[StBernard] Cannons, Reenactors, New Visitor Center To Highlight Battle of New Orleans Anniversary Jan. 7-8, 2011

[Westley Annis]

Cannons, Reenactors, New Visitor Center To Highlight Battle of New Orleans
Anniversary Jan. 7-8, 2011

 

Return to 1815 as over 100 living history experts in period dress mark the
196th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans Friday and Saturday, January
7-8, 2011, at Chalmette Battlefield, 8606 West St. Bernard Highway,
Chalmette, Louisiana. Explore the new visitor center, hear the roar of
cannons, and meet soldiers and civilians preparing for the last major battle
of the War of 1812. More information is available at 504-589-2636 ext. 1 or
at http://www.nps.gov/jela/battle-of-new-orleans-anniversary.htm.

 

On the schedule:

.        Friday, January 7, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the battlefield. Free.
Living history experts dressed as civilians and troops from 1815 will share
their stories, fire cannons and muskets, and explain the importance of the
battle in American history.

.        Friday, January 7, 7:00 p.m. at historic de La Ronde Oaks, just
downriver from the battlefield. Free. St. Bernard Parish sponsors a
reenactment of the night battle of December 23, 1814. Shuttles begin running
from the parking area to the reenactment at 6:30 p.m.

.        Saturday, January 8, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the battlefield. Free.
See Friday's description for living history. 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. In addition, on
Saturday 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., the Kids Camp will offer special activities.

.        Saturday, January 8, beginning at 5:45 p.m. By advance 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 4 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.

 

All public parking for all events will be at the St. Bernard Parish
Government Complex, 8201 West Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette (see website
for map). Free shuttle buses will run continuously between parking area and
event locations. 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 St. Bernard Parish Government
Complex. 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.

 

- NPS -