Battle of N.O. reenacted
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On a chilly day, Jan. 8, 1815, the roar of cannons and muskets, smoke and confusion reigned at Chalmette Battlefield. This weekend people can stroll the battlefield and see history come to life during the annual commemoration of the Battle of New Orleans.
The last land battle of the War of 1812, the Battle of New Orleans preserved America’s claim to the Louisiana Purchase. The battle pitted 10,000 troops under the command of Maj. Gen. Pakenham against approximately 5,500 Americans under the command of Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson. The battle lasted less than two hours. The Americans had fewer than 100 casualties. The British sustained more than 2,000.
More than 100 living history experts portraying American and British troops and civilians are participating in the annual encampment. Visitors can view military drills, cannon and musket firing, period music and demonstrations of 1815 crafts and cooking.
This year will see the return of the free men of color Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) unit. Beginning in 2002, ROTC cadets from New Orleans schools portrayed the free men of color in the battle commemoration. Hurricane Katrina suspended the activity. This year, national park rangers have worked with cadets from McMain High School, teaching them 1815 military history so they can participate as free men of color.
Today, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., park rangers will be dressed in period clothing and will explain details of the battle. Visitors can stop by the Malus-Beauregard House which will serve as British headquarters, and will feature demonstrations of 19th-century surgery techniques.
Meet the women and men of New Orleans, watch campfire cooking demonstrations, and discuss the latest news from the battlefield and its impact on New Orleans.
At 7 p.m., St. Bernard Parish will sponsor a re-enactment of the Dec. 23, 1814, night battle at the historic Pakenham Oaks just downriver from the battlefield.
On Saturday, the encampment at Chalmette Battlefield will continue from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with cannon and musket demonstrations, drills, cooking programs and more.
Chalmette Battlefield, at 8606 W. St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette, is a unit of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Official battlefield shuttles, school buses and vehicles with handicapped tags will be allowed on the battlefield grounds. All other parking is at the St. Bernard Parish Courthouse, 1101 W. St. Bernard Highway. Call the park at (504) 589-2636, ext. 1, or visit http://www.nps.gov/jela.
The last land battle of the War of 1812, the Battle of New Orleans preserved America’s claim to the Louisiana Purchase. The battle pitted 10,000 troops under the command of Maj. Gen. Pakenham against approximately 5,500 Americans under the command of Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson. The battle lasted less than two hours. The Americans had fewer than 100 casualties. The British sustained more than 2,000.
More than 100 living history experts portraying American and British troops and civilians are participating in the annual encampment. Visitors can view military drills, cannon and musket firing, period music and demonstrations of 1815 crafts and cooking.
This year will see the return of the free men of color Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) unit. Beginning in 2002, ROTC cadets from New Orleans schools portrayed the free men of color in the battle commemoration. Hurricane Katrina suspended the activity. This year, national park rangers have worked with cadets from McMain High School, teaching them 1815 military history so they can participate as free men of color.
Today, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., park rangers will be dressed in period clothing and will explain details of the battle. Visitors can stop by the Malus-Beauregard House which will serve as British headquarters, and will feature demonstrations of 19th-century surgery techniques.
Meet the women and men of New Orleans, watch campfire cooking demonstrations, and discuss the latest news from the battlefield and its impact on New Orleans.
At 7 p.m., St. Bernard Parish will sponsor a re-enactment of the Dec. 23, 1814, night battle at the historic Pakenham Oaks just downriver from the battlefield.
On Saturday, the encampment at Chalmette Battlefield will continue from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with cannon and musket demonstrations, drills, cooking programs and more.
Chalmette Battlefield, at 8606 W. St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette, is a unit of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Official battlefield shuttles, school buses and vehicles with handicapped tags will be allowed on the battlefield grounds. All other parking is at the St. Bernard Parish Courthouse, 1101 W. St. Bernard Highway. Call the park at (504) 589-2636, ext. 1, or visit http://www.nps.gov/jela.
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