Cane River Creole NHP Film on Female Civil War Soldier

In support of the American Latino Heritage Initiative, the National Park Service worked with the American Latino Heritage Fund, PBS and Maria Carter Aqui, an award winning filmmaker, scholar, and President of Iguana Films in the production of a 75-minute documentary entitled REBEL: Loreta Velazquez, Secret Soldier of the American Civil War. The video documents the amazing story of Loreta Velazquez, a Cuban immigrant from New Orleans, who secretly served as an agent for the Confederacy under the alias “Harry Buford.” Harry Buford fought in the first Battle of Bull Run and was injured at Shiloh. By 1863, Buford was working as a spy for the Union.

As part of REBEL, the National Park Service commissioned “Secret Soldier,” a 15-minute video education piece for use by National Park Service sites and partners. In celebration of Women’s History Month, Cane River Creole National Historical Park will be screening “Secret Soldier” at the park’s Magnolia Plantation overseer’s house. The film will be shown upon request to visitors on every weekend in March.

Magnolia is located at 5549 Hwy 119, Derry LA 71416. For more information call 318 356-8441318 356-8441.