Two years ago, I had the opportunity to present a paper at a symposium commemorating the bicentennial of the Battle of New Orleans. The papers from that symposium have now been published in a new book, The Battle of New Orleans in History and Memory (LSU Press). The table of contents gives you some idea of … Continue reading Did Andrew Jackson Really Hate the British?
New Film on the Battle of New Orleans
Would it be unprofessional for me to squee? Because I sure feel like it. According to this report, Andrew Jackson might finally return to the silver screen. With a planned budget of $60 million to $65 million, the independently financed "Andrew Jackson and the Battle for New Orleans" is being targeted for a possible 2016 … Continue reading New Film on the Battle of New Orleans
January 8th at Andrew Jackson’s Home
Yesterday was a great day at The Hermitage. Erin Adams deserves special praise for pulling off a huge event, but all of the Hermitage staff did a great job in handling the logistics of the crowds and the cold temperatures. Gene Smith kicked off the day with his talk on the free black and slave … Continue reading January 8th at Andrew Jackson’s Home
Commemorating the Bicentennial of the Battle of New Orleans
The bicentennial of the Battle of New Orleans is one of the only historical anniversaries that I've really been excited about in my lifetime. While the Civil War sesquicentennial has received a lot of publicity, the War of 1812 bicentennial has languished in the background. That's unfortunate, but at least in Nashville and New Orleans, … Continue reading Commemorating the Bicentennial of the Battle of New Orleans
The Immortal Andrew Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans
I wrote this piece on the Battle of New Orleans for We're History, a new digital publication co-edited by Heather Cox Richardson and David Chappell. If you're familiar with the battle, then you might not learn much new, but if you need a brief primer on why 8 January 1815 was important, then this is for you.
The British Perspective on the Battle of New Orleans
This editorial brings up a perspective that is often ignored: What did the British think about the Battle of New Orleans? The writer, James Gill, makes the point that the British were involved in previous anniversaries, including descendants of Sir Edward Pakenham, the opposing British general who lost his life during the battle. But what about … Continue reading The British Perspective on the Battle of New Orleans
New Documentary on the Battle of New Orleans
Thursday marks the bicentennial of the Battle of New Orleans, so I'm running a series of posts commemorating the event this week. First up is a new documentary on the battle. It's straightforward, so don't expect Ken Burns. But I thought it was solid, and I learned some things about the military side. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp_3LyIt65g&feature=youtu.be
Free Polk Biography and Battle of New Orleans Study
Update: All four books have been claimed. I have four free books I'll send to the first person who wants them. Send me an e-mail (jacksonianamerica at gmail dot com) or a tweet (@markcheathem). The first is volume 2 of the Sellers biography of James K. Polk. It's a softcover book, and the interior is … Continue reading Free Polk Biography and Battle of New Orleans Study
Let’s Not Forget the War of 1812
As the bicentennial of the War of 1812 approaches, let's remember its significance and celebrate the victory at New Orleans: Updated (1/8/13): H/t to Kevin McCann for the functional video link.
The Hermitage’s Podcast Series: Privilege vs. Equality
From The Hermitage's podcast series: Listen in on a conversation with Dr. Robert Wettemann, Director of the Center for Oral History at the United States Air Force Academy, as he explains what happened during the War of 1812 and how the Battle of New Orleans changed the face of the military.
Jacksonian America: Society, Personality, and Politics 