On this day in 1815 the Battle of New Orleans was fought. It was the final major battle of the War of 1812. Major General Andrew Jackson commanded the American forces who defeated an invading British Army intent on seizing New Orleans and the vast territory the United States had acquired with the Louisiana Purchase. The war had ended in late December of 1814 but the word did not reach Louisiana until February of 1815. The Battle of New Orleans would be the greatest American land victory of the war. 55 Americans were killed,185 wounded and 93 missing, on the British side 386 killed, 1521 wounded and 552 missing. General Andrew Jackson would go home a war hero and would be elected President of the United States in 1928. He would serve two controversial terms. Today you will find him on the $20.