| Formed | before August 14, 1812 |
|---|---|
| Dissipated | after August 20, 1812 |
| Fatalities | c. 100 |
| Damage | $6 million (1812 USD) |
| Areas affected | Louisiana |
| Part of the 1812 Atlantic hurricane season | |
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.[1]
A tropical cyclone was sighted east of Jamaica on August 14. By August 19, it struck southeast Louisiana 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.[2] The first USS Louisiana was sunk by the hurricane.[3]