National Park Guide: Louisiana's Jean Lafitte

— -- Like Louisiana itself, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve can't be cast in a typical mold.

Unlike much of the country's national park system, this isn't a single large expanse of scenic vistas, recreational opportunities, campgrounds and hiking trails.

Rather, Jean Lafitte, named for the 19th-century French pirate, is a peek into Louisiana's soul.

The park — a system of geographically separate but culturally connected interpretive centers, historical sites and a wildlife preserve — highlights the state's culture, history, people and environment, says Nigel Fields, Jean Lafitte's chief of interpretations and education.

"The park showcases the influences that shape the food, the music and the commerce," Fields says.

The foundation for that education lies in the Battle of New Orleans, a final chapter in the War of 1812. The American victory over the British on Jan. 8, 1815, not only brought a decisive end to the war, but also served to show that democracy could triumph over old European aristocracy, the park's website says. That battlefield, in Chalmette, was made into a national park in 1939, then incorporated into a larger park, including a 23,000-acre wildlife preserve, in 1978, Fields says.

Looking for an experience outside New Orleans, Alessandro Abate visited both the battlefield and preserve last year while in the area for a convention. Learning more about Louisiana and its history made his visit more enjoyable and memorable, he says.

"I had heard the song (Battle of New Orleans) several times but hadn't connected it (to what) happened there," says Abate, of Miami. "That was pretty cool."

Today, the park consists of six units: the Acadian Cultural Center, Eunice; the Acadian Cultural Center, Lafayette; the Barataria Preserve; the Chalmette Battlefield; the French Quarter Visitor Center; and the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center.

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About the park

Size: About 23,000 acres

Visitors: 420,366 in 2011

Established: Aug. 10, 1939; incorporation into new park on Nov. 10, 1978

History: The Battle of New Orleans laid the foundation for the park, which began as the Chalmette Monument and Grounds, in 1907. It was re-established as Chalmette National Historical Park in 1939, and incorporated into a new park to include five more sites in 1978.

When visiting: Acadian Cultural Center, 250 West Park Ave., in Eunice; Acadian Cultural Center, 501 Fisher Rd. in Lafayette; Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd. in Marrero; Chalmette Battlefield, 8606 West St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette; French Quarter Visitor Center, 419 Decatur St. in New Orleans; and Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, 314 St. Mary St. in Thibodaux. Info: 504-589-2636.

Of note: Every Saturday evening, people all over the world listen to a live Internet-simulcast of Cajun music performed at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center.

Bath also reports for The (Shreveport) Times