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    Jean Lafitte

    National Historical Park and Preserve Louisiana

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  • Some Park Sites Closed May 17-18

    Staff from throughout the park will be at the Barataria Preserve for BioBlitz May 17-18 (you're invited too!). See how this will effect operations at other sites and learn more about BioBlitz by following the link. More »

Battle of New Orleans Anniversary Dates

Two American soldiers in 1815 uniforms stand near a cannon at Chalmette Battlefield

American troops stand behind the rampart at Chalmette Battlefield

Every January, history lives during the Battle of New Orleans anniversary. Living history experts in period uniforms or dressed as civilians share stories of the War of 1812, fire cannons and muskets, and bring the era to life.

The wreathlaying ceremony is always on January 8, the date of the Battle of New Orleans. Upcoming anniversary dates are

  • 2013: Friday, January 11 - Saturday, January 12 (wreathlaying ceremony on Tuesday, January 8)
  • 2014: Friday, January 10 - Saturday, January 11 (wreathlaying ceremony on Wednesday, January 8)
  • 2015: Friday, January 9 - Saturday, January 10 (wreathlaying ceremony on Thursday, January 8) Learn more about the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and of the Battle of New Orleans here.

Did You Know?

Men dressed as 1815 soldiers march across Chalmette Battlefield.

Two volunteer battalions of free men of color fought in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. These men were the first black American troops to receive pay, equipment, pensions, and bounty land grants equal to that of their white counterparts.