Best Civil War Tours of New Orleans: Historical Insights

New Orleans, a city profoundly shaped by history, played a pivotal role during the American Civil War. As the largest city in the South at the time, New Orleans provided thousands of troops and supplies to the Confederate cause. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Mississippi River made it a crucial port for both the Union and Confederate militaries. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in this captivating history through various Civil War tours offered in the city.

TL;DR

• New Orleans was a major economic hub in the pre-war South, with a thriving slave trade and significant cotton exports.
• The Union’s capture of New Orleans in 1862 was a turning point, granting control of the Mississippi River and isolating Confederate states.
• Civil War tours in New Orleans offer a glimpse into the city’s unique wartime role, with knowledgeable guides providing historical insights.

History of Civil War in New Orleans

New Orleans was a bustling metropolis in the antebellum South, with a population of over 168,000 in 1860. The city’s economy heavily relied on the slave trade, with more than 50 slave markets operating at its peak. New Orleans also served as a major port for exporting cotton, tobacco, and sugar.

When Louisiana seceded from the Union on January 26, 1861, New Orleans swiftly became a center of Confederate activity. The New Orleans Mint began producing Confederate currency, and the city’s shipbuilders started constructing warships, including the ironclad CSS Manassas and two early submarines. Thousands of men and boys from New Orleans volunteered for service in the Confederate Army, including the famous “Louisiana Tigers” infantry brigade.

Significance of New Orleans in the Civil War

The Union recognized the strategic importance of New Orleans early in the war. Capturing the city would grant the Union control of the Mississippi River, effectively splitting the Confederacy in two and isolating the states of Texas, Arkansas, and much of Louisiana. In April 1862, a Union naval fleet under Admiral David Farragut successfully bypassed Confederate defenses and captured the city.

The fall of New Orleans dealt a significant blow to the Confederacy and marked a major turning point in the war. It was the first capture of a major Confederate city and gave the Union a vital foothold in the South. The occupation of New Orleans also had a profound impact on the city’s residents, who faced martial law, confiscation of property, and other hardships under Union rule.

Key Battles and Events

While no major battles were fought within the city limits, several key events and skirmishes occurred in and around New Orleans during the Civil War:

• The Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip (April 18-28, 1862): Union naval forces bombarded and eventually bypassed these two Confederate forts guarding the approach to New Orleans.
• The Capture of New Orleans (April 25, 1862): Following the battle at the forts, Union troops entered and occupied the city without further resistance.
• The Hanging of William Mumford (June 7, 1862): Union General Benjamin Butler ordered the execution of Mumford, a Confederate sympathizer who had torn down a U.S. flag from the New Orleans Mint.

Top Civil War Tours in New Orleans

Tour 1: Civil War Tours of New Orleans

Civil War Tours of New Orleans offers Louisiana’s premier guided Civil War tour experience. These tours focus on the Civil War and its impact on New Orleans and southeast Louisiana.

Highlights and Features

• Knowledgeable guides provide detailed historical insights and stories
• Tours cover key sites and events, such as the occupation of New Orleans and the hanging of William Mumford
• Opportunity to explore lesser-known Civil War-related locations in the city

Tour Duration and Pricing

Tours typically last 2-3 hours and are available for public or private groups. Prices vary depending on the tour selected and group size. Contact Civil War Tours of New Orleans for specific pricing and availability.

Tour 2: Confederate Memorial Hall Museum Tour

The Confederate Memorial Hall Museum houses the second-largest collection of Confederate memorabilia in the country and serves as Louisiana’s Civil War Museum.

Highlights and Features

• Explore exhibits featuring personal artifacts of Confederate generals and soldiers
• View an extensive collection of Civil War-era weaponry, including a large rifled cannon
• Learn about the daily lives of Confederate soldiers through various displays

Tour Duration and Pricing

Self-guided tours of the museum typically last 1-2 hours. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for students. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Tour 3: The Cabildo Tour

Located in Jackson Square, the Cabildo is a historic building that now operates as a museum showcasing the history of New Orleans, including exhibits related to the Civil War.

Highlights and Features

• Explore exhibits such as “From ‘Dirty Shirts’ to Buccaneers: The Battle of New Orleans in American Culture”
• Learn about the role of Spain and New Orleans in supporting the American Revolution
• Discover the history of the Louisiana Purchase, which took place at the Cabildo in 1803

Tour Duration and Pricing

Self-guided tours of the Cabildo typically last 1-2 hours. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, students, and active military. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Civil War Sites and Landmarks in New Orleans

In addition to guided tours, visitors can explore several Civil War-related sites and landmarks in New Orleans on their own:

Site 1: Chalmette Battlefield

Part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, the Chalmette Battlefield is the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. While not directly related to the Civil War, the battlefield offers a glimpse into the city’s rich military history.

Site 2: Metairie Cemetery

Metairie Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many notable Confederate figures, including General P.G.T. Beauregard and General John Bell Hood.

Site 3: Ansel M. Stroud Jr. Military History & Weapons Museum

Located in the historic Jackson Barracks, this museum showcases the history of Louisiana’s civilian soldiers from the colonial era to the present day, with exhibits featuring artifacts from the War of 1812 and the Civil War.

Preparing for a Civil War Tour in New Orleans

What to Expect

Civil War tours in New Orleans typically involve walking through the city’s historic districts, such as the French Quarter and Garden District. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Many tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide historical context and stories, making the experience both educational and engaging.

Recommended Reading and Research

Before embarking on a Civil War tour in New Orleans, visitors may find it helpful to read up on the city’s history and its role in the conflict. Some recommended books include:

• “The Civil War in Louisiana” by John D. Winters
• “The Fall of New Orleans, 1862” by Robert L. Dufour
• “The Capture of New Orleans, 1862” by Chester G. Hearn

Tips for Maximizing the Experience

To get the most out of a Civil War tour in New Orleans, consider the following tips:

• Ask questions and engage with your tour guide to gain a deeper understanding of the historical events and figures discussed.
• Take notes or photographs to help you remember key details and sites.
• After the tour, explore some of the mentioned landmarks and museums on your own to further immerse yourself in the history.

Impact of Civil War Tours on New Orleans

Educational Value for Visitors

Civil War tours in New Orleans provide visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the city’s complex history and its role in one of the most significant conflicts in American history. By exploring key sites and hearing stories from knowledgeable guides, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and struggles of those who lived through the Civil War era.

Preservation of Historical Sites and Artifacts

The popularity of Civil War tours in New Orleans helps to support the preservation and maintenance of important historical sites and artifacts. By generating interest and revenue, these tours contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect and showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Economic Benefits for Local Community

Civil War tourism is a significant contributor to the New Orleans economy, generating income for local businesses such as tour operators, museums, restaurants, and hotels. By attracting visitors interested in the city’s history, Civil War tours help to support the livelihoods of many New Orleans residents.