The leveed Mississippi placed the warships above much of the city, giving their guns a commanding position. After local leaders resisted an initial surrender demand, Farragut landed with 250 Marines, removed the Louisiana flag from city hall, and personally confronted the risk of mob resistance. That small landing force could compel symbols of surrender because the fleet's guns and control of the river supplied the real coercive power. Benjamin Butler later claimed to have conquered the city after arriving with thousands of soldiers, although the Navy had already forced its submission.
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The Navy forces New Orleans to yield
Once above the forts, Farragut's ships held the elevated river position and compelled New Orleans before the Union Army occupied the city.