The 19th century New Orleans was a world different from most parts of the South. One of the factors that set New Orleans apart was the large population of the Free Men of Color. It was also in the New Orleans that bone of contention between the British and the American regarding the control of Mississippi began (Remini, 34). The results were bloody fights experienced in 1812 and 1815. Free Men of Color played a significant role in the fights due to their bold steps even when the British and America did not consider them much. Among the people that highly regarded the Free Men of Color during the battles was Andrew Jackson whose army was made up of different units. Jacksons army included U.S regular regiment, Orleans militia, Choctaw Indians, and the Free Men of color (Loomis, 16). Although Americans emerged victorious after leaving the British with massive casualties, free men of color regiments at the battle must tie in a specific aspect of the battle of New Orleans with the war of 1812.

One of the aspects is that the Free Men of color volunteered into the war just to prevent their homes and the property. Hundreds of Freed men gathered in solidarity with the Confederacy that resulted in the formation of a regiment of militia. Even though the government has neglected the support of colored militia, Andrew Jackson welcomed them. Every Free Man of Color who enlisted was promised a bounty of a given amount of land (Loomis, 12). However, some of the Free Men of Color were refugees from Haiti but still enlisted in the regiments. Free Men of Color formed two regiments that later on mustered into the army. The two regiments were outstanding during the battle; British Commander Sir Edward Pakenham succumbed to death from fire by a Free Man of color. After the war, Andrew Jackson praised Free Men of Color suggesting that they were worthy of state commendations due to their courage and perseverance.