Chalmette Battlefield

Living historians demonstrate musket firings at the Chalmette Battlefield.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Chalmette, Louisiana

Significance:

Site of the Battle of New Orleans

Designation:

National Historical Park

Six miles downriver from New Orleans is the Chalmette Battlefield. The field is commonly known as the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. But there are many other layers of history to discover here.

By 1815, the War of 1812 was still raging on. The British had set their sights on invading New Orleans. A vital port, the city acted as the gateway to the Mississippi River Valley. Both sides of the conflict the city's importance. For the United States, losing control of New Orleans would strain the American economy beyond recovery.

On January 8th, 1815, the British army attacked the American defensive line at the Chalmette Plantation. The superior British force outnumbered the American troops two-to-one. But against the odds, General Jackson's soldiers defeated the British. They were driven off the battlefield in defeat after 30 minutes of fighting.

The resounding American victory at the Battle of New Orleans soon became a symbol of a new idea and national pride. For decades, January 8th was celebrated as a national holiday, just like the Fourth of July.

But remember: this is merely one chapter in the Battlefield's storied past.

Visitors to the battlefield can also explore other stories, such as the community of Fazendeville. After the Civil War, the self-contained African American village grew and thrived until it was razed in the 1960's. Remnants of the community, the Fazendeville Iris, still bloom here today.

Also see the Malus-Beauregard House, named its first and last private owners. This Greek Revival style home was built in 1832-1833 and still stands on the property. It is currently undergoing restoration efforts.

And of course, the Chalmette National Cemetery sits on the far end of the Battlefield from the Visitor Center. Created during the Civil War, the cemetery was established to inter Union soldiers. Representation from every major conflict from the War of 1812 to the Vietnam War can be found here.

The Chalmette Battlefield may have seen the historically important Battle of New Orleans, but there's far more to be found here. Come see where history - in many eras - comes alive.