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It was specifically intended to prohibit trade with the United Kingdom, as tensions were increasing between the two countries. By clicking "Accept," you agree to the use of cookies on Pelican State of Mind. Several of Lafitte's men were arrested and convicted of piracy. Lost Gold Of Jean Lafitte is the 4th episode in Season 5 of Expedition Unknown. Little is known of Laffite's early life, but by 1809 he and his brother Pierre apparently had established in New Orleans a blacksmith shop that reportedly served as . The business was so profitable because Lafitte was selling smuggled, foreign goods to the people of New Orleans. To this day, [7] His elder brother Pierre became a privateer; he may have operated from Saint-Domingue, which frequently issued letters of marque. during the Battle of New Orleans. In January 1808, the government began to enforce the Embargo Act of 1807, which barred American ships from docking at any foreign port and imposed an embargo on goods imported into the US. Its off 435 about 12 miles from where he fled imprisonment to the Pearl River. [116] Handwriting analysis experts affirmed that conclusion. He was buried at sea in the Gulf of Honduras. [29], On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Britain. Merchants in New Orleans began to run out of goods to sell. Walk in the footsteps of the men who fought at 1815's Battle of New Orleans. and brother in the early 1800s. Jean Lafitte: A trial for piracy. Robertson was incensed by Lafitte's operation, calling his men "brigands who infest our coast and overrun our country". GALVESTON.COM: Historical Marker: Jean Lafitte - Galveston, TX Louisiana is not exclusive to rumors of the treasures whereabouts too, as was born in France around the year 1780 and traveled to the United States when What: Lecture and book signing. He suggested that the line be extended to a nearby swamp, and Jackson ordered it done. It's okay, because we're here to bust them! Located 25 minutes from downtown New Orleans, Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours has been operating daily bayou tours since the 1980s. On January 21, Jackson issued a statement praising his troops, especially the cannoneers and "Captains Dominique and Beluche, lately commanding privateers of Barataria, with part of their former crews and many brave citizens of New Orleans, were stationed at Nos. In 1821, the schooner USS Enterprise was sent to Galveston to remove Lafitte from the Gulf. . Lafitte conducted most of his business aboard his ship, The Pride, where he also lived. Jean Laffite | Biography & Facts | Britannica The Legacy of Jean Lafitte in Southwest Louisiana On February 13, he escaped, likely with outside help. Metal detector companies may be the only satisfied [86][Note 2], Lafitte and his men continued to take Spanish ships in the Gulf of Mexico and often returned to Galveston or the barrier islands near New Orleans to unload cargo or take on supplies arranged by Pierre. 5 , Mexican outpost further south along the Gulf Coast, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center, List of people pardoned or granted clemency by the president of the United States, "FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: GENERAL QUESTIONS", "Jean Laffite as a Father | Historia Obscura", "The Legend of Jean LaFoote Advertising Week 360 AW360", "Cinnamon Crunch (Cap'n Crunch) Cereal | MrBreakfast.com", "Then and Now: Lafitte's Anchor at Disneyland Park", "20 Things You May Not Know About Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean Ride", "History and a Behind the Scenes Look at the Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction in Disneyland", "Why is the Name Jean Lafitte Everywhere at Disneyland", History of the second war between the United States of America and Great Britain: declared by act of Congress, the 18th of June, 1812, and concluded by peace, the 15th of February, 1815, Jean Lafitte: Gentleman Pirate of New Orleans, "Jean LaFitte's piratical topsail schooner", History, photos and movies about Jean Lafitte, Paris Declaration Respecting Maritime Law, Jim Hawkins and the Curse of Treasure Island, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jean_Lafitte&oldid=1142807831, Recipients of American presidential pardons, Pages using embedded infobox templates with the title parameter, All articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases, Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from July 2018, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, pirate, privateer, spy, naval artillery officer, slave trader. This article provides images of newspapers from 1921, and one column in particular that talks about Lafittes treasure. My Grandpa told me often when I was very young that everyone thought that Lafittes fort was on Grand Isle, but it never was. The Untold Truth Of Jean Lafitte, The Pirate Of New Orleans - Grunge.com This information begs the question, though, How did Jean Lafitte have treasure in the first place, and if he did, why would he leave it behind?. But remember Lafittes black dogs are still around dont go a hunting unless you are prepared to suffer the consequences. [38] Following the reward offer, Lafitte wrote Claiborne a note denying the charges of piracy. [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]. are why the mystery is still such an interesting topic todaymore than 200 [84][Note 1], The remainder of the crew rejoined Lafitte, who finally acknowledged that he did not have a valid commission. [27], Governor William C.C. [3], Lafitte and his brother Pierre also claimed to have been born in Bayonne. [102] Ramsay believes that over time, almost "every foot of Grande Isle has been spaded for pirate gold". [31], As the smuggling operations reduced the amount of revenue collected by customs offices, American authorities were determined to halt business at Barataria. Louisiana planters had a hard time buying enough American-born slaves to work on their everexpanding sugar and cotton plantations. By 1806, several "Captain Lafitte"s operated in New Orleans; [] Despite the Treaty of Ghent having been signed, and peace ensuing, it would take months for the news to reach New Orleans. Jean Lafitte | American Battlefield Trust Jean Lafitte, The French Pirate King Who Saved Louisiana [123][124], There were also plans to connect the Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion attraction and Tom Sawyer's island using Laffite. [20] As the schooner did not have an official commission from a national government, its captain was considered a pirate operating illegally. 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. Jean Lafitte, sometimes spelled Laffite, was born in approximately 1780 in either France or Saint Domingue (modern day Haiti) and according historian H.W . The bay was located beyond a narrow passage between the barrier islands of Grand Terre and Grande Isle. Lafittes final resting place is unknown. Britain and the United States declared war in June 1812, but until 1814, most of the fighting took place on the east coast or northern border of the United States. They will haunt you in your dreams for making a Podcast: Jean Lafitte, The Texas Pirate in Galveston, Texas Lafitte tried to convince the Americans that they had nothing to fear from him. Click the image below to read our free eBook "The Big Book of Credit Union MythsBUSTED! knowledge (or educated guess) of Lafitte being the best privateer around, United From there, he raided foreign ships in the Gulf of Mexico. Numerous novels and stories refer to Lafitte's exploits. Many of the Baratarians settled in New Orleans or in the Barataria area and some of their descendants still live there today. [116] Many researchers noticed a similarity between John Laflin's handwriting and the writing in the journal. Very old 3 x 3 nches by 2 inches. War & Affiliation War of 1812 / American. Was he a pirate, a patriot, or both? [99] In 1843, Mirabeau B. Lamar investigated many of the Lafitte stories and concluded that, while there were no authentic records of death, Lafitte was likely dead. Who was Jean Laffite? "[55], When General Andrew Jackson arrived in New Orleans on December 1, 1814, he discovered the city had not created any defenses. He was given a burial at sea in the Gulf Of Honduras and speculation about the whereabouts of his treasure hoard has . [25] Dorada captured a fourth ship, a schooner they renamed Petit Milan. [7] 23 Lost Treasures of Louisiana he was in his early twenties. Although the plans were scrapped, a bricked up entrance close to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride pays homage to this idea.[125]. [122] He is also referred to in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in which the boat dock is labeled LaFitte's Landing. Lafitte eventually returned to smuggling at Galveston Island in Spanish Texas until he was forced out by the U.S. Navy in 1820. 1417 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX ( Directions) One of over 200 historical markers on the island, this marker is located at the former house Maison Rouge of notorious pirate Jean Lafitte. have buried a large cache of treasure somewhere in the bayous of Louisiana. Lafitte's ship is called "The Pride," but that's something they've already found. Quick Facts. . But why? The United States government passed the Embargo Act of 1807 as tensions built with the United Kingdom by prohibiting trade. Josh Gates investigates the legends swirling around the storied life and death of French pirate Jean Lafitte who is reputed to have buried treasure at sites in coastal Louisiana. This article is about the privateer. Around the same time it became illegal to bring slaves from Africa into Louisiana; it later became illegal to import slaves into the rest of the United States. [16] Barataria was far from the US naval base, and ships could easily smuggle in goods without being noticed by customs officials. parties, as the Mystery of Jean Lafittes Unfound Treasure seems to be a voyage Back in 1915, a city worker in New Orleans found a chest that was filled with over 1,500 . into these uncharted waters, we need to know more about who Lafitte was. Is his last name spelled Lafi tte or Laffi te? In November 1822, he made news in the American press after escorting an American schooner through the pirate-infested area and providing them with extra cannon balls and food.[96]. They believe now they've found his sunken ship. [36], Lafitte's continued flouting of the laws angered Governor Claiborne, who, on March 15, issued a proclamation against the Baratarian "banditti who act in contravention of the laws of the United States to the evident prejudice of the revenue of the federal government". Lafitte, a one-time resident of Louisiana and privateer, is believed by some to [7], According to Ramsay, as a young man, Lafitte likely spent much time exploring the wetlands and bayou country south of New Orleans. Jean Lafitte was a pirate and privateer known for his smuggling operations. [44], Captain Nicholas Lockyer, the commander of the Sophie, had been ordered to contact the "Commandant at Barataria". Collectively they were known as "Number thirteen". Probably inside the hidden stairs that went to the first floor of his mason rouge. that the treasure was on board one of Lafittes vessels and sank to the ocean [114][115] When the historical society could not authenticate the claim, Laflin approached Louisiana author Stanley Arthur. It was stuck in the crack of the stairs. Lafitte's ship grounded in shallow water where the larger British . Jean Lafitte was likely born in 1782, although he was not baptized until 1786. Jean Lafitte (c.1780 - c.1823) - Genealogy - geni family tree below! Lafitte possibly took an assumed name, John Lafflin, and may have given that surname to his younger two sons. The mysterious sunken pirate ship contained about $5 million in silver and gold coins. Date of Birth - Death c. 1780-unknown. Even the date and place of his birth and death are unknown. Galveston County, Texas Lost Treasures | The Rocker Box Wounded in the battle, Lafitte is believed to have died just after dawn on February 5. Jean Lafitte was the youngest of eight children (five boys and three girls). [17], Based in New Orleans, Pierre Lafitte served as a silent partner, looking after their interests in the city. Jean Lafitte Gulf Coast Pirate and Privateer The American warship which captured him turned Lafitte over to the local authorities, who promptly released him. He and another treasure hunter named Dan Beckingham found 4.5 million dollars worth of gold in the shallow waters of Florida. [89], Over the next few months, Lafitte established a base along the coast of Cuba, where he bribed local officials with a share of the profits. both men served under Governor Bernardo de Galvez during the American Revolution and can be found listed on the New Orleans Militia Roster. [6] According to Ramsay, Lafitte's widowed mother migrated with her two sons, the elder Pierre and Jean, from Saint-Domingue to New Orleans in the 1780s. Long-lost pirate ship may lie in Texas lake / Historical - SFGATE British forces sought access to the Mississippi River to gain control of the interior of the US. "[64] Jackson named Jean and Pierre Lafitte for having "exhibited the same courage and fidelity". Stories of Historical Marker. The Sabin, a ship belonging to Robert Kleberg and Van Roeder, is said to have sunk with valuables off Galveston Island. In 1818, the Campeche colony suffered hardships. In the 1938 and 1958 films The Buccaneer, Lafitte claims he never attacked an American ship. treasure of Jean Lafitte. He withdrew his battered troops and ended French involvement in North America, selling the US what became known as the Louisiana Purchase in 1803: French-claimed lands west of the Mississippi River. For the first time, it was made available for research. [22] The Lafittes gained a reputation for treating captive crew members well and often returned captured ships to their original crew. . Omoa was the site of the largest Spanish fort in Central America, built to guard the Spanish silver shipments from the mines of Tegucigalpa to overseas destinations. [38], Given the success of his auctions at the Temple, in January 1814 Lafitte set up a similar auction at a site just outside New Orleans. After his three children were grown, Lafitte fell sick in his 50s. He was born in Port-au-Prince on the Caribbean island now known as Haiti, where his father was a tanner who made a comfortable enough living to educate his sons well. According to HendricksLake.com, created by author and independent researcher Gary L. Pinkerton, this is where six wagons of silver stolen by Jean Lafitte from a ship called the Santa Rosa were allegedly washed up. [51], On September 23, Patterson and his fleet, including the eight captured ships, began the return trip to New Orleans. The park was named after Lafitte because of his smuggling operations in the area. There's Lafitte's Treasure Casino right off the Grand Coteau exit on I-49; Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve Acadian-Cultural Center and the Lafitte Oaks on Jefferson Island, where the pirate is said to have buried some of his treasure. In Jean Lafitte's day, silver and gold filled a pirate's treasure chest, but today's treasures are people, places, and memories. The Barataria chief then had 1100 men under his . What did the USS Enterprise do to Jean Lafitte? Jean Lafitte became labeled by some as a 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. 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. By 1810 he was in Louisiana with his older brother Pierre. Lafitte was granted a commission and given a new ship, a 43-ton schooner named General Santander in honor to Vice-President General Francisco de Paula Santander. As part of Mexico, it was outside the authority of the United States, and was largely uninhabited, except by the Karankawa, a Native American people. His warnings were not believed at fi rst and the U.S. Army and Navy went ahead with a planned attack on Lafittes base at Grand Terre. [99], Davis writes that Lafitte's death prevented his becoming obsolete; by 1825 piracy had been essentially eradicated in the Gulf of Mexico, and "the new world of the Gulf simply had no room for [his] kind. Louisiana State University alumnus (Geaux Tigers), fanatic of all things sports, pugs, and Star Wars, and teller of the occasional dad joke. Most of the people were locals, from Lafourche Parish, the southern part, mainly Cut Off and Larose and the Gheens area, and also from the Des Allemands location. "[100] Given his legendary reputation, there was much speculation about whether, or how, Lafitte had died. They married and had two sons together, Jules Jean and Glenn Henri. There were a number of gum trees growing in the shape of a ship and it was thought this could be the site of one of Lafitte's ships. The Galveston Legend of the Infamous Pirate Jean Lafitte Luckily, there is more info from Sotto himself about this project that can be found here. Many of the city's merchants were unhappy with this auction, because it allowed their customers to buy goods directly from Lafitte at a lower price than the merchants could charge in the city. 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. Jean Lafitte in 1813. On the Trail of East Texas Treasures - Hinterland Gazette [88] In October or November 1821, Lafitte's ship was ambushed as he attempted to ransom a recent prize. floor after a shipwreck. [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. Forced to leave the city, Lafitte decided to set up shop on a small island in Barataria Bay, about 40 miles south of New Orleans, to continue his smuggling ways. Lafitte agreed to leave the island without a fight, and on May 7, 1821 departed on The Pride. [35] Lafitte soon acquired a letter of marque from Cartagena, but never sent any booty there. By 1805, Laffite was operating a warehouse in New Orleans to help distribute the goods smuggled by his brother Pierre Lafitte. Jean Lafitte: History & Mystery - National Park Service Jean Lafitte's ship was named "The General Jackson". The Mystery of the Final Years of Jean Lafitte . Hendrick's Lake treasure is focus of Houston historian's upcoming book [4] He notes that still other contemporary accounts claim that Lafitte was born in Ordua, Spain, or in Westchester County, New York, north of Manhattan. In the early 1800s, Lafitte makes a fortune in treasure by raiding ships in the Gulf of Mexico . [82] Lafitte reportedly took immense amounts of treasure with him, and was accompanied by his mulatta mistress[who?] Uninterested in exports from New Orleans, customs agents rarely checked the accuracy of the manifests. Smith believes he found a sunken ship on Google Earth in 2006 in Refugio, just north of Corpus Christi. Mysterious Sunken Pirate Ship at the Mouth of the Swanee River One of the pirate's captains had attacked an American merchant ship. Lafitte essentially developed Galveston Island as another smuggling base. Jean Lafitte (1776-1823) - Find a Grave Memorial there were treasure legends, and the most common story is that Lafitte stranded a ship, a Spanish ship with gold, in Matagorda Bay in Corpus and was taking it to St. Louis on some wagon trains over roads that don . The fortune is said to have been stolen from the Spanish by Jean Lafitte. [11] This was the last year that Napoleon failed to regain control of Saint-Domingue. This story first appeared in a local newspaper in the 1920s from an unnamed source and has no basis in fact. Thousands of miles away, and two centuries later, from where Laffite made his name, in Lincolnton, North Carolina, people continue to visit . Jean Lafitte - Wikipedia . Woodblock print of the death of Jean Lafitte from The Pirates Own Book, published in 1837. [91] When Lafitte and other pirates operating in the area began attacking merchant ships carrying legal goods to Cuba, they angered Cuban officials. By 1810, the island had become a booming port. Jean Lafitte proves to be an aberration as he acted as patriot to the United States during the War of 1812. North of Tatum, in the middle of the woods, lies . This would later be used to his great advantage. Yet, Lafitte's strong connections to historical figures suggests that he was the culprit of this incident. Resentful of the raid on Barataria, Lafitte's men refused to serve on their former ships. Woodblock print of the death of Jean Lafitte from The Pirates Own Book, published in 1837. SS Jean Lafitte - Wikipedia During this time in New Orleans, Lafitte became a very rich man, acquiring extraordinary amounts of money, ships, and weapons. The Treasure of Jean Lafitte - National Park Service For the Hix boys, the legend of Jean Lafitte was always their family's little secret. While his fleet took a hit, Lafitte himself managed to evade capture. Workers would reload goods into smaller batches onto pirogues or barges, for transport through the many bayous to New Orleans. Let us know in the comments . [4], Some sources speculate that Lafitte was born in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (known as Haiti since it gained independence in 1804). The Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour, held in the eponymous Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, is also named after the pirate/privateer. . Lafitte agreed to leave the island without a fight, and on May 7, 1821, departed on The Pride. 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. Book Claims Sword Proves Pirate Jean Lafitte Faked Death and Lived in 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.