Chalmette in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Roads and Ditches
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 31, 2016
1. Roads and Ditches Marker
The battle took place on agricultural fields crisscrossed by drainage and irrigation ditches. British commander Sir Edward Pakenham probably launched his main attack from behind the cover of the First Ditch. Some troops advanced and later withdrew along the Center Road, a narrow dirt track that cut across the field toward the American rampart. The heaviest fighting was near the cypress swamp and the Double Ditch along its edge. After the battle, the First Ditch became the line of truce where the armies met for formal communications and to arrange burials. Traces of the road and ditches are still visible today.
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This drawing from 1844 portrays the battle's aftermath, when troops from both sides assisted the wounded.
Erected by National Park Service - United States Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. A significant historical year for this entry is 1815.
Location. 29° 56.518′ N, 89° 59.318′ W. Marker is in Chalmette, Louisiana, in St. Bernard Parish. It is on Chalmette National Park Scenic Road (Tour Loop Rd) 0.4 miles east of Battlefield Road, on the left when traveling north. The Chalmette National Park Scenic Road, or Tour Loop Road, is located within the Chalmette
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Bayou Country and in Greater New Orleans. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds 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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Chalmette National Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Here We Honor Veterans Who Served Their Country (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); British Batteries (about 700 feet away); Pakenham's Fall (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Main Attack (approx. 0.2 miles away); Serving Those Who Saved Us (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Chalmette National Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fazendeville (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chalmette.
Other markers no longer nearby. Where Has Our Equipment Gone? (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Lethal Exposure (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing); The Battle Ends (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Chalmette Battlefield. NPS Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve website entry (Submitted on August 23, 2016, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
Photographed by James Hulse, January 13, 2023
2. Roads and Ditches Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, January 13, 2023
3. The view of the Roads and Ditches Marker from the loop road
Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2016, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 597 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 23, 2016, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 2, 3. submitted on January 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
