American troops load cannon for firing.

Remember the Battle of New Orleans at Chalmette Battlefield, the very place where it happened. Meet the American and British troops who fought one of the most significant battles in world history and the civilians who kept the home fires burning in New Orleans.

Over 100 living history experts in period dress will bring the sights and sounds of January 8, 1815, to life in 2010 on

Friday, January 8

• 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. living history encampment, cannon and musket firings, military drills, and campfire cooking. 
• 10:00 a.m. wreath-laying ceremony.           
• 7:00 p.m. St. Bernard Parish sponsors a reenactment of the December 23, 1814, night battle at historic Pakenham Oaks, just downriver from the battlefield.

Saturday, January 9

• 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. living history encampment, cannon and musket firings, military drills, and campfire cooking. 
• 5:45 p.m. (first tour begins)-8:45 p.m. (last tour ends) Lantern Tour of battlefield camps on "the night before the battle." 90-minute tour by advance ticket only. Tickets go on sale December 1.

Free offsite parking at the St. Bernard Parish Courthouse, 1101 West St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette, and free shuttle service for all events (only handicapped parking is available at battlefield). A map to the parking area is available here.

Check out the photo galleries from previous years and watch this space for event schedules and more!

Want to get involved? Volunteers are needed for four-hour shifts January 7 through 10 to set up and take down tents, distribute supplies to living history volunteers, direct traffic, and assist National Park Service staff. Call 504-589-3882 ext. 121 to find out more.