Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve - Battle of New Orleans Anniversary Field Trips (U.S. National Park Service)

Two living history experts dressed as American soldiers stands near a cannon at the Battle of New Orleans anniversary event.

"The British are at the gates, sir." American troops prepare for the Battle of New Orleans.

Bring your school, scout, or other group to the 195th Battle of New Orleans anniversary to experience an unforgettable trip back in time on Friday and Saturday, January 8 and 9.

Visit the site where a ragtag army of Americans worked together to accomplish the impossible: the defeat of the mighty British empire. Listen to the cannons roar, smell the smoky campfires, and discover why this battle changed the world's balance of power. Meet living history experts in period dress portraying British officers and soldiers as well as the American army: local citizens, free men of color, American Indians, Jean Lafitte's Baratarian pirates, U.S. military men, and volunteers from Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi.

The battlefield anniversary event is Friday, January 8, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and Saturday, January 9, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

To bring your group on Friday:

Fill out a registration form (see the link to the right) and return it by fax or mail. Registration deadline is Friday, December 4.
After your space is reserved, you will receive a written confirmation and a pre-visit packet to help prepare your students for their battlefield visit.
Lunch storage for school and other groups will be available in a covered area.
NO vehicles will be allowed to enter the battlefield during the annual wreath-laying ceremony 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Read the important information below.

To bring your group on Saturday:

No registration is required for groups attending on Saturday.
Read the important information below.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL GROUPS:

No vehicles except school buses, battlefield shuttles, and vehicles with handicapped tags will be allowed to enter the battlefield on Friday and Saturday. Only vehicles with handicapped tags will be allowed to park on the battlefield.
Free public parking for all persons not on a registered school bus or in a vehicle with a handicapped tag is at the St. Bernard Parish Government Complex, 8201 West Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette (see map). Free shuttles will run continuously from the complex to the battlefield beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Friday and at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. Restrooms and a hospitality and tourism center will be available at the complex.
A new visitor center is under construction on the site of the old visitor center. That area and Chalmette Monument will be closed to the public during the anniversary event. A temporary visitor center is located in the historic Malus-Beauregard House on the battlefield. For more information and a map, click here.
All visitors are welcome to bring picnic lunches. No food will be available at the battlefield. Drinking fountains will be available and bottled water will be on sale.
Complete schedules of each day's programs will be posted here in mid-December.

For more information, call 504-589-3882 ext. 134. Chalmette Battlefield is located at 8606 West St. Bernard Highway, Chalmette.