Great Louisiana hurricane
Encyclopedia
The Great Louisiana Hurricane was a major hurricane that struck New Orleans, Louisiana
during the War of 1812
. It was the worst storm of the early history of New Orleans
and is very likely the closest landfalling hurricane known to have an impact on the city.
as a major hurricane after raking the Caribbean Islands. It passed just to the west of New Orleans, almost destroying the levee north of town, rolled over the barrier islands and drowned Plaquemines
and St. Bernard
Parishes and the area around Barataria Bay
under 15 feet (4.6 m) of water. The parade ground at Fort St. Philip
was inundated by 8 feet (2.4 m) of water and the shoreline along Lake Pontchartrain
was similarly inundated, though this was far enough below the French Quarter to spare any flooding of the City.
At 5 PM on the 19th, winds began out of the northeast in New Orleans. Winds increased to a "perfect hurricane" at 11 PM. Winds abated after 2:30 PM the next day. Nearly all buildings suffered. All window panes in City Hall were broken. Fifteen feet of water covered the city. Extensive damage to buildings, trees, and 53 boats was seen. The levee was destroyed, which allowed the storm surge to submerge areas south of the city.
Some public panic set in when after the storm rumors spread that the British had taken over Fort St. Phillip; this storm struck during the thick of the War of 1812 and the fort was controlled by the Americans at the time. In fact, the British fleet approaching the area was scattered widely across the Gulf during the storm. The small U.S. Navy contingent stationed near New Orleans suffered heavy damage as well. The first USS Louisiana
was sunk by the hurricane.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
during the War of 1812
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
. It was the worst storm of the early history of New Orleans
History of New Orleans
The history of New Orleans, Louisiana traces the city's development from its founding by the French, through its period under Spanish control, then back to French rule before being sold to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase...
and is very likely the closest landfalling hurricane known to have an impact on the city.
Meteorological history
A tropical cyclone was sighted east of Jamaica on August 14. By August 19, it struck southeast LouisianaLouisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
as a major hurricane after raking the Caribbean Islands. It passed just to the west of New Orleans, almost destroying the levee north of town, rolled over the barrier islands and drowned Plaquemines
Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana
Plaquemines Parish is the parish with the most combined land and water area in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Pointe à la Hache...
and St. Bernard
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana
St. Bernard Parish is a parish located southeast of New Orleans in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Chalmette, the largest city in the parish. As of 2000, its population was 67,229. It has been ranked the fastest-growing county in the United States from 2007 to 2008 by the U.S....
Parishes and the area around Barataria Bay
Barataria Bay
Barataria Bay, also Barrataria Bay, is a bay of the Gulf of Mexico that is located in southeastern Louisiana, in Jefferson Parish and Plaquemines Parish, United States....
under 15 feet (4.6 m) of water. The parade ground at Fort St. Philip
Fort St. Philip
Fort St. Philip is a decommissioned masonry fort located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, about up river from its mouth in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana...
was inundated by 8 feet (2.4 m) of water and the shoreline along Lake Pontchartrain
Lake Pontchartrain
Lake Pontchartrain is a brackish estuary located in southeastern Louisiana. It is the second-largest inland saltwater body of water in the United States, after the Great Salt Lake in Utah, and the largest lake in Louisiana. As an estuary, Pontchartrain is not a true lake.It covers an area of with...
was similarly inundated, though this was far enough below the French Quarter to spare any flooding of the City.
At 5 PM on the 19th, winds began out of the northeast in New Orleans. Winds increased to a "perfect hurricane" at 11 PM. Winds abated after 2:30 PM the next day. Nearly all buildings suffered. All window panes in City Hall were broken. Fifteen feet of water covered the city. Extensive damage to buildings, trees, and 53 boats was seen. The levee was destroyed, which allowed the storm surge to submerge areas south of the city.
Some public panic set in when after the storm rumors spread that the British had taken over Fort St. Phillip; this storm struck during the thick of the War of 1812 and the fort was controlled by the Americans at the time. In fact, the British fleet approaching the area was scattered widely across the Gulf during the storm. The small U.S. Navy contingent stationed near New Orleans suffered heavy damage as well. The first USS Louisiana
USS Louisiana (1812)
The first USS Louisiana, was a sloop built in New Orleans in 1812 and she played a vital role in the defense of Louisiana during the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom.-Career:...
was sunk by the hurricane.