Chalmette in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Lethal Exposure

Photographed by Bryan Olson, May 2007

1. Lethal Exposure Marker

Inscription. The January 8 British plan proved easier conceived than to execute. Due to numerous delays, the attack did not start on time. About dawn, a rocket soared above the British lines near the woods on your right, followed by another rocket from their position near the river. These signals to attack were answered almost instantly by a shot from the American artillery. Major General Gibbs' column gave three cheers, and the advance guard on both flanks moved in close order toward the rampart.

When the British attacked, the field was covered with fog. Major General Pakenham probably hoped this would give him back some of the advantage he had lost to delays. Unfortunately for British plans, a breeze came up and the fog broke, exposing the British 650 yards from the American line.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. A significant day of the year for for this entry is January 8.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 29° 56.4′ N, 89° 59.396′ W. Marker was in Chalmette, Louisiana, in St. Bernard Parish. It was on Battlefield Road, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located inside Chalmette Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Chalmette LA 70043, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in Bayou Country and in Greater New Orleans.

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it was in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: British Batteries (within shouting distance of this marker); Fazendeville (about 700 feet away); The 93rd Oblique (about 800 feet away); Roads and Ditches (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chalmette National Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); After the Battle (approx. ¼ mile away); The Malus-Beauregard House (approx. ¼ mile away); Chalmette Battlefield And National Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chalmette.

Other markers no longer nearby. “Where Has Our Equipment Gone?” (was about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing); British Strategy (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. On the right side two illustrations show the British march into the battle area. On the lower left a map details the British arrival on the battlefield.

Additional keywords. Battle of New Orleans, Chalmette Battlefield

Photographed by Bryan Olson, May 1, 2007

2. Lethal Exposure Marker

Most of the British artillery was behind you, in today’s National Cemetery. Ineffectively positioned and lacking enough ammunition, they played no important role in the battle.(NPS)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2008, by Bryan Olson of Syracuse, New York. This page has been viewed 1,851 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 15, 2008, by Bryan Olson of Syracuse, New York. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.