What broke first?

Can Banks seize Shreveport before his reinforcements leave? Thirty-five thousand soldiers, four stated objectives - zero achieved. What broke first? In this episode, we follow the Red River campaign as it unfolds from March to April 1864, tracing the ticking timetable that shaped every decision. What happens when a plan, a river fleet, and a borrowed corps collide with terrain, delays, and opposing strategy? Person: Nathaniel Banks Person: Andrew Jackson Smith Person: Richard Taylor Date: March-April 1864 Location: Red River valley, Louisiana - Banks departs Alexandria with the main force while Admiral David Porter’s gunboats shadow the column on the river. - Smith commands 15,000 veteran troops lent from Sherman with explicit orders to return east by the end of April. - Franklin’s corps fails to rendezvous until March 25, costing Banks five days before the advance toward Shreveport begins. - Confederate forces under Richard Taylor use the pine-and-clay corridor to channel the Union column down the single Shreveport Road. - The campaign’s timetable, set by Smith’s withdrawal and Grant’s strategic priorities, constrains Banks’ options at every stage. To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com. © 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved. This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: [email protected].