David G. Farragut begins assembling a Federal naval squadron to take on Vicksburg, one of the last major Confederate strongholds on the Mississippi River.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
David G. Farragut begins assembling a Federal naval squadron to take on Vicksburg, one of the last major Confederate strongholds on the Mississippi River.
David D. Porter’s Federal mortar fleet continues bombarding the two forts below New Orleans, and a Confederate mutiny helps force their surrender.
David G. Farragut’s Federal warships make their daring attempt to move up the Mississippi River, bypass Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and capture New Orleans.
David G. Farragut lays out his plan to steam his gunboats past Forts Jackson and St. Philip on their way to capturing New Orleans.
Federals take the first step toward capturing New Orleans when David D. Porter’s mortar fleet begins firing on Forts Jackson and St. Philip.
David G. Farragut, flag officer of the Federal West Gulf Blockading Squadron, proceeds with his plan to capture New Orleans, the Confederacy’s largest and richest city.