Event Summary

Join Us in New Orleans & Mobile!

The Providence of God is as plain and powerful along the southern shoreline as anywhere in America. Join historian Bill Potter as we experience the amazing and unique historical places along the Gulf of Mexico from Mobile to New Orleans.

Our tour begins in the storied city of New Orleans, where we will visit two fabulous museums, one of them, the National World War II Museum, on the 70th Anniversary of that history-changing battle—the D-Day invasion of Normandy. We will stand at the gravesite of the greatest preacher in New Orleans history, whom God used to help stem the tide of depravity for which the city became so well known. You will hear unforgettable tales of generals, presidents, warriors, pirates, a hundred thousand heroes and the ways in which God used it all to bring us to our own time and place in His plan.

Bill Potter

We’ll visit the home of one of the most important Presidents in American history in Biloxi, Mississippi, and pay a bicentennial visit and walk the battlefield that vaulted Andrew Jackson to national prominence at the end of the War of 1812.

We will conclude our time together in a very special way Saturday aboard the USS Alabama, one of the storied battleships of the second world war. As we walk the decks, historian Bill Potter will talk about the role of the great killer ships that repaved the Pacific islands with iron. Saturday evening, the men and boys have an opportunity to sleep aboard the ship in the berthing deck where the sailors that served aboard the Alabama took their rest.

Tuesday, June 3

After settling into our rooms in New Orleans, Bill will give a lecture on the city and its role in the War of 1812 and the Civil War, along with a preview of the rest of the tour.

Wednesday, 4 June

Andrew Jackson seems to show up everywhere we go in the South. He gave his name to an era and once again we will be able to see why. At Chalmette Plantation he took on the might of the British Empire with a motley army of volunteers, militia, pirates, indians and dock hands. The “Battle of New Orleans” is one of the most storied and important battles of American history, and we will walk in the very footsteps of the men “who stood beside their cotton bales and didn’t say a thing”. It was a remarkable providential outcome that, had it gone the other way, we likely would not be having this tour!

The Confederate Memorial Museum in New Orleans is one of the premier Civil War museums in the country and certainly the most interesting. We will spend a leisurely afternoon on the creaky floors of this venue, which opened its doors in 1891 and has been celebrating Southern heritage ever since. Attempts by local political miscreants to close it down have all failed. It has weathered hurricanes and harridans and stands today in defiance of modern cultural fashion. So do we.

Thursday, June 5

The Metairie Cemetery is home to the gravesites of men whose lives touched thousands, bringing death to some, and life to others. Cemeteries are sober reminders that the effects of one’s life on history and upon people are sometimes carved in stone for all to see in advancing years. Bill Potter will discuss the lives and influences of Generals John Bell Hood, Pierre Gustav Toutant Beauregard, and Richard Taylor, all buried here. Benjamin Morgan Palmer—more than all the generals—brought life to thousands through preaching the Gospel of God’s sovereign grace for more than forty-six years in New Orleans. We will take a deep look at the extraordinary ministry of a man God used to expand His Kingdom in Louisiana and around all the Southern states.

The National D-Day Museum opened on June 6, 2000 and in 2003 was designated by Congress “The National World War II Museum”. Privately owned and funded, this state-of-the-art memorial to the veterans of the Second World War presents an astonishing array of film footage, artifacts, special collections and interactive displays. Veterans serve as docents and their personal touch brings the War out of the mists of time. We are going to visit the museum the day before the crush of visitors that will come there for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day.

Friday, June 6

We will also join the crush on this 70th anniversary of National World War II Museum to give you the full opportunity to learn from participants and special events, a concentrated look at the remarkable providences of that singular historical event. Bill Potter will be giving periodic talks on amazing stories from Operation Overlord and directing us to see the hand of God from our vantage point seventy-years later.

We will finish in time for any families who wish to experience some of the sights and sounds of the Crescent City (only one of about twenty nicknames for New Orleans), shop at the charming esplanades and seek out the quaint bookstores and parks at your leisure.

Saturday, June 7

We will drive to Biloxi, Mississippi and gaze out over the blue Gulf of Mexico from President Jefferson Davis’s front porch. The hurricane that devastated New Orleans and the coast a few years ago swept away many of the homes along the shore, but, like Davis himself, his beautiful fifty one acre estate called Beauvoir stood the test, though badly damaged. At this delightful historic sight maintained by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Bill Potter will tell the story of the singular individual who spent his postwar years there writing his memoirs and greeting old veterans.

Saturday afternoon, we will board the USS Alabama, one of the storied battleships of WWII. As we walk the decks, historian Bill Potter will talk about the role of the great killer ships that repaved the Pacific Islands with iron. Saturday night, the men and boys have the unique opportunity to sleep aboard the ship in the berthing deck where the sailors that served aboard the Alabama took their rest.The ladies will be in a nice hotel across the street.

Join us for this unique and timely historical tour that will cover 140 years of American History on the very ground in which God ordained that it take place!

Note: This is a car tour. Landmark Events has arranged all logistics and venue admissions. Registrants provide their own transportation, accommodations and meals not included in tour.

Event Speakers

Historian Bill Potter

Historian Bill Potter

An experienced historian and avid bibliophile, Bill Potter combines a lifelong study of American history with an uncommon ability to captivate audiences of all ages as he traces the providential acts of God throughout the ages. Mr. Potter has taught history in high schools and colleges, has led many tours of American and European historical sites and brings to each event a wealth of experience and knowledge. An experienced researcher and writer, Mr. Potter possesses a practical knowledge of antiquarian books, documents, and artifacts and has published several short books and has penned many articles and book reviews for publication. Bill has earned a well-deserved reputation as a man gifted in communicating the story of God’s providential hand in American history. As a father of eight children, he appreciates the necessity of passing on to the succeeding generations the richness of both our regional and national history. He and his wife, Leslie, reside in Virginia.

Event Schedule

Tuesday, June 3
7:00pm Welcome, introductions and Bill Potter lecture on New Orleans and its role in the War of 1812 and the Civil War
Wednesday, June 4
  Chalmette Plantation
  Old US Mint
  Confederate Memorial Museum
Thursday, June 5
  Metairie Cemetery
  National WWII Museum
Friday, June 6
  National World War II Museum Special Events
  Free time in New Orleans
Saturday, June 7
  Biloxi — Jefferson Davis Home, Beauvoir
  Mobile — USS Alabama Battleship Tour

Accommodations

New Orleans

For your convenience, Landmark Events has secured a block of rooms at a discounted rate at the Spring Hill Suites (301 St. Joseph St., New Orleans, LA 70130). To make reservations, call 504.522.3100 or toll-free 888.287.9400, and be sure to ask for the Landmark Events rate. The hotel will serve as the venue for the opening night welcome and lecture, but keep in mind that you are welcome to stay wherever suits your family best.

Room Block Details
• $108 for King or 2-Queen Suite with mini-fridge and microwave (includes breakfast).
• Walking distance to WWII museum

Mobile, Alabama

All aboard! Full tour and dinner-only guests (males only) have the remarkable opportunity to spend Saturday night in the bunks aboard the Alabama! All overnight guests should bring their own sheets, blankets or sleeping bags. Standard twin bedding will fit the bunks. Showers are available. You will be responsible for bringing your own towels, washcloths, soap, etc. All berthing areas are climate-controlled (air-conditioned & heated) for your comfort. $20 per person. Purchase tickets through event registration process.

For your convenience, Landmark Events has secured a block of rooms at a discounted rate at the Battleship Inn Resort (2701 Battleship Parkway, Mobile, Al 3660). To make reservations, call 521.432.2703, and be sure to ask for the Landmark Events rate. Again, keep in mind that you are welcome to stay wherever suits your family best.

Room Block Details
• $79 for 2 Queen beds or 1 King.
• Located next to the USS Battleship Memorial Park on the banks of beautiful Mobile Bay

Ticket Pricing

Complete Tour Tickets

Adults (18+):$149
Youth (5-17):$99
Overnight on the USS Alabama *:$20

* June 7 — Men and boys only. $20/person

New! Á la Carte Option

Can’t make the whole tour? Landmark Events is now pleased to offer á la carte pricing. Choose only the days you want! See registration page for details and pricing.

Study Preparation

Key People

  • Andrew Jackson
  • Dwight Eisenhower
  • Omar Bradley
  • Jefferson Davis
  • Benjamin Morgan Palmer
  • Benjamin Butler (USA)
  • Stephen Ambrose
  • Pierre Gustav Toutant Beauregard (CSA)

Key Events

  • Battles of the USS Alabama
  • D-Day
  • Battle of Fort Blakely
  • Hurricane Katrina
  • Battle of New Orleans (War of 1812)

Key Issues

  • The Causes of WWII
  • The Decision to Attack at Normandy
  • The Place of Jefferson Davis in History
  • The Strategy of the PTO (Pacific Theater of Operations)
  • The Fallibility of even the Greatest Leaders
  • Courage Against Great Odds
  • The Providence of God on Every Page of the Past

Bibliography

The historic works connected with the subjects we will teach and discuss is vast and impossible to cover in a few or even short books. Nonetheless, there are some books that will be helpful in both the short and long run for study of the historical artifacts of our tour, both intellectual and material. As usual, there is much on the internet that is very helpful for learning about the actual monuments and memorials we will visit, but their meaning, purpose, and relevance is at the real heart of our tour.

Confederate Mobile, by Arthur Bergeron

The Battle of New Orleans, by Robert Remini

D-Day, by Stephen Ambrose

Decision in Normandy, by Carlo D’Este

Jefferson Davis: The Man and His Hour, by William C. Davis

United States Battleships: The Story of America’s Fighting Battle Fleet

Benjamin Morgan Palmer, by Thomas Cary Johnson

Upcoming Events

Mobile Bay Tour
March 20-23, 2024

Cradle of Liberty Tour
Aug 15-20, 2024