The Red River Campaign was launched in March 1864 as a Union attempt to gain control of a vital supply route in Louisiana during the American Civil War. The campaign, orchestrated by Major General Nathaniel P. Banks, aimed not only to seize territory but also to establish a foothold that would aid other Union operations in the southern theater, particularly in conjunction with General Ulysses S. Grant's overarching strategies. Union forces initially saw some success and advanced deep into Confederate territory, capturing the significant city of Alexandria. However, Banks's campaign quickly encountered hindrances. The Union army faced not only fierce resistance from Confederate forces commanded by General Richard Taylor but also severe supply chain issues. The difficulties in maintaining adequate supplies hampered the Union's operational effectiveness and morale.By late May, after ten weeks of fighting, the Union forces were compelled to retreat. The end of the campaign was marked by a series of defeats, as the Confederates launched counter-offensives that pushed the Union troops back towards their initial positions. The withdrawal became chaotic, with many soldiers facing starvation and exhaustion. Ultimately, the Red River Campaign reinforced the realities of the war's brutal logistics and the challenges of conducting military operations in hostile territory. Major General Banks was heavily criticized for the campaign's failures, which had ramifications for future Union strategies in the region.