Battle of New Orleans

Andrew Jackson assembled a diverse force of regulars, militia, free Black soldiers, Choctaw warriors, and even Jean Lafitte's pirates to defend New Orleans against a veteran British army. On January 8, 1815, the British launched a frontal assault across open ground and were cut to pieces by devastating American fire. The British suffered over 2,000 casualties to only 71 American losses. Ironically, the Treaty of Ghent ending the War of 1812 had been signed two weeks earlier, though news had not yet reached the combatants. The victory made Jackson a national hero and future president.