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War of 1812, Part 42: The Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans was really a series of four fights, three of which were already in the books: Jackson's surprise attack on December 23, the failed British assault on December 28, and the artillery duel on New Year's Day. But the one that has been taught to generations of Americans and is best remembered was the fatal attack by British General Sir Edward Pakenham on January 8, 1815.
War of 1812, Part 41: Fight for the Crescent City Begins
With the British now on the doorsteps of New Orleans but the city's defenses incomplete and the army not yet assembled, it became apparent that General Andrew Jackson had badly miscalculated regarding British intentions and had wasted precious time with his assault on Pensacola and initial focus on Mobile. But Old Hickory remained undaunted and ordered all available forces to march post-haste to the city.
War of 1812, Part 39: The Creek Indian War
In 1812, the Creek, or Muskogee, Indians occupied much of today’s Alabama and southwest Georgia, roughly 300 square miles from the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico. The Creeks enjoyed good relations with the United States largely due to a benevolent policy established by President George Washington to interpose the federal government between the Indians and land-hungry Georgians. But despite these restrictions, the federal government was helpless to prevent Americans from trespassing onto Creek lands.
Creating the Constitution: Electoral College
The Electoral College was an idea created by our Founders at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 detailing how our country would elect the President of the United States. Although some consider it a relic from the past, our Founders put a lot of thought into this electoral system and the rationale behind it is sound.