1812 Intro  |  Exhibits Menu  |  TSLA Home



"The Glorious 8th of January"
Drawing of the Battle of New Orleans

Drawing of the Battle of New Orleans by Hyacinth Ladott, 1815
Tennessee Historical Society Picture Collection

In the foreground is Colonel Rennie's charge on the right end of Line Jackson, drawn from the perspective of the west bank of the Mississippi.

On Sunday, January 8, 1815, an early morning fog enveloped the open fields of Chalmette as a British Congreve rocket arched its way into the sky. This signaled the initial charge of Pakenham's army against the well-fortified Americans, entrenched behind a moat-like canal. "Line Jackson" consisted of a mile-long earthen breastwork extending from the Mississippi River to swamp-filled woods on the extreme left of the American position. The British plan called for a three-pronged attack. Colonel Rennie's force would attack the right end of Line Jackson. The main force, under Major General Samuel Gibbs, would attack the American center, a section manned mostly by Carroll's Tennesseans and artillery. A third force would cross the Mississippi River to capture the American artillery on the west bank. The aim was to then turn the guns upon the Americans in Line Jackson and fire into the flank and rear of the line.

Battle of New Orleans

"The Battle of New Orleans," ca. 1861
Tennessee Historical Society Picture Collection

Rennie's force achieved initial success, but was beaten back by a counter charge. The British attacking the American center were devastated by rifle and artillery fire. In a matter of hours, the British suffered nearly 3,000 dead and wounded (including Pakenham, Gibbs, and Rennie), while the Americans lost only thirteen men. Though the British attack on the west bank proved effective, the demoralizing destruction on the main field of battle drove the British to withdraw. The defeat of the British was so great that even Jackson was stunned by its proportions.

William Carroll

Engraving of William Carroll,
ca. 1820

Tennessee Historical Society Picture Collection

William Carroll
(1788-1844)

William Carroll served as Jackson's Inspector General during the Creek War and was severely wounded at Horseshoe Bend. After Jackson's promotion to the regular army, Carroll commanded the Tennessee militia and held the center of the line at New Orleans. He later became governor, holding that position longer than anyone else. He served all but two years between 1821 and 1835.

Top





 
Pakenham's Charge

"Pakenham's Charge"
Tennessee Historical Society Picture Collection

Death of Pakenham

"Death of General Pakenham," 1878
Tennessee Historical Society Picture Collection

Death of Colonel Rennie

"Death of Colonel Rennie," 1848
Library Photograph Collection

Fall of General Gibbs

"Fall of General Gibbs," ca. 1848
Library Photograph Collection

Battle of New Orleans

"Battle of New Orleans," 1860
Library Photograph Collection

General Jackson Relieving the Wounded after the Battle

"General Jackson Relieving the Wounded after the Battle"
Library Photograph Collection



TSLA