Just downriver from New Orleans in Chalmette is the site of the January 8, 1815, Battle of New Orleans: Chalmette Battlefield. Many people believe that this last great battle of the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain was unnecessary, since the treaty ending the war was signed in late 1814---but the war was not over.

The resounding American victory at the Battle of New Orleans soon became a symbol of a new idea: American democracy triumphing over the old European ideas of aristocracy and entitlement. General Andrew Jackson's hastily assembled army had won the day against a battle-hardened and numerically superior British force. Americans took great pride in the victory and for decades celebrated January 8 as a national holiday, just like the Fourth of July.

Chalmette Battlefield commemorates the battle each January with an anniversary event featuring living history experts and National Park Service rangers in period dress as the British and American troops and civilians of 1815. Visitors can enjoy cannon and musket firings, military drills, and craft and cooking demonstrations as they meet the men and women of the Battle of New Orleans. Event dates for 2009 are Thursday through Saturday, January 8-10. (Click here to contact the park about being a living history volunteer.)

On the battlefield grounds stands Chalmette Monument, which pays tribute to the troops who fought there. Along what remains of Rodriguez Canal is a re-creation of the rampart which protected the American troops from the British army as well as cannons dating from the period and newer replicas, including a recently-acquired replica of an 18-pounder. Click here for a map that shows the current battlefield as well as major troop movements on the day of the Battle of New Orleans.

The historic Malus-Beauregard House, built in the 1830s, is also on the battlefield grounds. It is currently closed for repairs (most of which were scheduled before Hurricane Katrina struck the area in August 2005).

Next to the battlefield is Chalmette National Cemetery, established during the Civil War and the final resting place of over 15,000 troops from the War of 1812 through the Vietnam War.

The cemetery and battlefield suffered damage during the 2005 hurricanes Katrina and Rita. For updates on the damage and the ongoing recovery, click here.

For program listings, see the schedule of events.

For directions to Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery, see map.

8606 West St. Bernard Highway, Chalmette
504-281-0511 ext. 24
The battlefield grounds and public restrooms are open Tuesday and Wednesday 7:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Grounds, restrooms, and visitor center are open Thursday through Monday 9:00a.m.-4:30p.m. Chalmette Monument is open on a limited basis. The  Malus-Beauregard House remains closed for repairs.

For more on the War of 1812, go to www.visit1812.com to learn about historic sites and the upcoming bicentennial commemoration of the war.