January 8 in American History

January 8, 1815 — the Battle of New Orleans

General Andrew Jackson's ragtag force — regulars, militia, free Black soldiers, pirates, and frontiersmen — crushed a much larger British army outside New Orleans. Fought two weeks after a peace treaty had technically ended the War of 1812, the lopsided American victory made Jackson a national hero and gave the country a surge of pride.

Common Questions

What happened on January 8 in American history?

In 1815: the Battle of New Orleans. General Andrew Jackson's ragtag force — regulars, militia, free Black soldiers, pirates, and frontiersmen — crushed a much larger British army outside New Orleans.

Why is January 8 significant?

General Andrew Jackson's ragtag force — regulars, militia, free Black soldiers, pirates, and frontiersmen — crushed a much larger British army outside New Orleans. Fought two weeks after a peace treaty had technically ended the War of 1812, the lopsided American victory made Jackson a national hero and gave the country a surge of pride.

The Daily Poll · Weigh In

What powers an underdog victory?

Opinion, not a quiz — no wrong answer.

★ Forge Your Freedom

Get One of These Every Day

The FreedomMaxxing Daily Brief pairs a history moment like this with what's on your radar today and a live patriot poll — free, 60 seconds.

Take the Free Assessment
America holds its first presidential electionthe first balloon flight in America