Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
24
CHALMETTE BATTLEFIELD: WHERE
WAR WAS WAGED
BOUNDARIES:
St. Bernard Hwy., Mississippi River, Military Cemetery Rd., Battlefield Rd.
DISTANCE:
2 miles
PARKING:
At the Visitor Center
PUBLIC TRANSIT:
None, but the paddlewheeler
Creole Queen
travels here from the French
Quarter. Visit
creolequeen.com
for more information.
As you drive down St. Bernard Highway, an industrial stretch of road dotted with oil re-
fineries and chemical companies, it seems almost inconceivable that a decisive battle in the
War of 1812 was fought just behind the Norfolk-Southern Railroad tracks in St. Bernard
Parish, about 7 miles from downtown New Orleans.
The day was January 8, 1815, and Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson's stunning victory over ex-
perienced British troops—in less than 2 hours—was considered the greatest American land
victory of the War of 1812. The Battle of New Orleans not only preserved America's claim
to the Louisiana Territory, it led to migration and settlement along the Mississippi River
and made Jackson, who would go on to become the seventh president of the United States,
a national hero.
One of six sites in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Chalmette Battlefield
tells the story of the war through exhibits and films at the Visitor Center, along with a
1.5-mile walk around the grounds and various other outdoor exhibits. Every January, the
park brings the past to life with a living-history celebration featuring cannon and musket
firings, period crafts and cooking, War of 1812 military drills and tactics, war reenact-
ments, and an evening lantern tour. In January 2015, the battlefield celebrated its bicenten-
nial with four days of activities.
Like other historical sites in and around New Orleans, this one is reputed to harbor spirits:
Many paranormal experts consider Chalmette one of the most haunted battlefields in the
US.
A few tips: Steer clear of small mounds of dirt, where fire ants may live. Don't climb the
oak trees in the picnic area. Don't bring metal detectors on park property—relic hunting is
strictly forbidden. And as you're walking, be on the lookout for cars, because this walk
covers the same ground as the park's self-guided driving tour.
