In the National Spotlight

In the National Spotlight. . Tennesseans Push for War , The War of 18 12 and Creek War thrust Tennessee into the national spotlight. Tennessean Felix Grundy led the War Hawks, politicians who pushed the declaration of war against the British through Congress in June 1812. He was supported by fellow Tennesseans Congressman John Rhea and Senator George Washington Campbell. Gov. Wille Blount immediately pledged Tennessee's support of the cause upon receiving official notification of the Declaration of War. , Glory in Victory , Perhaps more than anything else, Tennesseans earned recognition on the battlefield. A few took part in northern campaigns. Generals James Winchester and Edmund Gaines led troops in the north. Winchester commanded at the Battle of River Raisin. Gaines successfully defended Fort Erie and received the "Thanks of Congress” for his service. , Most, however, fought in the south under Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson. His force crushed the Red Stick Creeks in a series of battles culminating with the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in March 1814. In January 1815, Jackson defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans. His victory made him a national hero and enhanced Tennessee's reputation as well as his own. , Birthplace of Legends , A number of Tennesseans who served in the Creek War rose to prominence. Andrew Jackson became president of the United States (1829-1837). David Crockett, a U.S. Congressman, was a legend in his lifetime and became even more of one after his death at the Alamo. Sam Houston, a U.S. Congressman and Governor of Tennessee, won national fame in Texas. William Carroll was Tennessee's governor for twelve years between 1821 and 1835.