Chalmette Battlefield is the site of the Battle of New Orleans. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of the troops of 1815. But Chalmette’s history extends beyond this military connection: the cemetery, architecture, and Fazendeville community offer other perspectives. Birdwatching along the nearby Mississippi River is another draw, with peak seasons that can shape travel plans.
Battlefield and Historical Context
Chalmette Battlefield is designated as a National Historical Park. At the visitor center, films and exhibits provide insight into the War of 1812. Together, the grounds and the visitor center’s offerings provide different ways to explore the historical themes: visitors can follow in the footsteps of the troops and learn through films and exhibits.
A commemorative event for the Battle of New Orleans is also held at the battlefield. It takes place every year on the second weekend in January. If you’d like to plan your trip around this event, check that year’s program in advance.
Cemetery, Architecture, and Community
Chalmette National Cemetery offers a glimpse into a later era. It was established in May 1864 as the final resting place for Union soldiers who died in Louisiana during the Civil War. More than 15,000 headstones mark the graves of veterans. The contrast with the 1815 battle is clear: here, the focus is on the cemetery’s founding during the Civil War and the graves marked there.
The Malus-Beauregard House brings its construction period and architecture into focus. The Greek Revival-style house was built in 1832–1833. Its architectural style offers a different perspective on the past than the battlefield and cemetery, while its construction dates place the building in a specific period of the early 19th century.
The history of Fazendeville turns the focus to community life. The community was small, thriving, and self-sufficient, with strong social and cultural traditions. It came into being after Fazende divided his land into 33 lots and sold them. Both its origins in the land division and its community life are defining aspects of this history.
Birdwatching along the Mississippi River
Chalmette Battlefield is also a designated stop on the America's WETLAND Birding Trail. At the battlefield’s boat launch on the nearby Mississippi River, a pier serves as a birdwatching platform. Birds found here include gulls, terns, Double-crested Cormorants, Lesser Scaups, Ospreys, and Red-tailed Hawks. These birdwatching opportunities are especially prominent in fall, winter, and spring.
The seasons can be compared with the event date: the commemorative event takes place on the second weekend in January, while birdwatching is especially relevant in fall, winter, and spring. In January, the event date therefore overlaps with the highlighted winter season for birdwatching. When looking for hotels in Chalmette, you can use the reason for your trip as a starting point: would you mainly like to explore the history of the battlefield and its communities, or travel during a particular season to see birds? This way, you can align your hotel search with your interests and preferred travel dates.
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