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Battle of New Orleans
Battle of New Orleans
The War of 1812, is often called the second war for American Independence. It began in 1812 and
ended in 1815.
On June 18, 1812, the United States stunned the world by declaring war on Great Britain. One
cause of the War of 1812 was the British disregard of American shipping rights. Between 1808 and
1811 over 6,000 Americans were impressed by the British.
British ships frequently stopped American ships, confiscated their cargo, and impressed (captured)
crew members, claiming they were deserters from Britain’s Royal Navy.
Battle of New Orleans
By the time the Battle of New Orleans was fought, many other battles had taken place. The Battle
of New Orleans was the last in a series of battles.
The first part of the New Orleans battle occurred when the British fleet approached the city through
Lake Borgne. The British won the first battle, but their progression toward New Orleans did slow
down.
Battle of New Orleans
Andrew Jackson was a strict officer but was popular with his troops. It was said he was "tough as old
hickory" wood on the battlefield, which gave him his nickname, “Old Hickory.”
When British forces threatened New Orleans, Jackson took command of the defenses, including
militia from several western states and territories. Across the lake, the British army then started for
New Orleans. Andrew Jackson planned a night attack that surprised the British. That also slowed the
British.
Battle of New Orleans
By this time, the British General had decided to attack again. They attacked twice, but American troops
under the leadership of Andrew Jackson, American soldiers held their ground.
On January 8, 1815, both armies met south of New Orleans on the plains of Chalmette. The battle took
place on a foggy morning and lasted less than one hour.
Battle of New Orleans
British Major-General Edward Pakenham
ordered assaults against Jackson's position.
The first assault was to place a small force on
the west bank of the Mississippi. The second
was the main attack in three columns directly
against the earthworks manned by the vast
majority of American troops.
In the Battle of New Orleans on January 8,
1815, Jackson's 5,000 soldiers won a victory
over 7,500 British. The British had more than
2,000 casualties to Jackson's 8 killed and 58
wounded or missing.
Battle of New Orleans
Ironically, what Jackson nor British Major-General Edward
Pakenham did not know was that the war was already over. On
December 24, 1814, a treaty ending the war was already over.
However news of “Treaty of Ghent” did not arrive in the United
States until two weeks later. Sadly, this battle could have been
avoided.
British Major-General Edward Pakenham died in the Battle of
New Orleans. His body was shipped home to England in a
hogshead barrel of rum. He was buried on his estate in
England.
However, the victory was not considered meaningless. The
British had been shown that Americans would not back down,
even when it dealt with fighting the world’s most powerful nation
at that time.
Battle of New Orleans
The War of 1812 finally settled the
conflict between America and England
once and for all.
Following the Battle of New Orleans,
the 4th of July celebrations had new
meaning. The Battle had brought
together Louisiana citizens for an
American cause.
Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans made
General Andrew Jackson a hero. A
statue of Jackson was built in New
Orleans to honor him. The statue
stands in Jackson Square. The
statue, was cast from a cannon used
in the battle. The statue was
completed in 1856.
Hero Andrew Jackson was elected
President of the United States. He
was the nation’s 7th President and
served from March 4, 1829 – March 4,
1837.
THE END
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