Military Engagements--New Orleans, Capture of, La., 1862

The Capture of New Orleans (also known as the Battle of New Orleans, 1862) was fought on April 25 – May 1, 1862 in St. Bernard’s and Orleans parishes, Louisiana between Union naval forces commanded by Flag Officer David G. Farragut and land forces commanded by Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler and Confederate forces commanded by Maj. Gen. Mansfield Lovell. It resulted in a Union victory. Union authorities identified New Orleans as an important target as it was the Confederacy’s largest city and an international trade port. Capturing the city would hinder the South’s economy. The approach to New Orleans via the Mississippi River was guarded on either side by Fort Jackson and Fort St. Phillip with a heavy defensive anti-ship chain strung between them. Additionally, five Confederate warships, including two ironclads, and support ships guarded the waterway to the city. On April 18 Farragut began his attack on the forts. When bombardment by the Union fleet failed to neutralize the Confederate forts, Farragut ordered his ships to sail past them on April 24, defeating the Confederate fleet and pushing toward New Orleans. Farragut anchored his fleet at New Orleans on April 25, meeting minimal resistance. Local authorities surrendered the city later the same day. On April 28 Fort St. Phillip and Fort Jackson surrendered. New Orleans would remain in Union hands until the end of the war. The capture of New Orleans denied the Confederacy a major trading port and therefore an important source of revenue. (American Battlefield Trust; Encyclopedia Britannica)