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.

Explore the battlefield with a driving tour. Learn about the War of 1812 from visitor center film and exhibits. Kids can earn a badge with the Junior Ranger program. The center's bookstore has books, period music, reproductions of items from the period, and children's books. Admission is free. Click here for directions and for program listings for specific dates.

8606 West St. Bernard Highway, Chalmette
504-281-0511
The battlefield visitor center, monument, and grounds are open Thursday-Sunday 9:00 a.m.-4:30p.m. Monday-Wednesday limited services (grounds and public restrooms only) are open 7:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Closed December 25 and Mardi Gras. Major construction and restoration is underway; see closure and construction information. Useful information about public transportation, regulations on pets, etc., is available here.

Special events and programs

• Field trips for schools and other groups by reservation.
• Battle of New Orleans anniversary event featuring living history experts and National Park Service rangers in period dress as the British and American troops and civilians of 1815. Visitors can enjoy cannon and musket firings, military drills, and craft and cooking demonstrations as they meet the men and women of the Battle of New Orleans. Event dates for 2009 are January 8-10 (Thursday wreath-laying ceremony, Friday and Saturday living history encampment). Click here to contact the park about being a living history volunteer. Watch this page for complete schedule, parking, and other information.

On the battlefield grounds stands Chalmette Monument, which pays tribute to the troops who fought there. Along what remains of Rodriguez Canal is a re-creation of the rampart which protected the American troops from the British army as well as cannons dating from the period and newer replicas, including a recently-acquired replica of an 18-pounder. Click here for a map that shows the current battlefield as well as major troop movements on the day of the Battle of New Orleans.

The historic Malus-Beauregard House, built in the 1830s, is also on the battlefield grounds. It is currently closed for repairs (most of which were scheduled before Hurricane Katrina struck the area in August 2005).

Next to the battlefield is Chalmette National Cemetery, established during the Civil War and the final resting place of over 15,000 troops from the War of 1812 through the Vietnam War.

The cemetery and battlefield suffered damage during the 2005 hurricanes Katrina and Rita. For updates on the damage and the ongoing recovery, click here.

For more about the Battle of New Orleans and the War of 1812, check out

•  www.visit1812.com to learn about historic sites and the upcoming bicentennial commemoration of the war