North America 1862: Capture of New Orleans

Political map of North America & the Caribbean on 01 May 1862 (American Civil War: Capture of New Orleans), showing the following events: British & Spanish withdraw from Mexico; Confederates abandon Arizona; Battle of Forts Jackson & St Philip; Capture of New Orleans; Siege of Corinth.

Union successes in Tennessee forced the Confederates to send troops and materiel north up the Mississippi River, stripping their defenses in the south. However, this made New Orleans vulnerable, and, when the Union fleet sailed upriver to attack it, it fell swiftly. Through simple negligence, the Confederacy had lost its largest city and most important commercial port.

Main Events

9–24 Apr 1862 British & Spanish withdraw from Mexico

Realizing French ambitions, Great Britain and Spain ended their part in the Mexican intervention and withdrew their troops.in wikipedia

12 Apr–? Jul 1862 Confederates abandon Arizona

Union forces expelled the Confederates from New Mexico Territory, ending the Confederate Territory of Arizona.in wikipedia

18–28 Apr 1862 Battle of Forts Jackson & St Philip

Their blockade now secure, the Union Navy now sought to cut off Confederate supply routes further by seizing control of the Mississippi River. To this end, the Union fleet under David G. Farragut forced passage between Confederate Forts Jackson and St. Philip to advance on New Orleans.in wikipedia

25 Apr–1 May 1862 Capture of New Orleans

Union forces under Farragut captured New Orleans, the largest city in the Confederacy and most important harbor.in wikipedia

29 Apr–30 May 1862 Siege of Corinth

Following their victory at Shiloh, Union forces under Henry Halleck were able to move in and besiege the Confederate stronghold of Corinth, Mississippi. Halleck captured Corinth from Confederate forces under P. G. T. Beauregard after one month of fighting.in wikipedia