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Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

News Release

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                    October 1, 2009

Kristy Wallisch 504-382-0296   

Battle of New Orleans Troops, Civilians Return To Chalmette Battlefield In January

In January, over 100 living history experts in period dress will return to Chalmette Battlefield, site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, for the 195th Anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans. More information is available at 504-589-2636 ext. 1 or at http://www.nps.gov/jela/battle-of-new-orleans-anniversary.htm. The battlefield is located at 8606 West St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette, Louisiana.

On the schedule:

• Friday, January 8, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the battlefield. Free. Living history experts dressed as civilians and soldiers from 1815 will share their stories, fire cannons and muskets, and explain the importance of the battle in American history. Visitors can discuss tactics with the generals and learn the fine points of campfire cooking. At 10:00 a.m., British and American troops will gather at the rampart for a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the men who fought at the Battle of New Orleans. Parking shuttles run 8:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m. (no shuttles will run during the wreath-laying ceremony).

• Friday, January 8, 7:00 p.m. at historic Pakenham Oaks, just downriver from the battlefield. Free. St. Bernard Parish sponsors a reenactment of the night battle of December 23, 1814. Parking shuttles begin running at 6:30 p.m.

• Saturday, January 9, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the battlefield. Free. See Friday’s description for living history events. In addition, on Saturday the Kids Camp will offer kid-sized 1815 uniforms and clothing to try on and 1815 games to play. Parking shuttles run 9:00 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

• Saturday, January 9, beginning at 5:45 p.m. By ticket only. The Lantern Tour offers guided tours by lantern light through the American and British camps on the “night before the battle.” First tour begins at 5:45 p.m.; last tour begins at 7:15 p.m. Tours last about 90 minutes including shuttle travel time from the parking area. Tickets will be on sale at December 1-January 5 at the Chalmette Battlefield Visitor Center (open 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily; cash or checks only) or by mail (Attn: Lantern Tour, Jean Lafitte NHP&P, 419 Decatur St., New Orleans, 70130; checks only; include daytime phone number and preferred tour time). $5 per ticket; children under 5 free (no ticket needed). No tickets will be sold at the door.

Free parking for all events will be available offisite (see www.nps.gov/jela for map). Free shuttle buses will run as noted above. Only battlefield shuttle buses, school buses on registered field trips, and vehicles with handicapped parking tags will be allowed on the battlefield. Only vehicles with handicapped parking tags may park on the battlefield.

Restrooms and a Hospitality and Welcome Center sponsored by the St. Bernard Tourist Commission will be available at the parking area. Visitors are welcome to bring picnic lunches to daytime battlefield events. No food will be available at the battlefield but bottled water will be on sale.

Chalmette Battlefield is managed by the National Park Service as one of six sites of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. The battlefield grounds are open daily 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. except as noted above. Admission to the site is free. For more information, call 504-589-2636 ext. 1 or visit www.nps.gov/jela.    

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