Troops of 1815 Return to Jean Lafitte's Chalmette Battlefield

History came to life January 8-10 at Chalmette Battlefield, site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. The battlefield, just downriver from New Orleans in Chalmette and one of six sites of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, hosted 125 living history volunteers in peroid dress and 5000 visitors, including over 2500 students on school field trips.

This year's anniversary saw the return of the free men of color Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps unit. Beginning with the 2002 anniversary, JROTC cadets from local schools in New Orleans and Chalmette portrayed free men of color and Tennessee volunteers who fought in the New Orleans campaign. Hurricane Katrina suspended the New Orleans program; JROTC cadets from Chalmette High School continued the tradition of portraying the Tennesseans. This year, cadets from Eleanor McMain High School in New Orleans returned to the program, working with park rangers who taught them 1815 military drills and history.