JANUARY 8TH: Battle of New Orleans. Andrew Jackson's army of 4,000 consisted of militia, volunteer citizens, free blacks, , slaves, pirates and regular soldiers.
The British campaign in Louisiana sought control of the mouth of the Mississippi River with the goal of disrupting American economic activity along the river by seizing New Orleans.
However, the slowness of the British advance through difficult bayou country of the river delta gave time for Andrew Jackson to organize the city's defense.
The main attack took place on Jan. 8th, took place over open terrain against American prepared fortifications and it was a disaster for the British. British casualties exceeded over 2,000 out of 6,000, including the death of their commander, Major General Edward Parkenham.
The Americans lost 71.
With the defeat, the British lifted their siege and retreated downriver in search of easier targets along the Gulf coast.
Jan. 9-12. Royal Navy warships bombard Ft. St. Philip, Louisiana, situated downriver from New Orleans. That too fails.
--Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
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