Hey all. Before I get into the post, I just wanted to say thanks for reading. I am doing this for fun, but there is quite a bit of work that goes into it too. I appreciate that you are taking the time to check it out. It means a lot.

I didn’t plan on doing any more posts for New Orleans, but thought about it and decided one last one would be fun. So let’s get in to what will bring me back to New Orleans.

Finish the National World War II Museum

I didn’t get a chance to get through the whole museum. I would like to do so. I’ve been to the National World War I Museum in Kansas City a few times and never get tired of that. I am confident the same applies here.

It makes me wonder if I could literally live in a museum. We say that often about places we like. I don’t know though. It is highly improbable, but I can’t prove that something like the shenanigans in Night at the Museum are fictional. I am not about to tempt fate by having World War II-era mannequin soldiers chasing me down with their guns and tanks. I’ll leave that to Ben Stiller.

On a bit more serious note, I went through the exhibits about the Higgins boats pretty fast. I thought they are neat and realized their importance, but honestly I just wanted to move on to the battles. Upon coming home though, I discovered that Andrew Jackson Higgins, who designed the boats, was born and raised in my home state of Nebraska! I actually visited his hometown of Columbus this past weekend to check out the memorial built for him. It was pretty cool. Maybe I will write about it in the future…

Mannequin soldiers aside, I am determined to visit the National World War II Museum again to see it all.

Battle of New Orleans Reenactment at Chalmette Battlefield

Not sure it’s a reenactment exactly, but there is a commemoration every year to celebrate the Battle of New Orleans. This event is located at Chalmette Battlefield. It happens on a Saturday near January 8th, the date of the major engagement of the battle. There are cannon and musket demonstrations and people dress up as American and British soldiers. LARPing and guns. Count me in.

The battle was extremely important to the history of America and I feel none of us know enough about it. Who knows what would’ve happened if Britain took New Orleans?

Would they just give it back? Probably not.

Would the New England states rethink their allegiance? Maybe, given the sentiment of the time.

Would the United States have expanded west of the Mississippi? Perhaps, but not without another fight with the British.

Would we all have British accents and partake in tea time? It is a real and frightening possibility.

This is starting to sound like an episode of Marvel’s What If?, but for history. Bam! There’s a new show concept!

Jazz Jazzy Jazz

If I had a teleport, I’d go to Mahogany Jazz Hall every night. I literally have nothing else to compare it to for full disclosure. It was the only jazz spot I visited. But think of it like a burger. If you go to Burger Joint A that makes a great burger, do you really want to take a chance on Burger Joint B? It may be good, but you know the bacon double cheeseburger at BJA is delicious. Life is too short for a risk like that.

In summary, jazz is great because it’s jazz. I want more of it. Jazz doesn’t need any more reasons. And since teleports are probably a decade or two away, I’ll have to travel back to New Orleans to experience jazz again at Mahogany. I suppose I could be tempted to check out Burger Joint B aka Preservation Hall too.

Beignets and Au Laits

Have you ever had a beignet? If so, then you know. If not, then shame on you. You have deprived yourself of a piece of paradise masquerading as fried dough covered in sugar. Paradise meets bliss when adding a cup of cafe au lait. Cafe Beignet is ridiculously good. I went often and want to go oftener.

This has nothing to do with history, but some things must be shared with others as a matter of basic human decency. Besides Cafe Beignet’s several locations, there is Cafe Du Monde and others. Getting this sort-of-doughnut (but better than a doughnut) is the most important thing you’ll do. Oh, and if you don’t know French, beignets and au laits rhyme…at least I think.

Your Thoughts

Thanks again for reading. Let me know what you think of the blog so far. Any feedback will help make the site better. Leave a comment below or send an email to matt@historywithlegs.com.

Don’t forget to check out HwL’s other posts about New Orleans. Until next time!