Type National Frequency annual | Date January 8 | |
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Observed by United States (1828-1861) | ||
The Eighth was a federal holiday in the United States from 1828 until 1861. It honored the Battle of New Orleans, which took place on January 8, 1815, with Tennessee's Andrew Jackson leading a successful battle against regular British soldiers and freed slaves. The holiday was celebrated widely across the US South after this final battle in the War of 1812. "The Eighth" became an official national holiday in 1828, following Jackson's election as President. The Eighth continued as an official national holiday from 1828 until the advent of the American Civil War.
The holiday remains largely forgotten by the American public.
According to the Bryan Times article from January 4, 2005, the battle was a "major turning point" in American history, but many people who live in New Orleans did not even know that the battle happened in their city. As it was the final war waged against England, it turns out to be America's second independence. Historians recalled that celebrations were larger than Christmas and was only surpassed by Independence Day.