Civil War Confederate Militia General. The oldest Confederate brigadier general, he participated in the failed 1862 defense of New Orleans. Raised in Paris he graduated from the L'Ecole Polytechnique, where his academic record was mediocre, in 1813 then after further training at Metz served as a Lieutenant in the 6th. Artillery of Napoleon's Grande Armee; though again considered a marginal performer he was twice decorated for bravery, receiving the Legion of Honor and the St. Helena Medal. Moving to New Orleans in 1817 he soon became prominent as a civil engineer and architect, laying out Lafayette Cemetery and many of New Orleans' streets as well as in 1819 designing its famous Customs House. Buisson worked as a printer and newspaper publisher, served as Surveyor of Jefferson Parish from 1832 until 1855, and also authored texts on astronomy (1849) and light infantry tactics (1861) while being active in the Militia from 1824 on and commanding the Orleans Battalion of Artillery. At the start of the Civil War Buisson was named to the Committee on City Defense and placed in charge of New Orleans' fortifications. He was appointed Brigadier General of Militia on February 17, 1862, but when the Union fleet invaded on April 24th. of that year many members of his 22nd. Louisiana Volunteers became discouraged and fled, their poor showing thereby ending General Buisson's military career. After leaving active service he resumed his work as a surveyor and remained in New Orleans until his death.
Civil War Confederate Militia General. The oldest Confederate brigadier general, he participated in the failed 1862 defense of New Orleans. Raised in Paris he graduated from the L'Ecole Polytechnique, where his academic record was mediocre, in 1813 then after further training at Metz served as a Lieutenant in the 6th. Artillery of Napoleon's Grande Armee; though again considered a marginal performer he was twice decorated for bravery, receiving the Legion of Honor and the St. Helena Medal. Moving to New Orleans in 1817 he soon became prominent as a civil engineer and architect, laying out Lafayette Cemetery and many of New Orleans' streets as well as in 1819 designing its famous Customs House. Buisson worked as a printer and newspaper publisher, served as Surveyor of Jefferson Parish from 1832 until 1855, and also authored texts on astronomy (1849) and light infantry tactics (1861) while being active in the Militia from 1824 on and commanding the Orleans Battalion of Artillery. At the start of the Civil War Buisson was named to the Committee on City Defense and placed in charge of New Orleans' fortifications. He was appointed Brigadier General of Militia on February 17, 1862, but when the Union fleet invaded on April 24th. of that year many members of his 22nd. Louisiana Volunteers became discouraged and fled, their poor showing thereby ending General Buisson's military career. After leaving active service he resumed his work as a surveyor and remained in New Orleans until his death.
Bio by: Bob Hufford
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