[StBernard] Battle of New Orleans marks 199th anniversary with re-enactors, seminars, wreath laying

[Westley Annis]

Battle of New Orleans marks 199th anniversary with re-enactors, seminars,
wreath laying

Cannons will sound for the 199th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, a
celebration that centers on big public gatherings on Jan. 10 and Jan. 11.
But a passion for muzzle-loading black-powder weapons isn't needed to enjoy
the annual events at Chalmette Battlefield.

The historic site and its stories are a legacy for everyone - especially
those who want to know how New Orleans helped shape the national culture,
said Nigel Fields, chief of interpretation and education for Jean Lafitte
National Historical Park.

"The antecedents of who we are in New Orleans were catalyzed at this site -
our sense of common purpose, and a diversity that was a model for the
nation. You can see the American identity taking form at this location in
January 1815," he said.

Fields noted that the combatants included Choctaw people, Baratarian
pirates, free people of color, and militias from several states - a mix that
the organizers seek to represent this weekend as hundreds of volunteers,
re-enactors, and park staff set up at the riverside site in St. Bernard
Parish. Activities at the battlefield include cannon and musket firings,
military drills, music, a living history encampment, and period craft
demonstrations.

"There's plenty to entertain visitors with varied interests, but it's not
just an entertainment event," Fields said. "Many people also take time to
visit the adjacent military cemetery, for example. It doesn't have dead
[soldiers] from the Battle of New Orleans - it was founded much later - but
it's a good place to reflect on the outcome of battle for many combatants.
It gives you the full scope."

The battlefield events actually kick off with a wreath laying ceremony,
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m. -- the anniversary of the original battle.

For many visitors, the presence of costumed re-enactors makes the Friday and
Saturday events an especially vivid way to experience history.

"The motivations and anxieties of individual soldiers don't easily lift off
the page of a book, but this kind of living history event helps visitors
understand the challenges faced by combatants of all ranks," Fields said.
"You'll see how they dressed on a winter battlefield and smell the food that
they cooked. And you'll get an idea of their isolation. In 1815, nobody got
a cell phone call to tell them that diplomats were at work on the Treaty of
Ghent."

Fields expects to host about 2,300 kids, teachers and chaperones from 27
area schools on Friday. (Most school groups will be gone by 2 p.m.) The
general public is welcome on both days, and Fields estimates that about
5,000 people will attend events this week.

In fact, these free events are so popular that offsite parking and shuttles
are mandatory, (unless you arrive on the paddle wheel Natchez which has
added extra cruises from the French Quarter to Chalmette on Jan. 10 and Jan.
11). Free parking and shuttles are available at the St. Bernard Parish
Government Complex, 8201 West Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette. The popular
lantern tour of the battlefield is already sold out.

Don't want to muddy your boots? Offsite events include a "Battle of New
Orleans Historical Symposium" at Nunez Community College - a chance to learn
the stories behind the troops, leaders, tactics and other aspects of the
battle in an informal classroom setting. The free talks are presented by the
Louisiana Institute of Higher Education. No registration required for the
symposium, which takes place on Friday and Sunday, Jan. 10 and Jan 12 (10:30
a.m. to 3:45 p.m. both days).

Battle of New Orleans

What: The 199th anniversary of the 1815 battle will be celebrated with
symposiums, ceremonies and two days of living history events.

Where: Events center on Chalmette Battlefield, 8606 West St. Bernard Hwy.,
Chalmette.

When:

Wednesday, Jan. 8 (park at the battlefield)

10 a.m. Wreath-laying ceremony honors the men who fought at the Battle of
New Orleans. Free.

Friday, Jan. 10 - complete schedule and map (PDF)

9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Living history encampment, cannon and musket firings,
military drills, music, and period craft demonstrations. Free.

7 p.m. Re-enactment of the Dec. 23, 1814, night battle. Hosted by St.
Bernard Parish Government and presented by the Louisiana Living History
Foundation. Free.

Saturday, Jan. 11 - complete schedule and map (PDF)

9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Living history encampment, cannon and musket firings,
military drills, music, talks, and period craft demonstrations. Free.

Lantern Tour - sold out. No more tickets are available.

Parking: All public parking (except handicapped parking) for all Friday and
Saturday events at Chalmette Battlefield is at the St. Bernard Parish
Government Complex, 8201 West Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette. Free shuttles
run continuously between the battlefield and parking area. Restrooms and
tourism information will be available at the government complex. ONLY
vehicles with handicapped tags may park at the battlefield for Friday and
Saturday events; note that the Friday evening reenactment does not take
place at the battlefield. Click here for a (PDF) map to the public parking
area.