Chalmette Battlefield
The Chalmette Battlefield is located at the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve in New Orleans, Louisiana. The men who fought on this battlefield, including Andrew Jackson’s forces were made up of U.S. Army units, the New Orleans militia, and Haitian slaves. The 4,000 of these troops came together to fight against the British invasion. Amazingly, only eight of these men were killed and thirteen were wounded. As for the British, 2,000 of their elite soldiers were killed with hundreds of others captured. The British attempted to invade this area to take over the Mississippi River.
The city of New Orleans was the key to controlling the commerce of the Mississippi River. The British were led by General Edward Pakenham, who landed with his troops at Lake Borgne in 1814. Jackson rallied everyone around the area and brought together as much people as possible to fight against this invasion, eventually meeting at the Chalmette Plantation. Within two hours of the battle, General Pakenham and two of his senior officers were already killed. The rest is history, as the Americans ran all over the British troops as they retreated. To this day, the site is a great place to visit to get a first hand look at a place of great American victory.
As people visit the battlefield and the specific sites where notable people have died, cold spots are felt that represent emotions from the battle that took place over a hundred years ago. Some people have also reported a pulling sensation that feels as if gravity has increased in a factual impossibility. It is a great site for ghost hunters and history buffs alike, and is certainly a great all around place to see, whether you are looking for a ghost or just a sense of American history.
(Source: Dwyer, Jeff. Ghost Hunter’s Guide to New Orleans. 2007.)
I could not help but notice that your article stated that the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve is in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Battle field itself in accualy located in the Parish of St. Bernard, just on the border of Aradi and Chalmette. As well as I am aware of, Orleans Parish has little or nothing to to with the maintenance of the Chalmette Battlefield. Furthermore, the wonderful people of St. Bernard Parish take great pride in keeping there hisorical landmarks alive. Thank you for your time. I hope this is helpful.
John E. Breckenridge, Jr.
Third generation, Chalmette, LA