New Orleans Ablaze – Today In Southern History

Jan 13, 2026

The Third Great fire of New Orleans, Louisiana devastated the city and is thought to have been set by rebellious slaves.

1733 - James Oglethorpe and 130 English colonists arrived at Charleston, South Carolina
1794 – U.S. President George Washington approved adding two stars and two stripes to the American flag, following the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the union.
1815 – During the War of 1812, British troops captured Fort Peter in St. Marys, Georgia, the only battle of the war to take place in the state.
1833: Andrew Jackson wrote to Martin Van Buren opposing South Carolina’s defiance of federal authority.
1865 - A force of 58 Union ships and over 8,000 troops converge on Fort Fisher, North Carolina
1873 – P.B.S. Pinchback relinquished his office as Louisiana governor during reconstruction.
1954 - WEAR channel 3 in Pensacola-Mobile, FL began broadcasting
1968 – Johnny Cash performed live at Folsom State Prison.
1974 Super Bowl VIII, Rice Stadium, Houston, TX: Miami Dolphins beat Minnesota Vikings, 24-7
1979 - Charlie Daniels hosts his Volunteer Jam V in Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium
1990 -Douglas Wilder of Virginia became the first elected black governor in the U.S. when he took the oath of office in Richmond.
1997 – Debbie Reynolds of El Paso, Texas finally received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Today In Southern History