Visit the site of the January 8, 1815 Battle of New Orleans, the last great battle of the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. The resounding American victory at the Battle of New Orleans 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. Learn about the War of 1812 at the interpretive center featuring film and exhibits, or catch one of the daily ranger chats. Kids can earn a badge with the Junior Ranger program. The center's bookstore has books, period music, reproductions of items from the period, and children's books. The park is operated by the National Park Service and admission is free. Daily riverboat cruises aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen depart the French Quarter and travel downriver to the Battlefield.

The anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans is commemorated every January on the weekend closest to the battle. History truly comes to life when over 100 living history experts, dressed as 1815 troops and civilians, set up camp at the site of the battle. Cannons roar, muskets fire, campfires crackle, and Amercan history changes forever on a Louisiana sugarcane field. The commemorations include period crafts and cooking, reenactments of one of the skirmishes leading up to the battle, War of 1812 military drills and tactics, and an evening lantern tour of "the night before the battle".

Hours of Operation:
Open daily, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Closed Christmas Day and Mardi Gras Day