[StBernard] BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS

[Westley Annis]

BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS 

The 193rd anniversary celebration of the Jan. 8, 1815, Battle of New
Orleans, in which Americans defeated the invading British, will kick off
with a wreath-laying ceremony Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Chalmette
Battlefield, 8606 W. St. Bernard Highway, Chalmette. 

On Jan. 11 and 12, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the battlefield, National
Park Service rangers and 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. 

A lantern-lit tour through the American and British camps on Jan. 11 will
allow participants to eavesdrop on generals planning strategy, soldiers
swapping stories around campfires, and women wondering what fate has in
store for the city of New Orleans. 

Tours will begin at 6 p.m. and will be offered every 10 minutes until 8:30
p.m. 

Tickets for the lantern tour are limited and must be purchased by Jan. 10.
Tickets are $4 per person, with children younger than 5 admitted free.
Tickets are available at the Chalmette Battlefield Visitor Center Fridays
through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or at the park's French Quarter
Visitor Center, 419 Decatur St., New Orleans, daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Only cash or checks are accepted. 

Parking for all events will be available at the St. Bernard Parish
Courthouse, 1101 W. St. Bernard Highway, Chalmette. Free shuttles will run
from the courthouse to the battlefield. Restrooms and a welcome center will
be available at the courthouse courtesy of the St. Bernard Parish Tourism
Commission. 

For more information, call Kristy Wallisch at (504) 589-3882 Ext. 225 or
visit the Web site www.nps.gov/jela/battle-of-new-orleans-commemoration.htm.