The new visitor center will sit in the same general area as the old one but will be more than twice as large.

Work is underway on the new visitor center at Chalmette Battlefield, site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, structures at the battlefield and cemetery were severely damaged and the visitor center was destroyed. While the new visitor center is being built, the historic Malus-Beauregard House will serve as a temporary visitor center.

During construction, the battlefield grounds, visitor center, and public restrooms will be open 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. The house and restrooms are accessible by a walkway from a visitor parking area at Cannon Battery 4 near the flagpole (see the map for details). The battlefield’s Tour Loop Road, visitor center construction area, Chalmette Monument, and the parking area near the monument and visitor center will be closed.

The construction schedule will permit the 2010 Battle of New Orleans anniversary event to be held at Chalmette Battlefield on January 8 and 9. The construction contract was awarded to New Orleans-based Gee Cee Company of Louisiana, Inc. The new visitor center is expected to open in fall 2010.

The new center will encompass 3,500 square feet, more than twice the size of the old center. Displays, interactive exhibits, maps, and short films will address the War of 1812, the New Orleans campaign, the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815, and the effect that the American victory had on Louisiana, the United States, and the world. The visitor center will also include space for education programs and public meetings.

Watch this space for more information and to track the progress of the new visitor center!