The Battle of New Orleans is one of the most famous Battles in American history; and it is probably the most famous in Louisiana history. Starting on January 8, 1815, the British marched against General Andrew Jackson's line of defense. As the British began moving forward they realized that they had forgotten the necessary equipment to cross the eight-foot-deep and fifteen-foot-wide wide canal or to scale the earthworks. Although it would have been smart to turn around and re-plan the attack, they instead decided to push on. In the dark and fog the British pushed on. Yet, confusion persisted and increased, making their troops an easy target for Jackson's men. The two main attacks on American forces were pushed back and defeated. Most of the British officers were killed on the battlefield, leaving even more confusion.
When it comes to the British surrender, the entirety of the blame is laid on the shoulders of Colonel Mullins, the man who was charged with preparing for the battle and never did. Mullins placed himself significantly far away from the battle, although he was supposed to be at the head. Because of this Mullins was relieved of his duty and Major General Edward Pakenham lead the battle in his stead. Pakenham would never leave the battlefield, he would instead be mortally wounded. In the end, there would be 2,459 British casualties while there were only 333 American casualties.
A myth about this battle is that it concluded after the War of 1812 was already over. Although it is true that it took place after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, it had not been approved by the King of England or passed by Congress. There was a provision written within the Treaty that stated that the troops would not be ordered to stop fighting until the Treaty was ratified. Saying that, the Treaty was made official on February 17, 1815, over a month after Jackson's tremendous victory over the British. Thanks to Andrew Jackson the British were once again forced off American soil.By The Northern Rose
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