Chalmette Battlefield And National Cemetery

Chalmette Battlefield And National Cemetery. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. , Chalmette Battlefield and the Battle of New Orleans, Major General Andrew Jackson's troops were outnumbered and less experienced yet they defended and secured the port of New Orleans from British invasion on January 8, 1815. This surprising victory at Chalmet plantation was the last major battle in the War of 18 12. The American victory preserved U.S. claims to the Louisiana Purchase territory, prompted settlement in the Mississippi River valley, made Jackson a national hero, and encouraged American pride and unity., Chalmette National Cemetery, President Abraham Lincoln approved legislation on July 17, 1862, that established national cemeteries for American forces. Two years later near the end of the Civil War, Chalmette National Cemetery was established to receive Union troops who died in Louisiana. In later years the cemetery served as a final resting place for veterans of all major U.S. wars from the War of 18 12 to Vietnam. Four Americans who fought in the War of 18 12 are buried here; one of them took part in the Battle of New Orleans. The estimated number of burials is nearly 16,000., Points of Interest, Visitor center, open during normal park hours , Films, exhibits, and interactive displays tell the story of the Battle of New Orleans. A large map outlines troop movements during the New Orleans campaign and the January 8, 1815, battle., Cannons and rampart , A re-creation of the rampart which protected the American troops from the British army runs along the remnants of Rodriguez Canal. The period and reproduction cannons in the batteries represent Jackson's artillery line., Malus-Beauregard House, open during normal park hours , This beautiful example of period Louisiana architecture was built 18 years after the Battle of New Orleans, It is named for its first and last private owners, Madeleine Pannetier Malus and Judge René Beauregard., Self-guided tours , Exhibits along the walkways describe the Battle of New Orleans and the site's later history. , Chalmette Monument, open during normal park hours , By the battle's 25th anniversary in 1840, local citizens were organizing to raise a monument honoring Andrew Jackson and his troops. Construction began in 1855, but the monument was not completed until 1908 due to decades of funding problems. Each year on January 8, a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument honors the men who fought and died at the Battle of New Orleans., Mississippi River levee , A low levee was already in place along this stretch of river during the Battle of New Orleans. The Mississippi River was and still is a vital transportation and shipping corridor and New Orleans-area ports continue to ship goods from America's interior to the rest of the world., Battle of New Orleans anniversary , Each year in early January, living history experts dressed as period troops and civilians bring the battle to life with cannon and musket firings, cooking and craft demonstrations, and discussions of War of 18 12 tactics and strategy.