Chalmette

Chalmette is a census-designated place in St. Bernard Parish located southeast of New Orleans along the Mississippi River. The area contains residential neighborhoods mixed with commercial zones and extends across flat, low-lying terrain typical of the Louisiana bayou region.

The Battle of New Orleans took place in 1815 at Chalmette Battlefield, when American forces led by Andrew Jackson defeated British troops during the War of 1812. This victory marked a turning point and became deeply embedded in local and national identity.

The Isleño community preserves their Canary Islands heritage through language and customs that remain visible in daily life. This cultural identity shapes how residents interact and celebrate their traditions together.

The area is best accessed by car, as the local infrastructure is designed around vehicle travel. Visitors should plan time to explore the battlefield site and visitor facilities, which are centrally located and easy to navigate.

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 destroyed nearly every structure in the area, triggering massive rebuilding efforts that reshaped the community. The visible changes in architecture and population composition continue to reflect this transformative event.