New Orleans During the Civil War

Chronology of the Fall of New Orleans, February-May, 1862

Late February

Admiral David Farragut, USN, arrives at Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island. Ship Island is one of the larger barrier islands on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Mid-March

The U.S. Navy takes Pilottown in the Mississippi Delta. Pilottown is the last human outpost before the mouth of the Mississippi River. It is accessible only by boat (the last town you can get to by road is Boothville).

March 18

Commander David Porter, USN, maneuvers his squadron of 7 gunboats and 20 mortar schooners to the Head of the Passes.

Late March - Early April

Farragut continues to bring his fleet into the river from the Gulf.

April 18

Mortars from Federal schooners fire at Forts Jackson and St. Philip at mid-morning.

April 19

Shelling from mortars continues.

April 20

Mortar fire breaks the chain of ships and barges constructed by the Confederate Navy to block passage of the river.

April 21

Shelling continues under cold and windy conditions.

April 22

Weather improves, shelling intensifies.

April 23

Intense shelling until noon, when the attack abruptly stopped. CSA forces believe this is the moment of a full attack on the forts.

April 24

At 0200, Farragut orders his sloops and gunboats to run the forts. The mortar attack resumes at 0330. By dawn, the passage of the Federal squadron is complete. The total lack of coordination among the various elements of the CSA Navy allow the Union ships to get through with minimal damage and casualties. The CSA gunboat squadrons are reduced to a shambles.

April 25

Union ships anchor above the forts to repair and care for the wounded. They begin to move upriver by mid-morning. By mid-afternoon, the Union fleet anchors at New Orleans. At 1400, Captain Bailey, USN, and Lt. Perkins, USN, go ashore to demand the surrender of the city. CSA troops stationed in the city are evacuated north.

April 26

The US flag is raised over the Mint in the morning. Union forces hold a memorial service at 1100 to honor their dead. Up to this point, the Union has suffered 39 KIA, 171WIA, and the CSA forces 74 KIA and ~74 WIA.

April 26-28

Negotiations with the Mayor and City Council continue. Farragut grows frustrated with the delaying tactics of city officials.

April 27

The 26th Mass. Volunteers land outside of Fort Jackson. A revolt breaks out inside the fort. By midnight, half of the garrison evacuates the fort. The commander of the remainder of the garrison sends a message to the Union commander asking for terms.

April 28

Surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip.

April 29

Surrender of New Orleans finalized. The Union flag is raised over city hall (now known as Gallier Hall).

May 1

General Benjamin Butler, USA, and his wife arrive to begin the occupation of New Orleans.

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