Nobody pushed the boundaries quite like Jean Lafitte, a pirate, smuggler, and war hero who ran a criminal empire from the swamps and then helped Andrew Jackson win the Battle of New Orleans.
The Pirate of Barataria
Born around 1780, Lafitte ran a smuggling operation out of Barataria Bay south of New Orleans. Governor Claiborne put a bounty on his head. Lafitte supposedly put a bounty on the governor's.
Choosing Sides
In 1814, the British offered Lafitte $30,000 and a commission to help take New Orleans. He rejected the offer and fought for the Americans instead. About 50 Baratarians manned guns during the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815. Lafitte received a presidential pardon.
Dirty Coast Connection
Jean Lafitte Original Gangster is our tribute. Strange Things Below Sea Level could be the Baratarians' motto. Be A New Orleanian Wherever You Are.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.