Chalmette in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
British Batteries
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 31, 2016
1. British Batteries Marker
To support their attacks, the British built several artillery batteries, shown in red on the map. The largest was the Advanced Battery with 10 cannons behind a low rampart of earth filled sugar casks and rammed earth. Built near the center of what is now the cemetery, it suffered heavy damage during the January 1 artillery duel and was abandoned. Two batteries held Congreve rockets. The rockets were designed to shower shrapnel and explosives down on enemy troops when fired overhead, but they were difficult to aim so were mostly ineffective. The Forward Battery became a redoubt, a defensive structure to protect sentries.
(caption)
"The bombs bursting in air" sent a shower of shrapnel on troops below, as shown in this woodcut from the middle 1800s.
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° 56.411′ N, 89° 59.384′ W. Marker is in Chalmette, Louisiana, in St. Bernard Parish. Marker is at the intersection of Chalmette National Park Scenic Road (Tour Loop Rd) and Battlefield Road, on the left when traveling east on Chalmette National Park Scenic Road (Tour Loop Rd)
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Roads and Ditches (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chalmette National Cemetery (about 800 feet away); Fazendeville (about 800 feet away); The 93rd Oblique (approx. 0.2 miles away); Here We Honor Veterans Who Served Their Country (approx. ¼ mile 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.
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. The British Batteries Marker and the battleground
Photographed By James Hulse, January 13, 2023
3. The view of the British Batteries Marker from the parking area along 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 390 times since then and 20 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.
