Chalmette Battlefield, site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, served as a presidential landing site on Wednesday, August 20, for helicopters carrying President George W. Bush, staff, and special guests. Bush visited the New Orleans area to mark the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrinaâs landfall on the Gulf Coast. Bush spoke at Jackson Barracks, headquarters of the Louisiana National Guard pre-Katrina and currently under repair to resume its role. The president spoke about progress made since Katrina devastated the area and praised Louisiana residents as well as volunteers and donors from around the country for their work in recovery efforts.
For security reasons, only essential park staff were on site during the presidentâs stop. Jean Lafitte law enforcement rangers provided site security. Law Enforcement Ranger Georgia Shaw served as Incident Commander for the landing, working closely with the Secret Service. Marine Helicopter Squadron One, which provides all helicopter transportation for the president, presented the park with a plaque of thanks. Park employees were enthusiastic about the presidential visit, the first to the battlefield by any sitting U.S. president. The battlefield, one of six sites of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, is located south of New Orleans in Chalmette.
