William J. Behan

William J. Behan (1840-1928) was the 41st mayor of New Orleans (November 20, 1882 – April 28, 1884).

During the American Civil War, Behan had served the Confederate States of America in the Washington Artillery where he rose in rank to major.

He was also Captain of the Mistick Krewe of Comus.

Behan was born in the City of New Orleans, Louisiana on September 25, 1840 to his parents, father John Holland Behan and mother Katherine Behan. He was the eldest of three boys, William J., Frank, and Isaac D. With deep family ties to the City, Behan was destined from a young age to live out his days in the area. William attended Western Military Institute in Nashville, Tennessee. There he grew his knowledge in the fields of militia and army tactics. This Education played a vital role in the position he had in the imminent Civil War.

William J. Behan with an educated background and a family bond to the South served as an officer in the Washington Artillery under the Confederate Army. He held, at the time, the notoriety of being the youngest officer under that section of General Robert E. Lee's forces. His role throughout the war gave him exposure to many important figures, and after the ultimate defeat the South faced, Behan sought a position in politics.

After the war, the infrastructure and formation of the Southern states was in shambles. The city of New Orleans was especially devastated due to the fact that it was a key component of the flow of resources for the Confederate forces. Behan headed the implementation of the Crescent City White League after the ending of the war. This Parliamentary group consisted of Confederate veterans who sought to keep Republicans from taking office. It was described by many to be the "Military arm of the Democratic Party.

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