Alan,

I would agree with the suggestion that you visit the Mansfield Historic Site. They are upgrading their displays and should be really good. While there you should give Mr Terry Waxham a call [(318)472-9033]. He has a privately owned museum (just down the road from there) which is open by appointment. He and his family have been collecting for many years.

Also would recommend while in Baton Rouge visiting the State Museum there. They have a civil war submarine on display. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayou_St._John_Confederate_Submarine .

If you are interested in WWII, I can't say enough about the National WWII museum in New Orleans. Its collection has grown at an incredible rate and is a first class museum. If you go, do not miss the film; its incredible. There is also a WWII aviation museum in Monroe on the site of a war time air base (Selman Field).

If you've never been to Vicksburg it would be a shame to be in Louisiana and Arkansas and not go there just across the Louisiana state line. It's a great battle park and museum.