Chalmette Battlefield

Walk in the footsteps of the troops of 1815 at Chalmette Battlefield.

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Regarding operating status, be sure to check the latest alerts and conditions page.

What's Happening:

• Battle of New Orleans Talk - daily at about 2:45 p.m. only if the Creole Queen excursion boat is docked at the battlefield. The visitor center is open and talks are given on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. On all other federal holidays and on Mardi Gras, the visitor center is closed and no talks are given. Free.
• Living history is a crucial part of programs and events at Chalmette Battlefield. To find out about participating in the living history program, email the park.

Entrance Gate Hours:

• Gates at the battlefield and at Chalmette National Cemetery (just downriver from the battlefield) are open 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Sunday. On federal holidays, gates are open 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., except for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, when gates are open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. On Mardi Gras, the battlefield is completely closed but the national cemetery is open 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Links to useful information like maps, public transportation, pets, permits for special uses, etc., are available on the basic information page. The paddlewheeler Creole Queen travels from New Orleans' French Quarter to the battlefield; visit the Creole Queen website for sailing times and ticket information.

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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.

Learn about the War of 1812 from visitor center films and exhibits. Kids can earn a badge with the Junior Ranger program. The visitor center's park store has books, period music, reproductions of items from the period, and children's books. Admission is free. Follow these links for the park's calendar of events, exhibits, and programs; for directions and transportation options (be sure to see important information about using ride share services); and for accessibility information.

Special programs and activities:

• field trips for schools and other groups.

 

Battle of New Orleans

 

Learn about the Battle of New Orleans! This link features background information on the war and details about past commemorations.

 

Learn More About

• the Battle of New Orleans through the experiences of high school students who participate in the park's Recognizing Our Roots program and who serve as living history reenactors.

• Chalmette Battlefield and the Battle of New Orleans at the Places page, where you can find lists of troops who fought at the battle, timelines, historical studies, and other information.
• Fazendeville, a village founded in 1867 which stood on the battlefield site until the mid-1960s; find it at the Places page.
• St. Bernard Parish, the home of Chalmette Battlefield
• the War of 1812 bicentennial 2012-2015 at Jean Lafitte
• the War of 1812. From muskets to tactics, from upcoming events to historical people and places, you can explore the War of 1812 at the official National Park Service War of 1812 website. Jean Lafitte's War of 1812 bicentennial 2012-2015 web page contains links to websites from throughout the United States and Canada with event listings, information, and more.
• resources for teachers and field trip leaders

• the new management plan for the battlefield and national cemetery. Read it by clicking here.