A painting of the Battle of New Orleans

There was a time when the 8th of January held nearly the same significance to Americans as the 4th of July. Saturday, the home of President Andrew Jackson will host one of the few remaining parties to commemorate the Battle of New Orleans. The Hermitage is trying to revive a patriotic holiday before its bicentennial year.

Gen. Jackson commanded a band of slaves, pirates and militiamen to defeat the British in a battle lasting less than an hour – January 8th, 1815. The skirmish was one of the last in the war and made Jackson a national hero, says Hermitage CEO Howard Kittell.

“It was the War of 1812 and the Battle of New Orleans that really catapulted Jackson from being an important person in Tennessee, catapulted him on the national stage.”

Kittell says the anniversary parties that followed were huge.

A reenactment of the Battle of New Orleans was held on the lawn of the state capitol to celebrate the centennial in 1915. A hickory tree – in honor of Jackson’s nickname – was planted in Centennial Park. And thousands lined the streets for a military parade.

“Throughout the 19th century it was a major celebration, especially here in Nashville and Tennessee, probably longer than in other parts of the country.”

By comparison, this year’s events will be subdued, with a wreath laying and a speech from Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. As is the tradition, admission is free for the day. But the Hermitage staff is already looking at 2015 – the bicentennial – for a possible return to the blowout parties of the 19th century.

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Hermitage CEO Howard Kittell describes the troops Jackson organized to win the Battle of New Orleans.

Battle of New Orleans celebration 1910

Battle of New Orleans celebration undated but likely 1910-1915 (images courtesy of The Hermitage)