National Register Listing

Chalmette Unit of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park Historic District

a.k.a. Chalmette National Historical Park

6 mi. S of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Local significance of the district:
Historic - Non-aboriginal; Military; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The Battle of New Orleans, fought on January 8, 1815, was one of the last battles of the War of 1812. It was a decisive victory for the United States, despite the fact that the war had officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent on December 24, 1814.
Louisiana random facts
St. Bernard Parish, located in southeastern Louisiana, has a rich and diverse history dating back centuries. Its story begins with the indigenous Houma and Chitimacha tribes who inhabited the land long before European settlers arrived. French explorers, led by Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville in 1699, claimed the area for France, establishing a trading post and named it "Terre-aux-Bœufs" for its abundance of buffalo.

Over the years, the area attracted French, Spanish, and Acadian settlers, creating a unique cultural blend. In the 18th century, St. Bernard Parish became an important agricultural region with plantations producing indigo, cotton, and sugarcane. The parish's economy flourished through slave labor and trade, with New Orleans acting as a prominent port.

During the 19th century, St. Bernard Parish witnessed significant changes. It played a crucial role in the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, where Andrew Jackson's forces successfully defended against British invasion. The arrival of steamboats brought increased commerce, and St. Bernard Parish became a vital transportation hub between New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico.

The devastating Hurricane Katrina in 2005 had a profound impact on St. Bernard Parish. The storm caused widespread destruction, flooding the entire area and displacing thousands of residents. The parish has since undergone a slow but steady recovery, rebuilding infrastructure and revitalizing its economy. Today, St. Bernard Parish is known for its resilient community, historical landmarks, and vibrant fishing industry, serving as a testament to its enduring past and promising future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana.

  • 1777 - St. Bernard Parish is established by Spanish colonial authorities
  • 1803 - The area becomes part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase
  • 1812 - St. Bernard Parish is officially incorporated
  • 1830s - The community of Shell Beach begins to develop as a popular resort destination
  • 1850s - The parish's agricultural industry, especially sugar cane production, flourishes
  • 1862 - During the American Civil War, St. Bernard Parish is occupied by Union forces
  • 20th century - The oil and gas industry becomes a significant economic driver for the parish
  • 1969 - Hurricane Camille causes significant damage to St. Bernard Parish
  • 2005 - Hurricane Katrina devastates St. Bernard Parish and causes widespread flooding