High-resolution images of the stamps are available for media use only by emailing: mckinney.boyd@usps.gov

NEW ORLEANS — Jan. 8 marked the 200th anniversary of Major General Andrew Jackson’s triumphant victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans. To commemorate this historic event, the U.S. Postal Service dedicated the War of 1812 Battle of New Orleans Limited Edition Forever stamps at the site of the battle.

The first-day-of-issue stamp dedication ceremony took place at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve/Chalmette Battlefield, in Chalmette, LA 70043. The ceremony and events throughout the day paid tribute to those involved in the battle. Dignitaries, living history reenactors and representatives of groups, organizations, service branches and American Indian tribes that took part in the battle participated.

“With a group of U.S. troops, state militia and volunteers that was greatly outnumbered by British soldiers, Jackson defeated the British decisively 200 years ago,” said U.S. Postal Service Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee member Peter Argentine. “And in halting the British plans to attack New Orleans, Jackson almost instantly established himself as a national icon and military hero. By portraying achievers and achievements — ideas and ideals — stamps honor America’s heritage and heroes and bring historical subjects to life. That is certainly true of our newest stamp which commemorates the final battle of the two-and-a-half year war with Great Britain.”

Joining Argentine in the dedication were British Ambassador to the United States Sir Peter Westmacott; Louisiana Lt. Governor/Chairman of Bicentennial Commission Jay Darden; and, Park Service Superintendent Lance Hatten.

A special dedication ceremony also took place Jan. 8 in Nashville at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage: Home of the People’s President.

The Stamp Design
Using mixed media, stamp artist Greg Harlin, a specialist in historical paintings, depicts American troops and artillery repelling British forces from behind a mile-long defensive earthwork known as Jackson’s line.

Back of the Stamp Sheet
A portrait of Andrew Jackson in his military uniform, by artist John Vanderlyn (1775-1852), appears on the reverse of the stamp sheet. A 19th century depiction of the battle by Oliver Pelton appears on the front of the sheet above the selvage text. The stamp sheet also includes verso text.

The War’s Last Battle
The Battle of New Orleans was the most decisive victory in the war for the underdog Americans. The British suffered some 2,000 casualties who were gunned down while trying to breach Jackson's line. Jackson instantly became a national hero.

Ironically, the battle was fought two weeks after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which essentially declared the war a draw. But this news had not reached American shores, and the treaty would not be ratified until February 1815. Jackson’s victory, coming as it did in the final weeks of the war and before the peace treaty was ratified, left Americans with the impression they had won the war as a whole — and had defeated the greatest power in the world.

Greg Breeding of Charlottesville, VA, served as art director and designer for the stamp. The War of 1812: Battle of New Orleans stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp in self-adhesive sheets of 20. This Forever stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Other Forever stamps commemorating events surrounding the War of 1812 include:  USS Constitution, Battle of Lake Erie, the Star Spangled Banner and the Battle of Fort McHenry.

Customers may purchase the stamps at usps.com/stamps, the Postal Store, at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Offices nationwide or visit ebay.com/stamps to shop for a wide variety of postage stamps and collectibles.

Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others, and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

The War of 1812:  Battle of New Orleans
Marketing Manager
701 Loyola Avenue #10003
New Orleans, LA 70113-9996

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. For more than 50, customers are charged 5 cents each. All orders must be postmarked by March 9, 2015.

Ordering First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog, online at usps.com/shop or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:

U.S. Postal Service
Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO  64121-9014

Philatelic Products
There are 12 philatelic products for this stamp issue.

589127,The War of 1812 Limited Edition Collector’s Set, $59.95

The War of 1812 left indelible marks on American history and formed a young nation’s spirit of self-determination. Revisit some of the war’s most significant moments and showcase The War of 1812 stamps with this collection.

Inside the set:
Four panes of 20 The War of 1812 stamps: USS Constitution (2012), Battle of Lake Erie (2013), Fort McHenry (2014) and Battle of New Orleans (2015)

• A cancellation card featuring an exclusive Digital Color Postmark and four affixed stamps — one from each issuance
• A certificate numbering each limited-edition product autographed by U.S. Postal Service art director Greg Breeding
• A 16-page book with pages for mounting the stamp panes, short stories from the war, important dates and facts, and a narrative about the stamp design

589124 Framed Artwork, $39.95

589106, Press Sheet w/Die Cut, $49.00 (Print Quantity 500)
589108, Press Sheet w/o Die Cut, $49.00 (Print Quantity 1,000)

589110, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake, $11.95

589116, First Day Cover, $0.93

589118, Full Pane, First Day Cover, $12.30

589119, Cancelled Full Pane, $12.30

589121, Digital Color Postmark, $1.64

589130, Ceremony Program, $6.95
589131, Stamp Deck Card, $0.95
589132, Stamp Deck Card w/DCP, $1.99

Many of this year’s other stamps may be viewed on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, via Twitter @USPSstamps.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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