Martina C.

I'm going to say MEH in every way. Because 1-i don't like history and 2-I thought I was going to end up with my eyes swollen shut because the oak trees hate me. My husband was all into their anniversary celebration of 208 years but I wanted to get back to the river. Definitely not my scene as I was bored stiff until the cannons shot off and I swore like a sailor because I got so scared. I'd do the cruise without stops next time. Or just stay on lol

Ray F.

This is one of those places few visit and many more should. It was on these grounds our nation finally won our rebellion from the ruling British with a decisive battle and kept momentum for the American Manifest Destiny. The rag tag American forces made up of many economic classes, many races and many ethic groups speaking many languages led and held together by Andrew Jackson were on one side. The well trained combat hardened and experienced British army veterans of the Napoleonic Wars were on the other. Battles are fought by people and people make errors. This one was no exception. British errors cost them the battle. It was a very lopsided victory for this melding of cultures and people that perhaps should remind ourselves in this day what we as a mix of people can do together when we prepare for the future with a singular goal. The site is right on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi and surrounded by some of the same industry that was there at the time of the battle. Most of the combat engineering has given way to time and nature. There are markers pointing out significant events throughout the site. The US National Park Service takes care of this site and the new ranger gave an excellent presentation. In the main building are a few short movies and exhibits that will help educate all ages. Re-enactments are frequently done around the anniversary. I appreciate the Park Service flying the Union Jack at the site as it pays respect to the carnage. I urge all to visit this site. Think deeply about what took place. Think about ALL of those involved. Remember those that spilt blood and died doing their duty for the Crown. Remember those that spilled blood and died for friends, family and the American Dream. Think about how this battle helped change the world. This big empty quiet meadow is actually quite important to each of us reading this review.

Dylan M.

So I've come here twice although never taken a formal tour I have wandered the grounds and it's interesting and free to do so. The last time I visited was during Covid and although their website said that the gates and bathrooms were open they were not. There is very limited parking for a few cars and then you can wander in and wander the grounds. It's a nice place to go for a hike or a run or bike ride around the paths. They allow dogs although they have to be on a leash and are not allowed in thru the cemetery enters or the grounds near it. It's easy enough to self guide yourself around and read the signage. They have a visitors center as well but during Covid that was closed as well. The adjacent cemetery area is also worth visiting. It's not a highlight destination but it's free to wander and think it's worth a whirl if your local or visiting and have extra time.

John B.

New Orleans has its strengths, but the riverside aesthetic is not one of them. Most of the Mississippi is filled with industrial buildings that I'm sure are economically productive but aesthetically unappealing. This historic park a ways away from the city center has a bit of a river view and a nice breeze, as well as some interesting bits of military history. Who knows; if our ancestors hadn't beaten back the British here we have ended up measuring everything in decigrams and spelling "colour" with a u. Horrifying thought. The field itself is large and covered with mounds, some of which purportedly have fire ants. Assuming you drive or walk on the road, there are some signs with fairly detailed history. The visitor center has a room's worth of exhibits, and quality, outdoor amenities. The place is not large and is bordered by various shipping activities that make noise, but when it's calm, it's pleasant.

Jeanne B.

This was such an inspirational place to visit. It's free and you can do a driving tour of the grounds, along with checking out the visitors' center and walking the grounds. And if you have any questions, they are very helpful.

Mindy H.

If you are a history nut, you will enjoy this well preserved site. Chalmette Battlefield is part of the Jean Lafitte Natural Historical Park and Preserve. This is the site of the January 8, 1815, Battle of New Orleans. The last fight of the War of 1812. It was here that General Andrew Jackson's little army won against a stronger British force. Admission is free, and the visitor center has a great exhibit providing history about the site and importance of the war in creating the America we know today. I loved the lighted map and video that outlined the movements of the war. If you only have time for one thing in the visitor center, watch that video with the lighted display. When you pass through the gates to the Battlefield the first thing you will see is the Chalmette Monument, the battlefield's 100-foot-high obelisk. It is only open on Friday and Saturday (9:00 -3:30 pm). You can climb the stairs to the top viewing platform. You can take a self guided walking or driving tour (with convenient pull offs) of the grounds. There are signs with historic information that will guide you along your way. At the back of the site is the Malus-Beauregard House, an antebellum plantation. And you can walk on the other side of the levy to see the boat dock and Mississippi river. To access the park you can take the paddle wheeler Creole Queen from New Orleans' French Quarter to the battlefield. We had our car so we just drove and parked. Next to the battlefield is the Chalmette National Cemetery which was established in May 1864. Here lay Union soldiers who died in Louisiana during the Civil War, veterans of the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and the Vietnam War. Four Americans who fought in the War of 1812 are buried here, though only one of them took part in the Battle of New Orleans.

Simon B.

Historical site of last battle of WAR OF 1812. BRITISH were sent packing with their tails between their legs January 8 1815. We climbed the tower commemerating the famous occasion. Had a look at a few films and looked at displays in the visitor centre.. Recommended for history buffs and anyone really

Andi F.

What history. This is the site of the first major win of the Revolutionary War. Though it came too late to be effective, it is one of the best preserved sites from the war. A few years ago, they celebrated the 200th anniversary of the battle. They pulled out all the stops. Lectures at the nearby community college, reenactments, guided tours, all sorts of things to see. The whole neighborhood was participating. I went to a couple of the lectures, and they were very informative. I enjoyed myself thoroughly. The Sternwheeler that leaves from the foot of Canal Street in New Orleans comes here as its stop. I have also been on this expedition, and seeing the battlefield from the boat was beautiful. For those visiting from out of town, this Is the best way to get to the battlefield as you will get to get off the boat and walk around and see this sites for a short amount of time. This is a national park, and funded as such. If you have your passport to the national parks handy, you can get it stamped here. Or you can buy your passport here. There are not as many hoops to jump through to get this passport. You will see the battlefield, a house resembling the plantation house that was on the property during the period, canon abutments, the graveyard nearby, watch videos about it, and see diagrams of how the battle occurred. This will stand out in my mind as one of my favorite places to visit while in New Orleans. There are plenty of nearby restaurants nearby to eat at before or after your visit, as well as other places to visit that are fun.

Jeff H.

This was my second stop on my weeklong training trip down here in NOLA. If you're a history buff or just like to feel the old battlegrounds beneath your feet, go there. It's about 20 minutes from the French Quarter and is a pristine battlefield from the war of 1812, where Old Hickory, President Andrew Jackson ripped apart the treacherous British Red Coats. There's an old plantation house on the park, right in front of the mighty Mississippi River. It's not much in the inside, and is in desperate need of repairs, but it's a gorgeous and reminiscent of a French chateau. You can drive around the interpretive park, as well as walk it if you like. I walked a portion of it from the visitor center , up to the old plantation house and to the river. It's definitely in the hearts of New Orleanians because it was saved from the British. You can feel the tragic history there with the heavy loss of British lives. Definitely do your part and learn our history by visiting and it's free, so why not take it in!

Becca M.

This was an amazing and peaceful park commemorating the Battle of New Orleans. Kid-friendly, this battle is marked by a series of plaques, a restored Greek-revival home, and an obelisk (which, we learned, closes on the onset of summer) which you can climb. We had fun driving around the "self-guided tour" stops, and the weather was great, but there aren't many resources here comparable to other battlesites I've toured. The real crown jewel here is the Chalmette Cemetery, which features a call-in guided tour, and which houses (buried) veterans from every United States major conflict. It was chilling and amazing, and moving to see the 15,000 tombs of unknown soldiers. Absolutely worth the trip to the outskirts of NOLA.

Robert H.

It was truly memorable and educational. Very sad that our schools don't teach about such important historic battles any more. New Orleans was key to economic trade and the survival of the newly formed United States of America. It is a must see when visiting.