Fort Jackson/Fort St. Phillip (Buras)
29.356594,-89.454718
By the early 1800’s, New Orleans and the surrounding areas were no stranger to war and attacks, specifically from Spain and Britain. After several skirmishes and attempts to seize New Orleans, the city’s hero, General Andrew Jackson ordered that a fortification be built to not only protect the city but to secure the river from any future attacks. Construction of Fort Jackson began in 1822 and was completed and occupied in 1832. It was then garrisoned by a small force until February 9, 1842, when it was declared a military reservation by executive order of President John Tyler.
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| Map of Ft. Jackson |
With the American Civil War now
under way, the Union had their eyes set on capturing New Orleans and it would
not be long before a deadly attempt would be made. The infamous battle to gain
control of New Orleans took place at Fort Jackson and St. Phillip from April 16,
1862 until April 28, 1862. During these tense 13 days, Union soldiers, led by Flag
Officer David G. Farragut, commanded naval ships into the murky waters and
unleashed a barrage of mortars onto the Confederate forts. For several days,
the bombardments continued, with the river obstructions being partially
destroyed on the night of April 22nd. The Union and their firepower
was too much for the Confederacy to contend with, as ships pushed through the
barricades and made their way to New Orleans, ultimately seizing the city. After
putting up a great fight, the forts officially surrendered on April 28th.
The final death toll from the battle was approximately 1,011!
