New Orleans, Jackson Barracks, Chalmette Cemetery, and the National World War II Museum

My trip to New Orleans was extremely successful. LTC Tommy Ryan LA National Guard historian was my host on Friday and what a wonderful host he was. I meet him at Jackson Barracks and after explaining more about my project we went on a trip around the entire original Barracks. It was built in the 1830 and most of it still exists today, in spite of the years, urban growth, and Katrina.

I was able to walk where Robinette walked and see what he would have seen. As LTC Ryan said, “If a soldier from the 1830s was here today he would recognize the place and feel at home. The barracks themselves have been converted in individual quarters for some time and some are currently being restored. The original was is still in existence in some places and in others you can see it’s “shadow” on the buildings.

Orginal Wall-the wall was build originally in case of a slave insurrection.

CG quarters

Original side gate.

View of the Barracks

Parade Ground

Barracks-upstairs were the quarters, down, common room and mess hall

Barricks upstairs--the only stairs were on the outside.

Original fireplace with modifications.

Original wall and original French drains that still work as designed!

One of two surviving towers.

Original wall

1830s graffiti-Clavin Co C, 5th Inf

After a morning of touring the facility I picked up the flowers I ordered and went to the Chalmette Cemetery. The cemetery is closed due to reconstruction from Katrina but I was able to get in with an escort. They had cleaned the stone and the sun came up in time for me to get some great pictures. I said a prayer for him and all the soldiers buried there. I talked to him a biut, yeah I know, and promised him I would do everything in my power to tell his story and determine what led him to his untimely demise.

The Park Service decided NOT to place flags on the gravesites this year. They said since it was closed there was no need. I could not DISAGREE more. The flags were to honor the soldiers buried there NOT to the live but for the dead to be remembered. I thought it was a disgraceful thing to do.

That evening LTC Ryan invited me to dinner at the New Orleans Cooking Experience: http://www.neworleanscookingexperience.com/ It is located at The House on Bayou Road: http://www.houseonbayouroad.com/ The home was built as the main house to an indigo plantation just prior to the turn of the 19th century. This restful inn is just minutes from the French Quarter. The guest quarters are appointed with fine linens and elegant furnishings. The main house of this historic site was built in 1798 by physician/diplomat Domingo Fleitas. Coming originally from Tenerife in the Canary Island, Sr. Fleitas had his Indigo plantation's 'maison principal' built in the West Indies Creole style with wide galleries and many French doors opening onto flowering patios.

The chef for the evening was Janice “Boo” Macomber (macomberjanice@yahoo.com) and boy could she cook up a storm:
Boo’s Amuse Bouche (Aligator Suace Piquante)
Rosemary Shrimp
Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
Crawfish Stew & Crawfish Loaf on Dirty Rice
And for dessert: Bananas Foster.
What a wonderful experience. BTW, Boo has a recipe book for sale!

The next day I was up bright and early so I could go to the National World War II Museum: http://www.ddaymuseum.org/
My dad fought in WWII and my sister and I have a brick there in his name.
PY 305 is there as well. I helped work on her and her sister ship PT 309 while living in Houston. Unfortunately, funds do not allow for her restoration at this time. I just wish they would cover her up to protect her from the weather.

Well, that was my time in NO and off to Vicksburg for Sunday.

Keep History Alive
bs