Exhibits

War of 1812

The War of 1812 is vaguely remembered and barely understood by most Americans today. But this obscure war had an unparalleled impact on the United States. It forged our national pride and confidence and solidified our standing in the international community.

On June 12, 1812, the U.S. declared war against Great Britain. At the time, England was involved in the Napoleonic Wars. In April 1814, Napoleon abdicated his throne and retreated to the island of Elba. England could now focus on America. Thousands of battle-hardened British soldiers sailed for the U.S. Invasion thrusts were planned via Lake Champlain, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Gulf coast.

The first thrust ended in September, 1814 when Commander Thomas MacDonough defeated the British fleet at the Battle of Lake Champlain in one of the most significant naval battles in U.S. history.

After they burned the White House and the Capitol in Washington, the British were repulsed at Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. Our National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner, was written by a witness to the bombardment.

Late in the year, British troops began their third invasion a few miles south of the town of New Orleans. 47-year old Major General Andrew Jackson prepared to meet them.

Battle of New Orleans

General Andrew Jackson arrived in New Orleans early in December, 1814. By mid-month, he had strengthened the city's defenses, organized the militia, and imposed martial law. He positioned his troops behind mud ramparts and cotton bales about 6 miles south of the town.

The men who stood with Jackson on January 8, 1815 were a colorful hodgepodge. They included regular U.S. Army, militia, frontiersmen, free Blacks, Cajuns, Creoles, and Choctaw Indians. There were farmers, merchants, and pirates led by Jean Lafitte.

The defenders numbered somewhere between 3,500 and 5,000 men. They faced an army twice their size, the best-equipped, most powerful standing army in the world. The Americans did not have enough weapons for their own men.

January 8, 1815

The British attacked on the dark, foggy morning of January 8th. In less than two hours, the mightiest fighting force in the world was decimated. The British reported 2,037 casualties. Jackson reported 13. It was a stupendous, amazing victory.

Laclotte

Jean Hyacinthe de Laclotte (1766 - 1829), a member of the Louisiana militia, was an eyewitness to the Battle.
He created this oil painting from sketches he made at the time. It is considered to be the most accurate representation of the event.
This view looks northeast, away from the Mississippi River.
Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

The news spread throughout the land. Andrew Jackson had triumphed against the greatest empire in the world. His victory made Americans proud to be Americans. He gave the nation confidence. He gave it honor. His magnificent achievement would be celebrated throughout the land for decades.

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