Capture of New Orleans

Capture of New Orleans
Part of the American Civil War

Panoramic view of New Orleans; federal fleet at anchor in the river (c. 1862)
DateApril 25, 1862 (1862-04-25) – May 1, 1862 (1862-05-01)
(6 days)
Location
Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States United States (Union) Confederate States of America CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
David Farragut
Benjamin Butler
Mansfield Lovell
Units involved
Department of the Gulf
West Gulf Blockading Squadron
Department No. 1
Casualties and losses
None None
Map depicting Louisiana and approaches to New Orleans as depicted during the occupation of New Orleans[1]
Approaches to New Orleans, Department of the Gulf Map Number 5, February 14, 1863[2]

The capture of New Orleans (April 25 – May 1, 1862) during the American Civil War was a turning point in the war that precipitated the capture of the Mississippi River. Having fought past Forts Jackson and St. Philip, the Union was unopposed in its capture of the city itself.

Many residents resented the controversial and confrontational administration of the city by its U.S. Army military governor. This capture of the largest Confederate city was a major turning point and an event of international importance. It also caught many Confederate generals by surprise who had planned for an attack from the north instead of from the Gulf of Mexico.[3]

  1. ^ Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. I, v. 18, p. 131.
  2. ^ Atlas to accompany the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. Plate XC.
  3. ^ "Union captures New Orleans". www.History.com. Retrieved October 27, 2022.