Most of Jean Lafitte's life remains shrouded in mystery, including his name. It was cloudy with low visibility. The letters gave the ships permission to attack ships from all nations. [84][Note 1], The remainder of the crew rejoined Lafitte, who finally acknowledged that he did not have a valid commission. Lafitte, a one-time resident of Louisiana and privateer, is believed by some to [43] Lafitte's ship grounded in shallow water where the larger British ship could not follow. Ramsay believes that Lafitte died of a fever in 1826 or 1827 on, Ramsay believes the documents were written by Laflin's ancestor, Matthew Laflin (18031854), who may have convinced his descendants that he was Jean Lafitte. The Laffites moved their operations to an island in Barataria Bay, Louisiana. The headquarters consisted of a two-storey building facing the inland harbor, where landings were made. in south Louisianas bayous for so long, Lafitte had also become an expert with In 1821, the schooner USSEnterprise was sent to Galveston to remove Lafitte from the Gulf. The ship would sail to the mouth of Bayou Lafourche, load the contraband goods, and sail "legally" back to New Orleans, with goods listed on a certified manifest. When Patterson's men went ashore, they met no resistance. Jean lists his age as 32 and his birthplace as . Lafitte also always insisted that he was a privateer, not a pirate. He was evidently able to speak English reasonably well and most likely had a working knowledge of Spanish. My grandfather never got to look for the treasure s. Ive heard he would sometimes slip into Mobile Bay. [122] He is also referred to in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in which the boat dock is labeled LaFitte's Landing. An American ship was boarded near our coast, . [23], The brothers soon acquired a third ship, La Diligente. Rogers was a member of Jean Lafitte's pirate crew in 1812. says that a swamp in the Natalbany River in Springfield, Louisiana, was drained Although not part of the original proposal from Percy, Lockyer added an extra $30,000 if Lafitte would not only assist in the battle against New Orleans but also against Mobile. War & Affiliation War of 1812 / American. [25] Dorada captured a fourth ship, a schooner they renamed Petit Milan. They created a base on the small and sparsely-populated island of Barataria, in Barataria Bay. A smuggler of epic proportions, Jean Lafitte had an army of privateers with as many as 1,000 men ultimately making him an invaluable asset for America in the War of 1812. In the Journal de Jean Lafitte, the authenticity of which is contested, Lafitte claims to have been born in Bordeaux, France, in 1780 to Sephardic Jewish parents. By 1806, several "Captain Lafitte"s operated in New Orleans; Jean Lafitte was likely one of them. He was chased all over the Gulf of Mexico by the U.S. Navy, all his ships burned except for his flagship, The Pride. LINCOLNTON, N.C. (WBTV) - In the 1820s, pirate Jean Laffite, a smuggler from the Gulf Coast area in Louisiana, allegedly faked his death. The slave smuggling business expanded in 1809 when Jean joined his brother in the Crescent City and the two found a new source of enslaved people: French privateers commissioned to attack Britain . Jean Lafitte's ship was named "The General Jackson". He achieved notoriety through his daring exploits, but also for having "the coolest name ever.". Governor Claiborne of Louisiana once offered a $500 reward to anyone who captured Jean Laffite; Laffitte offered a counter reward of $5,000 to anyone who captured the governor. that will never end. His life and death remain as mysterious as the swamps and bayous of Barataria. The story claimed that American Revolutionary War naval hero John Paul Jones was the uncle of Jean Lafitte and Napoleon Bonaparte and that the two were cousins. Rosenberg Library, Galveston (Public Domain) Jean Lafitte (galement orthographi Laffite, c. 1780 - c. 1820) tait un meneur franco-amricain de pirates et de corsaires qui captura des navires marchands de diffrents tats dans le golfe du Mexique de 1810 1820. He fled New Orleans to Lake Pontchartrain. Some accounts say This article is about the privateer. My Grandpa told me often when I was very young that everyone thought that Lafittes fort was on Grand Isle, but it never was. Other variations of the mystery say Lafitte buried the treasure in . He and his elder brother, Pierre, spelled their last name Laffite, but English-language documents of the time used "Lafitte", and this is the commonly seen spelling in the United States, including for places named for him. After Napoleons exile to St. Helena by the English in 1815, the story says Lafitte put a double in his place and smuggled him into the United States, but that Napoleon died on the trip. Andrew Jackson asked Lafitte to help defend New Orleans in the Battle of 1815. In approximately 1784, his mother married Pedro Aubry, a New Orleans merchant, keeping Jean with her. knowledge (or educated guess) of Lafitte being the best privateer around, United Because of his track record and reputation, Jean Lafitte was still seen as a criminal in the eyes of the United States. Lafitte always insisted that if he committed any crime, it was smuggling, and he blamed American laws for forcing him into illegal activities. He and his older brother Pierre spelled their last name Laffite, but English language documents of the time used "Lafitte".This has become the common spelling in the United States, including places named after him. [10], Sources indicate that Lafitte was sharp and resourceful, but also handsome and friendly, enjoying drinking, gambling, and women. In the 1950s, a man claiming to be a descendant of Lafitte published The Journal of Jean Laffite. The journal was republished in the 1990s as The Memoirs of Jean Laffite. A major theme in the memoir/journal is Lafittes change of heart from slave trader to anti-slavery activist. Though much of his life has been obscured by legend and time, the story of 19th-century French pirate Jean Lafitte is nonetheless one of intrigue, crime, and heroics. [82] Maison Rouge is believed to have stood at 1417 Harborside Drive near the Galveston wharf, but the foundations there have been dated to the 1870s. [102] Ramsay believes that over time, almost "every foot of Grande Isle has been spaded for pirate gold". Could it be that there were multiple burial locations But remember Lafittes black dogs are still around dont go a hunting unless you are prepared to suffer the consequences. The Pride | Baghdad on the Bayou | Obsidian Portal So, where could [62], Patterson praised the Barataria men who served on one of the US Navy ships, and whose skill with artillery was greater than their British counterparts. He was buried at sea in the Gulf of Honduras. [31], As the smuggling operations reduced the amount of revenue collected by customs offices, American authorities were determined to halt business at Barataria. and the fear of being captured, Lafitte allegedly buried his treasure with the The brothers stripped down their original ship and used its guns to outfit the new one. The Treasure Map of Jean Lafitte - Legends of the Hidden Temple Wiki "[55], When General Andrew Jackson arrived in New Orleans on December 1, 1814, he discovered the city had not created any defenses. Lafitte possibly took an assumed name, John Lafflin, and may have given that surname to his younger two sons. Modern Day Depiction of the Baratarian Pirate and Brother of Jean Lafitte . He was a reserved man and remained largely . Charles Gayarre wrote the first serious biography of Lafitte. [55] Jackson responded, "I ask you, Louisianans, can we place any confidence in the honor of men who have courted an alliance with pirates and robbers? Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is named after him. [99], Ramsay compares the numerous legends related to the life and death of Jean Lafitte to those about King Arthur and Robin Hood. Jean Lafitte- Pirates, Catacombs, and a Legend - Just Disney I a month there. are why the mystery is still such an interesting topic todaymore than 200 - Advance Reservations Suggested - - Please check website for specific information and ticket pricing - Learn more about Jean Laffitte Pirate Dinner Cruise by visiting their . Claiborne took a leave of absence in September 1810, leaving Thomas B. Robertson as acting governor. Families with the surname Lafitte have been found in Louisiana documents from 1765. [101] Lafitte is rumored to have buried treasure at many locations, including Galveston and sites along coastal Louisiana, such as Contraband Bayou in Lake Charles. [44], McWilliam brought two letters in his packet for Lafitte: one, under the seal of King George III, offered Lafitte and his forces British citizenship and land grants in the British colonies in the Americas (by then, these consisted of islands in the Caribbean and territory in Upper and Lower Canada). His brother Pierre Lafitte was a blacksmith. Hendrick's Lake treasure is focus of Houston historian's upcoming book In later years, he was described as having "a more accurate knowledge of every inlet from the Gulf than any other man". Jean Lafitte : biography 1780 - 1826 Davis places Lafitte's brother Pierre in Saint-Domingue in the late 1790s and the early 19th century. It was stuck in the crack of the stairs. Jean Lafitte proves to be an aberration as he acted as patriot to the United States during the War of 1812. The boys were given a basic Catholic education. His treasure Merchants and planters were eager to buy the goods and slaves Lafitte smuggled into south Louisiana. Although the plans were scrapped, a bricked up entrance close to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride pays homage to this idea.[125]. Stories of the buried treasure of Jean Lafitte can be found all over the state of Louisiana. Jean Lafitte: The Smuggler, The Villain, The Hero She was the sister of Marie Villard, the mistress of his brother, Pierre. When a giant storm hit the region, the raft was washed away and destroyed. Thus, on August 13, 1814, Captain Nicholas Lockyer of the British ship Sophie sailed on that mission. Collectively they were known as "Number thirteen". Rumors abounded that he had changed his name after leaving Galveston and disappeared, that he was killed by his own men shortly after leaving Galveston, or that he had rescued Napoleon and that both had died in Louisiana. He was accompanied by a Royal Marine infantry captain, John McWilliam,[45][46] who had been given a package to deliver to Lafitte. 419 Decatur St In 1953 several fishermen in the area landed about $625,000 of the treasure using their fishing nets. His game was spread far and wide and there were those who feared and hated him. [59] With Lafitte's encouragement, many of his men joined the New Orleans militia or as sailors to man the ships. After his three children were grown, Lafitte fell sick in his 50s. Pierre was to inform about the situation in New Orleans. Jean Lafitte - World History Encyclopedia "[33] Three days later, 40 soldiers were sent to ambush the Baratarians and captured Lafitte, his brother Pierre, and 25 unarmed smugglers on November 16, and confiscated several thousand dollars of contraband. 70130, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. [92] By the end of 1822, Cuba had banned all forms of sea raiding. Those looking for Gold, Diamonds, Jewelry etc wont find it. Expedition Unknown exclusive clip: Finding Jean Lafitte's treasure On November 10, 1812, United States District Attorney John R. Grymes charged Lafitte with "violation of the revenue law. Probably inside the hidden stairs that went to the first floor of his mason rouge. That was problematic for New Orleans merchants, who had relied heavily on trade with Caribbean colonies of other nations. That night his remaining men reboarded the General Victoria and destroyed its masts and spars, crippling the ship, but they left the crew unharmed. Retired Avenger, current NFL free agent. [85] Almost half of the combined crew refused to sail as pirates; Lafitte allowed them to leave aboard his largest ship, the brig General Victoria. Lots of glass also. Radford, Victor and the Pirate: A Story of New Orleans During the War of 1812, Childcraft (Vol. Like a little wooden barrel. [68] Two weeks into his stay, the two leaders of the revolutionaries left the island. Due to escalating violence from the Haitian Revolution, in early 1803 Pierre boarded a refugee ship for New Orleans. SS Jean Lafitte - Wikipedia Lafitte and several of his men rowed to meet them halfway. [18] Seamen flocked to the island, working on the docks or at the warehouses until they were chosen as crew for one of the privateers.[19]. There are many stories about famed pirate Jean Lafitte, but one places his lost buried treasure at the bottom of a lake right here in East Texas. Jean Laffite, Laffite also spelled Lafitte, (born 1780?, Francedied 1825? [60], On December 23, advance units of the British fleet reached the Mississippi River. Catiche became pregnant and gave birth to their son, Jean Pierre, on November 4, 1815. If you study your info you will be lost. Was it buried underground or lost under water? Legends of the Gulf Coast museum on the Strand. Most of his men had believed that Lafitte had a valid privateering commission although there was confusion as to which country had issued it. pardoned by General Andrew Jackson in praise of his efforts and accomplishments The smuggler became the lawful owner of the slaves and could resell them in New Orleans, or transport them for sale in other parts of the Deep South, which was the major slave market of the time. This area had been famous for smuggling even before privateers arrived in 1810 to use the deep water harbor of Barataria Bay. There are many stories about what happened to Lafitte and where he died. treasure to speak of. Yes I visited his home the Mason rouge in Campeche Galveston tx. . By 1810 he was in Louisiana with his older brother Pierre. Thousands of miles away, and two centuries later, from where Laffite made his name, in Lincolnton, North Carolina, people continue to visit . North of Tatum, in the middle of the woods, lies . Officials released the smugglers after they posted bail, and they disappeared and refused to return for a trial. . Lost Gold Of Jean Lafitte is the 4th episode in Season 5 of Expedition Unknown. [30] The US built warships to operate on the Great Lakes but in other areas supplemented its navy by offering letters of marque to privately-owned armed vessels. [53], Likely inspired by Lafitte's offer to help defend Louisiana, Governor Claiborne wrote the US Attorney General, Richard Rush requesting a pardon for the Baratarians, saying that for generations, smugglers were "esteemed honest [and] sympathy for these offenders is certainly more or less felt by many of the Louisianans". Jean Lafitte (c. 1780 - c. 1823) was a French pirate and privateer who operated in the Gulf of Mexico in the early 19th century. he found that there had already been a small colony established, founded by Spaniard . This account of Lafitte's death is not accepted by all historians. [2] Some sources say that his father was French and his mother's family had come from Spain. [56] It had approximately 1,000 unseasoned troops and two ships for its use. He suggested that the line be extended to a nearby swamp, and Jackson ordered it done. Believing that the Americans would eventually prevail in the war against Britain, Lafitte thought he could more easily defeat the US revenue officers than he could the British Navy. The smugglers wounded one of the officers and safely escaped with the contraband. Several times customs officials and soldiers tried to capture Lafi tte in the swamps, but they were usually captured, wounded, or killed by the Baratarians.
Lincoln Memorial University Special Assistant To The President,
Articles J