E. Finch - YDMS/CPSB - Interactive Map Civil War Events and Battles

Port Hudson

The capture of New Orleans in 1862 wasn't a singular battle, but a strategic maneuver by the Union Navy. Flag Officer David Farragut led a powerful squadron to bypass mighty forts guarding the Mississippi River. Through heavy bombardment and daring tactics, Farragut's fleet fought their way past, leaving the city itself undefended. The Confederate forces abandoned New Orleans, and the Union occupied the vital port city on April 25th, 1862. This victory crippled the Confederacy's economy and gave the Union a major foothold on the Mississippi River.

The Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Battle of Manassas, was the first major clash of the American Civil War. Here's a quick breakdown. It was a fight between large, mostly untrained armies. The Union initially pushed the Confederates back, but Confederate reinforcements arrived by train, turning the tide. The Union retreated in disarray, and the South was greatly encouraged. The North, however, learned a valuable lesson: the war would be long and hard-fought.