Numerous slaves had escaped there to Union lines, and some fought with Union soldiers in the 1863 defense of Fort Butler. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After the war, freedmen left rural areas for Donaldsonville to gather in community and establish trades and businesses; it had the third-largest black population of any city in the state.
Numerous runaways had sought shelter there with Union troops, and some fought alongside them in the 1863 defense of Fort Butler. It is now acknowledged on the National Register of Historic Places. Following the war, former slaves left rural areas to gather in Donaldsonville and establish trades and organizations; it was a major hub for African Americans.