The Civil War

The Confederate "Mosquito Fleet" saved New Orleans from a Union fleet in 1861, but this victory only postponed the inevitable. Learn more about the Civil War and its aftermath of the civil rights struggle by collecting Civil War trading cards.

US Navy

The Civil War (1861-1865) changed the United States profoundly. It affected the lives of every man, woman, and child in the United States in some way. Millions gained their freedom. Hundreds of thousands died. Thousands more were wounded, saw their homes destroyed, or lost friends or family members.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the greatest test that the United States has ever faced, the National Park Service has created free Civil War trading cards that explore the war itself and its aftermath of Civil War to civil rights. Jean Lafitte has a total of nine trading cards. To earn a card, go to the information desk at a site's visitor center and tell the ranger something you know about the Civil War. If you don't know anything about the Civil War, ask the ranger a question. All Jean Lafitte sites have more than one card; if you want to earn a second or third card on your visit, ask the ranger how. Please note that trading cards are only available in person or by clicking here, where you can download cards from all participating NPS sites, including Jean Lafitte.

Jean Lafitte's Civil War trading cards as available as follows:

• Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette - cards for Pvt. Andre Cailloux, Chalmette Artillery, and Sarah Wakeman.
• Barataria Preserve in Marrero - cards for the Mosquito Fleet and the US Colored Troops.
• Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery in Chalmette - cards for Chalmette Artillery and Fazendeville.
• French Quarter Visitor Center in New Orleans - cards for New Orleans "The Queen of the South"), the Union capture of New Orleans, and New Orleans public school integration.
• Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice - cards for Pvt. Andre Cailloux, the Mosquito Fleet, and Sarah Wakeman.
• Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux - cards for Pvt. Andre Cailloux, the Mosquito Fleet, and Sarah Wakeman.

A list of which cards are at which Jean Lafitte sites and site addresses and phone numbers is here.

Find out more about the Civil War at

• the NPS Civil War website - find battlefields and other important Civil War sites, explore the soldiers and sailors database, discover the journey from Civil War to civil rights. and learn the stories of politicians, soldiers, and ordinary Americans.
• the NPS Civil War 150th anniversary website - following the tweets of a Civil War reporter, read essays on Civil War history and social issues, and learn about programs and events commemorating the war.
• a special speaker series hosted by the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area that continues through January 2014.