David Glasgow Farragut was appointed by President Lincoln as commander of the West Coast Blockading Squadron and charged with opening the Mississippi River to Union vessels and to attack New Orleans.

He opened the Battle of New Orleans on April 18, 1862, and ten days later, Confederate forces surrendered. Because this victory was so significant and because of his long, dedicated service to his country, Farragut was promoted first to vice admiral, and then two years later, he became the Navy's first four-star admiral.