The effects of the occupation by the Union army were pronounced and
lingering. The city of New Orleans was occupied from early 1862 until 1877.
During this time the political and economic where-with-all of the city
and region was decimated.

In some Parishes neighboring New Orleans there was strong Unionist sentiment. In March of 1863
two men were arrested for attempting to organize a Union company of fighters. The Confederate
command in control of the region to the north of the city upon hearing this, thwarted the effort by
arresting the two men said to be organizing the company. On April 29, 1862 New Orleans surrendered
to Union forces. Now with New Orleans in Federal control and the surrounding Parishes under "enemy"
control, life became more difficult for the inhabitants. A naval blockade was put into place, and once again,
Lake Pontchartrain became a sort of international water, divided north by south. For the people on the northern
or Confederate controlled side, it was devastating. All trade ceased. There was not a legitimate way to continue
commerce with the "enemy". After receiving a negative response by the Confederate army to trade with
New Orleans, those in the Confederate controlled areas were chided,

"every class of society has been subjected to greater or lesser hardships and privations, which to their honor has
been patiently, even cheerfully, borne... if the time comes when you are called upon... you will not be found wanting
in courage and fortitude to bear it like men and Patriots."
Confederate General James O. Fuqua, writing in reply to a request to trade 1862

The letter was met with as had trade restrictions in the past with other governments, with a renewal of
smuggling which was to last throughout the duration of the war.
It continued despite efforts by both the Union and Confederate governments to stop it.

Martial law was declared in District 1 on July 2, 1862 by Confederate authorities.

Jules LeBlanc was appointed Provost Marshal in September 1862. In response to Union demands that the people
of Louisiana either sign a loyalty oath to the United States or register as enemy combatants and
leave the city, not to return, many refused to sign and either left or were deported. Those
"enemies of the Union" were ordered to leave New Orleans in December 1862, and those still
remaining in the city were forcibly deported in February 1863. They were taken by steamer ship
across Lake Pontchartrain to the town of Madisonville. Harper's Weekly carried the story of their
deportation. For those with property both in New Orleans and property outside the city, the decision
to stay or leave was difficult. The Union forces did not allow the free movement of individuals between
New Orleans and Rebel territory. Thus many with lands or plantations beyond the city either languished or
remained without their property in the city, now under Union control.

For those Creoles remaining in the city the conditions deteriorated with the arrival of Union General
Benjamin Butler. He was later replaced by Nathaniel Banks on order of President Lincoln.
Dr. Isachar Zacharie, a French national, served as unofficial envoy to President Lincoln reported in a
letter posted April 30, 1863 to the President on the conditions of New Orleans.

"...there are a few that will complain, but the attitude towards yourself and the general government is improving
[with the arrival of General Banks]... there are many good Union men here... My reception here by its citizens,
particularly the Creoles, has been very kind, and I trust my influence among them will be of benefit to this government."