On what date did the Battle of New Orleans occur?

The Battle of New Orleans occurred on January 8, 1815. It was fought near Chalmette, Louisiana, about five miles southeast of New Orleans, between American forces led by Andrew Jackson and a British army commanded by Edward Pakenham.

The battle was the climactic engagement of Britain’s Gulf campaign. Jackson’s defenders used prepared earthworks, artillery, and rifle fire to stop a much larger British assault. The American side suffered roughly 71 casualties, while British losses exceeded 2,000, including Pakenham and his second-in-command, Samuel Gibbs.

The date often causes confusion because the Treaty of Ghent had already been signed on December 24, 1814. However, the treaty had not yet been ratified or communicated across the Atlantic, so fighting continued. The battle took place fifteen days after the signing and became one of the most famous American victories of the war.

It did not technically decide the treaty’s terms, but the dramatic victory made Andrew Jackson a national hero and strengthened American confidence after a difficult conflict.