Chalmette – History, Remembrance and Nature Observation

Chalmette combines impressive history with opportunities for nature observation. Chalmette Battlefield, memorial sites from various eras, the Fazendeville community and the nearby Mississippi River offer different ways to experience this destination. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between exploring history in depth, attending a commemorative event and observing birds.

History at Chalmette Battlefield

Chalmette Battlefield is the site of the Battle of New Orleans and is designated as a National Historical Park. At the visitor center, you can learn about the War of 1812 through films and exhibitions. At the battlefield, visitors can also follow in the footsteps of the troops from 1815. This makes it possible to explore the historical focus not only through exhibitions, but also at the actual site where the events took place.

A special event is the commemoration of the Battle of New Orleans. It takes place at Chalmette Battlefield every year on the second weekend in January. If this event is part of your travel plans, you can make the date the focal point of your planning well in advance. Regardless of this, the battlefield offers a clear point of reference for anyone interested in the history of the site and the War of 1812.

Cemetery, House and the History of Fazendeville

Chalmette National Cemetery was established in May 1864 as a final resting place for Union soldiers who died in Louisiana during the Civil War. More than 15,000 gravestones mark the graves of veterans there. The cemetery thus provides another historical perspective, distinct from the battlefield's history of combat.

Architectural history is represented by the Malus-Beauregard House. It is a Greek Revival-style house built in 1832–1833. Fazendeville also adds a social and cultural dimension to the picture of Chalmette. The community was established after Fazende divided his land into 33 lots and sold them. Fazendeville was a small but thriving and self-sufficient community with strong social and cultural traditions.

Birdwatching along the nearby Mississippi River

In addition to its historical themes, Chalmette Battlefield offers access to nature. It is a designated stop on the America's WETLAND Birding Trail. The battlefield's boat launch on the nearby Mississippi River serves as an observation platform for gulls, terns, Double-crested Cormorants, Lesser Scaups, Ospreys and Red-tailed Hawks. This aspect may be particularly interesting for your trip planning in autumn, winter and spring.

The Right Accommodation Idea for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Chalmette, you can use your preferred focus as a decision-making aid. Those primarily interested in the history of battles and remembrance culture can include the battlefield, the visitor center, the National Cemetery and the Malus-Beauregard House in their thematic planning. For nature observers, on the other hand, the seasonal birdlife at the boat launch is an important consideration. Families with different interests can consciously balance these themes when planning their trip without limiting themselves to just one type of experience.

The time of year also changes the character of the trip: the second weekend in January is dedicated to the commemorative event, while autumn, winter and spring are particularly highlighted for the birdwatching mentioned above. Therefore, choose your accommodation according to the focus you want to set in Chalmette, and take into account the date or season that suits the discoveries you have planned. If you would like to view additional destinations for your trip planning, St Bernard offers another option for orientation.

For the overarching travel overview: St. Bernard Parish.