Just downriver from New Orleans in Chalmette is the site of the January 8, 1815, Battle of New Orleans: Chalmette Battlefield. Many people believe that this last great battle of the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain was unnecessary, since the treaty ending the war was signed in late 1814, but the war was not over. The resounding American victory at the Battle of New Orleans soon became a symbol of a new idea: American democracy triumphing over the old European ideas of aristocracy and entitlement. General Andrew Jackson’s hastily assembled army had won the day against a battle-hardened and numerically superior British force. Americans took great pride in the victory and for decades celebrated January 8 as a national holiday, just like the Fourth of July.
Visitor center hours: The battlefield visitor center is open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday-Sunday. The visitor center is closed on Mardi Gras (Tuesday, March 5, in 2019) and on federal holidays except for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, when it is open regular hours of 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Entrance gates hours: Gates at the battlefield and at Chalmette National Cemetery (just downriver from the battlefield) are open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday-Sunday. On federal holidays, gates are open 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., except for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, when gates are open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. On Mardi Gras (Tuesday, March 5, in 2019), the battlefield is completely closed but the national cemetery is open 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.