Fifteen days after the Treaty of Ghent was signed (Christmas Eve 1814), General Andrew Jackson decisively defeated the British at New Orleans. Neither the British, nor the Americans had received news of the peace yet. Although the final engagement happened on 8 January, 1815, the fighting around New Orleans had been going on since 14 December 1814, starting with a Royal Marine vistory over US gunboats guarding the entrance to New Orleans on Lake Borgne. On 23 December, Jackson failed to dislodge the British at their quarters on the Villeré Plantation. Jackson fell back and occupied the approach to New Orleans at the Rodriguez Canal. On 28 December, the British probed the line in force, but were repelled. On 1 January 1815, the British attempted to dislodge Jackson with artillery, but the duel ended with the American artillery victorious, probably because they had more ammunition. The Americans had more ammunition due to Jackson's temporary alliance with the Baratarian pirates, including Jean Lafitte, who hated the British more than the Americans.
Finally, on 8 January, the British executed a frontal assault on the American positions which failed miserably, including the loss of the British Commander , Pakenham. Jackson had delivered the heaviest defeat on the Brits in the war, even though they were formally at peace. The British and the Americans continued the fight in the area, not hearing of the peace until 12 Febuary 1815.

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Motorcycle Ride

Start at Chalmette, near the site of the 8 January battle and make your way to Louisiana State Route 23, running southeast to the tip of the delta, following the Mississippi River. New Orleans is a bit rougher these days, so be prepared for detours and some deserted areas. As always, be aware of your surroundings when riding through this area.

Maps