Battle of New Orleans

 

Virtual Battle of New Orleans

 

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  Virtual Battle of New Orleans 1/4:

  The Battle of New Orleans was one of the final conflicts of the War of 1812. But what led to the war? Who was involved and why were we fighting? Find out what the events were that led to the culmination on January 8th, 1815.

  Duration:

  10 minutes, 13 seconds

 

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  Virtual Battle of New Orleans 2/4:

  Who were the soldiers in the Battle of New Orleans? Both on the British and American sides, we look at the hardships they both faced and how morale played a factor in the actual conflict.

  Duration:

  8 minutes, 42 seconds

 

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  Virtual Battle of New Orleans 3/4:

  It wasn’t just the soldiers on the field who experienced hardship. We explore what life was like in rural Louisiana in the 1800s, and who came out to defend the area during the War of 1812.

  Duration:

  7 minutes, 47 seconds

 

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  Virtual Battle of New Orleans 4/4:

  It’s finally time to engage in the events of January 8th, 1815. What were the key moments in the battle, and what tactics made each side successful, and unsuccessful? We’ll also look at the weapons of the time and demonstrate our reproduction cannons and muskets.

  Duration:

  11 minutes, 14 seconds

 

The Many Battles of New Orleans

Although the Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 24, 1814, the War of 1812 was not over. The treaty specifically stated that fighting between the United States and Britain would stop only when both governments ratified the treaty; and so, the battles in and around New Orleans continued through December and into 1815.

December 14, 1814

 A British fleet of gunboats was met in Lake Borgne, east of New Orleans, by a small flotilla of American gunboats. Unable to maneuver freely due to light winds, the outnumbered Americans were defeated. This delayed the British invasion fleet. The delay gave General Andrew Jackson more time to prepare defenses in New Orleans. The British crossed the lake and proceeded up Bayou Bienvenue. They searched and made camp on higher ground close to the Mississippi River.

December 23, 1814

Jackson sent two ships downriver to bombard the British encampment. The ships, named the Louisiana and Carolina, were followed by a force on land. The British were caught by surprise with the attack. They believed the American forces may be stronger than they had anticipated. The attack caused more delay, allowing Jackson to continue to reinforce the defenses.

January 1, 1815

The British began an artillery barrage. The main target was the plantation house that served as Jackson's headquarters. The result was few casualties and little damage. The Americans responded with artillery that damaged some British guns.

January 8, 1815

The climactic battle began in the morning. The British advanced in formation across the sugarcane fields of Chalmette Plantation. The Americans held a fortified position behind a canal and an earthen rampart. Their artillery devastated the advancing British, killing senior officers. Even the commanding general, Sir Edward Packenham, was killed. With no senior officer to lead them, the British retired from the field.

Meanwhile, another British force had crossed the Mississippi River. Their intent was taking American guns on the opposite bank. They succeeded in overrunning the American defenders on the west side of the river. From there, they were to recross the river and attack the Americans from the rear. That plan was thwarted as the British forces on the east side at Chalmette had been defeated. A few skirmishes took place in the days following, but the victory was complete. The invaders had been defeated, and New Orleans was saved.

February 15, 1815

Congress ratified the Treaty of Ghent, officially ending the War of 1812.