History of Chalmette

Chalmette is located just east outside New Orleans in St. Bernard Parish, surrounded by the Mississippi on one side and marshland on the other. Named after plantation owner Martin de Lino de Chalmette, it was the site of the historic Battle of New Orleans, fought in 1815 during the war of 1812. In this battle Andrew Jackson led American troops in a defense against the British attacking from the sea. The Americans had geography in their favor as the British had to cross through the swamps in their attack. Jackson’s army defeated the British, which forever ended any attempts by the British to take control of America. Today, tourists can visit the Chalmette Battlefield, which serves as a monument to the battle. Also at the site is the Beauregard House, built in 1830 but never used as a plantation. It now is used as a visitor’s center and museum. Next to the Battlefield is the Chalmette National Cemetery, which honors soldiers on both sides who died in the Civil War, including the famous Buffalo Soldiers.
Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 had a major impact on Chalmette and all of St. Bernard Parish. The Parish is surrounded on all sides by water and is two thirds of its land consists of marshlands from the Mississippi River Delta. The elevation is either at sea level or below sea level, placing it in a very precarious situation during hurricane seasons. When Katrina hit the entire parish was submerged and water level rose to seventeen feet high and above in some places. Since many people take a lot of pride in their community, many did not evacuate for Katrina and were therefore trapped in their houses as the water levels rose. However, those that stayed behind and were able to help rose the occasion remarkably. One group that was instrumental in the relief effort was the St. Bernard Fire Department.