Today in History: Battle of New Orleans

Gold medal presented to Jackson by Congress
Today in History–January 8–the Library of Congress features the Battle of New Orleans. On this day in 1815 a small, rag-tag U.S. force claimed victory against 8,000 British troops. Although the battle had little significance—it occurred after the War of 1812 had ended—it made Major General Andrew Jackson a national hero. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related primary sources.

The Story of the Battle of New Orleans 1915

Battle of New Orleans images

Battle of New Orleans books and other texts

An oration, delivered on the fourteenth anniversary of the battle of New-Orleans, at Goffstown January 8, 1829

Andrew Jackson – Greatest of Militia Chieftains The Times Dispatch. (Richmond, Va.), 09 Oct. 1910

When Every American Could Shoot The Ogden Standard. (Ogden City, Utah), 02 Jan. 1915

Plan of the attack and defence of the American lines below New Orleans map

Huzza! for Gen. Jackson!! broadside

Huzza! Old Iron Sides” song sheet

The Battle of New Orleans sheet music

Eighth of January” song recording

Library blog posts

Related resources