The Lafitte Brothers of Barataria Bay
Jean Lafitte and his older brother, Pierre, are a large part of New Orleans’ history. Jean being a sailor and his brother being a business man, they made the perfect team to carry out a lucrative operation in the Barataria Bay.
Jean Lafitte’s band of pirates raided ships at the mouth of Mississippi River and relieved them of their cargo, while his brother operated a legitimate blacksmith business in New Orleans. The blacksmith shop reportedly served as a depot for their smuggled goods brought ashore from their secluded hideout in Barataria Bay.
During the War of 1812, Britain offered Lafitte $30,000 for his allegiance. Lafitte said he would co-operate, but then warned the U.S. of the upcoming British attack. Lafitte wasn't believed, and instead, Louisiana Governor Claiborne ordered the U.S. Navy and Army to wipe out Lafitte’s Barataria headquarters. But Lafitte pressed on, going to Gen. Andrew Jackson and offering to defend New Orleans with his men if Jackson would grant them a full pardon. Jean Lafitte interrupted his illicit adventures of piracy to fight for the United States and defend New Orleans. Jackson later personally commended Lafitte for his efforts in battle and on February 6, 1815, President James Madison pardoned the group.
After the war, Lafitte returned to piracy and moved with his nearly 1,000 followers to Galveston, Texas. After he attacked U.S. ships in 1820, gaining the attention of the U.S. military, he burned the town and sailed away with a crew. No one really knows what happened to Lafitte, but many believe he left behind a buried treasure somewhere along the Gulf Coast.
Barataria Bay Cajun Blend
Header photograph of the blacksmith shop of Pierre Lafitte in New Orleans.
