Battle of New Orleans

 
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Duration:
1 minute, 15 seconds

Join us in commemorating the Battle of New Orleans at Chalmette Battlefield this January.

 

Schedule of Events

 
Time Firing Schedule Program
9:30 a.m. Musket Demonstration
10:00 a.m. Cannon Demonstration
10:30 a.m. Musket Demonstration
11:30 a.m. Musket Demonstration
12:00 p.m. Cannon Demonstration
12:30 p.m. Musket Demonstration
1:30 p.m. Musket Demonstration
2:30 p.m. Musket & Cannon Demonstration
 
Time Programs
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Living History Demonstrations such as:
  • Fire making
  • Natural dyes
  • Wood working
  • Southeastern Native American storytelling
  • 1812 era cricket games
  • Sea Shanty Singers
  • Our Mammy's
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Recognizing Our Roots
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 7th Infantry Drills

 
Time Firing Schedule Program
9:30 a.m. Musket Demonstration
10:00 a.m. Cannon Demonstration
10:30 a.m. Musket Demonstration
11:30 a.m. Musket Demonstration
12:00 p.m. Cannon Demonstration
12:30 p.m. Musket Demonstration
1:30 p.m. Musket Demonstration
2:30 p.m. Musket & Cannon Demonstration
 
Time Programs
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Living History Demonstrations such as:
  • Fire making
  • Natural dyes
  • Wood working
  • Southeastern Native American storytelling
  • 1812 era cricket games
  • Sea Shanty Singers
  • Our Mammy's
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Recognizing Our Roots
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Kid's Camp, including activities such as:
  • Tug of War
  • Dress Up Station
  • Hoops
  • Graces 
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 7th Infantry Drills

 
 

Event Parking

  • There is no public parking available at the Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery on Friday, 1/5, or Saturday, 1/6.
  • Public parking is available at the St. Bernard Parish Government Complex (8201 W Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043), and there are free shuttles.
  • Shuttle Schedule

    • Free shuttles will run continuously between the parking area and Chalmette Battlefield; please allow 20 minutes for the trip.
    • The first shuttle leaves the parking area at 9:15 a.m. on Friday and Saturday
    • The last shuttle leaves the parking area at 2:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
    • The last shuttle leaves the battlefield at 3:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
  • Ride Share Drop Off

    • Only shuttles and buses authorized by St. Bernard Parish and the NPS may drop off and pick up passengers at Chalmette Battlefield on Friday and Saturday.
    • Schedule your ride share to drop you off and pick you up at the St. Bernard Parish Government Complex (8201 W Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043).
  • Monday Parking

    • Limited parking is available for the general public at the two parking areas closest to the entrance gates on Battlefield Road on Monday. Parking at the Visitor Center is reserved for speakers and special guests for the wreath laying ceremony.
 

2024 BONO Info

  • A stack of cornbread on a plate.
    Vendors

    Get information and apply for the Sutler's Market.

  • A young person in period clothing serves themself food into a wooden bowl.
    Living History

    Bring history to life as a living history volunteer with our park. Get information and apply today.

  • Close up of hands witling wood.
    Performers & Demonstrators

    Find information for demonstrators and performers here.

  • Kids standing around a woman in period clothing.
    School Day

    Register today for our BONO School Day.

  • A NPS volunteer patch laying on green palmetto fronds.
    Volunteers

    Whatever your skills, there is probably a place for you in our volunteer ranks at the 2024 Commemoration of Battle of New Orleans.

  • A park ranger in a safety vest talks into a radio.
    Plan Like a Park Ranger

    Prepare for the event with these tips from our park rangers!

 

Virtual Battle of New Orleans

 
 
 
 
 

The Many Battles of New Orleans

Although the Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 24, 1814, the War of 1812 was not over. The treaty specifically stated that fighting between the United States and Britain would stop only when both governments ratified the treaty; and so, the battles in and around New Orleans continued through December and into 1815.

 A British fleet of gunboats was met in Lake Borgne, east of New Orleans, by a small flotilla of American gunboats. Outnumbered and unable to maneuver freely due to light winds, the Americans were defeated. But this delayed the British invasion fleet, which gave General Andrew Jackson more time to prepare defenses in New Orleans.
The British force crossed the lake and proceeded up Bayou Bienvenue to higher ground close to the Mississippi River.

Jackson sent two ships, Louisiana and Carolina, downriver to bombard the British encampment, followed by a force by land. The British were caught by surprise, making them think that American forces were stronger than they had anticipated. The attack caused more delay, allowing Jackson to continue to reinforce the defenses.

The British began an artillery barrage aimed primarily at a plantation house that served as Jackson's headquarters. Few casualties and little damage were done to the Americans, who responded with artillery that damaged some British guns.

The climactic battle was launched in the morning; the British advanced in formation across the sugarcane fields of Chalmette Plantation. The Americans were in a fortified position behind a canal and an earthen rampart, supported by artillery. This artillery devastated the advancing British, killing senior officers including the commanding general, Sir Edward Packenham. With no senior officer to lead them, the British retired from the field. Meanwhile, another British force had crossed the Mississippi River and had overrun the American defenders on the west side of the river. Their plan to recross the river and attack the Americans from the rear was thwarted as the British forces on the east side at Chalmette had been defeated. A few skirmishes took place in the days following, but the victory was complete, the invaders had been defeated, and New Orleans was saved.

Congress ratified the Treaty of Ghent, officially ending the War of 1812.
 

Last updated: December 7, 2023

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419 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone:

504 589-3882

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