January 8, 1815. The Battle of New Orleans.
The War of 1812 was technically over. The Treaty of Ghent had been signed, but word had not crossed the Atlantic yet. Slow communication changed everything.
British forces attacked New Orleans anyway and were met by an American force led by Andrew Jackson. His army was not a traditional one. It included U.S. regulars, state militias, Native allies, free Black soldiers, local Creoles, and even pirates under Jean Lafitte.
The result was one of the most lopsided victories in U.S. military history. Over 2,000 British casualties compared to roughly 70 American losses.
The battle did not change the treaty, but it reshaped American identity. It boosted national confidence, made Jackson a national hero, and proved that the United States could stand up to the world’s most powerful empire.
Free Black soldiers played a critical role in defending the city. Their bravery was undeniable. Their recognition afterward was not.
This victory was not simple, clean, or fair. It was complex, coalition-driven, and built by people history often sidelines.
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