"Capture of New Orleans" Topic

"Early in the Civil War, Union General-in-Chief Winfield Scott devised the "Anaconda Plan" for defeating the Confederacy. A hero of the Mexican-American War, Scott called for the blockade of the Southern coast as well as the capture of the Mississippi River. This latter move was designed to split the Confederacy in two and prevent supplies from moving east and west.

The first step to securing the Mississippi was the capture of New Orleans. The Confederacy's largest city and busiest port, New Orleans was defended by two large forts, Jackson and St. Philip, situated on the river below the city.

The task of taking the city fell to the US Navy and Flag Officer David G. Farragut. A long-serving officer and commander of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Farragut established his base of operations at Ship Island off the coast of Mississippi. Assessing the Confederate defences, Farragut initially planned to reduce the forts with mortar fire before advancing his fleet up the river. Rendezvousing at Head of Passes on April 8, 1862, Farragut's ships moved up the river towards the forts. Arriving, Farragut was confronted by Forts Jackson and St. Philip, as well as a chain barricade and four smaller batteries…"

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Amicalement
Armand

The first step to securing the Mississippi was the capture of New Orleans.

Actually, the first step to securing the Mississippi was Grant's capture of Forts Henry and Donelson (on the Tennessee and Cumberland respectively), which outflanked the Confederate position on the bluffs above the Mississippi at Columbus KY.

Thanks!.

Amicalement
Armand