In 1869 Winn Parish gave up part of its original area for the formation of a new southern neighbor, Grant Parish. Winnfield, the parish seat since its organization is located in the geographical center of the parish. For a few weeks debate filled Louisiana whether to join the new confederacy or align a new nation with France. The Red River Campaign brings the Civil War to the area. The union forces are lead by General Nathaniel Banks, a politically appointed officer of dubious credentials.
Federal troops enter Natchitoches where they seize the newspaper.
The Legend of the Nankeen shirt tells of a confederate trick to tell confederate General Richard Taylor which route the Union would take to Shreveport. A young man was sent on an errand to Sabine Parish if the shirt he wore had a braid on the front the Union forces would travel the east bank of the Red River, if the shirt was plain they would march through Mansfield on the West bank. The boy never knew the important role he played in the campaign. The Union was pushed back after battles at Mansfield and Pleasant Hill. 1869 Part of Grant Parish which is formed this year was in Natchitoches County.