The Battle of New Orleans Coloring and Activity book compiled and provided by The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum

The Battle of New Orleans, fought on January 8th, 1815, was the last battle of the War of 1812. The Bicentennial, or 200 year anniversary, of the Battle is January 8th, 2015.

Battle of New Orleans Mini Scavenger Hunt 1. What is another name sometimes used to describe the War of 1812?

2. What song did Francis Scott Key write during the War of 1812?

3. What type of ship was sold for lumber after its journey was completed?

4. Who was the American commanding General at the Battle of New Orleans?

5. Name three of the many different groups of people who helped in the Battle of New Orleans.

6. What was the name of the first steam boat captained by Henry Miller Shreve?

7. What did this steam boat do that no other steam boat had ever done before?

The War of 1812 After the Revolutionary War, relations between the United States and Great Britain remained tense. Due to British interference with American international trade, the United States declared war on Britain in June of 1812. This war, later called the “Second War of Independence,” defined patriotism in the young United States. By winning the war, the United States had just beaten a world superpower and vindicated her existence.

The character of Uncle Sam developed during the War of 1812

Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner while watching the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Before this song became the national anthem, United States citizens did not recognize or use the American flag.

In the early 1800’s, January 8th, the anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans was celebrated with all the parades and fireworks that we celebrate the 4th of July today.

The Battle of New Orleans itself was a successful collaboration of diverse people from a variety of backgrounds. Creoles, Kentucky and Tennessee riflemen, Free Men of Color, Slaves, Choctaw and Caddo Indians, Jean Lafitte and his men, French exiles, and Women all assisted in the war effort. This incredible unity and multiculturalism is often heralded as both the lesson of the Battle of New Orleans and the reason for this ‘glorious victory.’

Use this page to draw one of the groups mentioned above. For ideas, look at the cover and back of this booklet, as well as at the uniform pictures on the following pages.

Fortifying the Rodriguez Canal, the site of the Battle

Andrew Jackson was the commander of the United States military forces at the Battle of New Orleans. Because of this victory, Jackson achieved so much national popularity that he won the Presidential election in 1829.

The famous privateer, Jean Lafitte and his band of Baratarians, also joined the fighting forces at New Orleans. The men and munitions brought by Lafitte were instrumental in the American victory. All charges of piracy against Lafitte and his men were forgiven after the victory.

Military uniforms like those worn during the Battle of New Orleans.

United States Artillery Drummer (1812)

U.S. Marine Corps Officer (1826)

U.S. Artillery Cadet (1805)

U.S. Army Sergeant (1813)

South Carolina Militia (1836)

In late 1814, the Enterprise, captained by Henry Miller Shreve, traveled down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers with a shipment of munitions for General Andrew Jackson in New Orleans. Her return trip in mid-1815 marked the first time a steam boat successfully passed the Falls at Louisville and traveled up both rivers in the same trip.

Jordan B. Noble, a teenage free boy of color, traveled south with Jackson to play his drum for U.S. troops at the Battle of New Orleans. Due to his playing at the Battle, and his later military service, Noble became one of the most well-known and honored veterans of the war. In the 1850s, Noble could frequently be found playing his drum throughout the city of New Orleans.