Battle of Lake Borgne
Lake Borgne, Louisiana, USA
What happened
A US Navy gunboat squadron under Thomas ap Catesby Jones fought about 42 British rowing boats under Commander Nicholas Lockyer. A British fleet was approaching New Orleans. Five small American gunboats lined up across a channel in Lake Borgne to stop them. British sailors and Royal Marines rowed up, boarded the gunboats after a close fight, and captured them all.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The win cleared the way for the British to land troops nine days later and advance on New Orleans. It left Andrew Jackson without a way to watch British movements.
What came next
Jackson declared martial law in New Orleans. The British were defeated at the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815.
Did you know?
It was the largest boat action for which Britain awarded its Naval General Service Medal clasp.
Timeline
- 14 December 1814The British win at Lake Borgne.
- 15 December 1814Jackson declares martial law.
- 23 December 1814British troops land near New Orleans.