Details: $10; galvestonhistory.org. Jean Lafitte was likely born in 1782, although he was not baptized until 1786. The law left several loopholes, giving permission to any ship to capture a slave ship, regardless of the country of origin. Lafitte's ship grounded in shallow water where the larger British . [95], Lafitte continued to patrol the shipping lanes around Cuba. That night his remaining men reboarded the General Victoria and destroyed its masts and spars, crippling the ship, but they left the crew unharmed. But the treasure is in my best belief to be in Galveston. . "Ladies and gentlemen, meet Jean Lafitte. The Galveston Legend of the Infamous Pirate Jean Lafitte Jean Lafitte proves to be an aberration as he acted as patriot to the United States during the War of 1812. A representative of the smuggler would purchase the slaves at the ensuing auction, and the smuggler would be given half of the purchase price. The treasure already found was Spanish Silver, not Gold. Date of Birth - Death c. 1780-unknown. His game was spread far and wide and there were those who feared and hated him. Lost Gold of Jean Lafitte on Expedition Unknown - Monsters and Critics He and his older brother Pierre spelled their last name Laffite, but English language documents of the time used "Lafitte". (Davis (2005), p. 436). If you were thoroughly acquainted with the nature of my offenses, I should appear to you much less guilty, and still worthy to discharge the duties of a good citizen. Lost Gold Of Jean Lafitte is the 4th episode in Season 5 of Expedition Unknown. An attorney representing Lafitte argued that the captured ships had flown the flag of Cartagena, an area at peace with the United States. And whether it's a pirate's ship or not, they hope it's a clue to their ultimate treasure. 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 . goal to once again evade U.S. seizure and to come back to it later. Probably inside the hidden stairs that went to the first floor of his mason rouge. A grand jury indicted Pierre Lafitte after hearing testimony against him by one of the city's leading merchants. Its in the concrete shell stairs. The Laffites moved their operations to an island in Barataria Bay, Louisiana. Tensions were high during this time between the United States and Great Britain, creating the War of 1812 and forcing the United States to be on edge about who they could and could not trust. 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. According to one account, published in 1885, The Historical Guide to New Orleans, Jean Lafitte died of sickness on the island of Mugeres, off the Yucatan, in 1826. He is considered something of a historic anti-hero in Louisiana and around the Gulf of Mexico, having engaged in smuggling and piracy for a number of years yet - during the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 - helped defend the city from the . He brought all captured goods to Barataria. The ship's kitchen stove was found intact. In his disputed memoir work, Journal de Jean Lafitte, Lafitte claims to have been born in Bordeaux, France, in 1780, the child of Sephardic Jewish parents whose converso grandmother and mother . It destroyed four ships and most buildings. However, the United States did not recognize the government of Cartagena as a legal one and U.S. offi cials suspected Lafittes men of attacking any ships they saw, and so the U.S. government charged Lafitte and his crew with piracy. most well-known buried treasure mystery still to this day is the unfound Lafitte conducted most of his business aboard his ship, The Pride, where he also lived. From there, he raided foreign ships in the Gulf of Mexico. Small but made like a brick. In 1812, the United States and the United Kingdom went to war. [82] Lafitte reportedly took immense amounts of treasure with him, and was accompanied by his mulatta mistress[who?] By 1810, their new port had become very successful; the Laffites had a profitable smuggling operation and also started to engage in piracy. He achieved notoriety through his daring exploits, but also for having "the coolest name ever.". Hendrick's Lake treasure is focus of Houston historian's upcoming book These Letters of Marque would give the Captains and Crew permission to capture and steal the ship and cargo of the issuing government's enemies. 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. He refused to allow anyone else to see the original documents until 1969, when he sold them to a professional document dealer. At its height, the colonists and privateers earned millions of dollars annually from stolen or smuggled coin and goods. Its off 435 about 12 miles from where he fled imprisonment to the Pearl River. 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. [117] Most historians now believe the Lafitte journal to be a forgery. (The United States and the United Kingdom had prohibited the Atlantic slave trade after 1808, but Spain continued to import slaves to the Caribbean.) During his life he acted as a soldier, sailor, diplomat, merchant, and much more, demonstrating natural gifts for leadership.[14]. I grew up back there, in those waterways, in that area and found many interesting things. Jean Lafitte, a one-time resident of Louisiana and privateer, is believed by some to have buried a large cache of treasure somewhere in the bayous of Louisiana. This article provides images of newspapers from 1921, and one column in particular that talks about Lafittes treasure. A privateer has permission from a government at war to capture any enemy ships. [69] With Spanish permission, Lafitte returned to Galveston, promising to make weekly reports of his activities.[70]. I have no doubt that the Historians will decry what Ive said here, and Im cool with that, I know what I saw and found, and I know what others saw and found. You can see a small door that was covered. Collectively they were known as "Number thirteen". The Lost Hideaway of Jean Lafitte - Lone Star Ghost Towns - Google Lafitte decided to warn American authorities and offered to help defend New Orleans in exchange for a pardon for his men. Wounded in the battle, Lafitte is believed to have died just after dawn on February 5. These men were pardoned after testifying that they had deserted from Lafitte's ship in Galveston when they discovered that it did not have a valid privateering commission. On the Trail of East Texas Treasures - Hinterland Gazette 3 and 4. The Legacy of Jean Lafitte in Southwest Louisiana Orleanshe did not disappoint. It was specifically intended to prohibit trade with the United Kingdom, as tensions were increasing between the two countries. After first escaping with some crew, he and his men were captured and jailed. Pierre was to inform about the situation in New Orleans. Jean Lafitte: A trial for piracy. Merchants in New Orleans began to run out of goods to sell. [16] Barataria was far from the US naval base, and ships could easily smuggle in goods without being noticed by customs officials. [60], On December 23, advance units of the British fleet reached the Mississippi River. Because of his track record and reputation, Jean Lafitte was still seen as a criminal in the eyes of the United States. [91] When Lafitte and other pirates operating in the area began attacking merchant ships carrying legal goods to Cuba, they angered Cuban officials. Book Claims Sword Proves Pirate Jean Lafitte Faked Death and Lived in Nice little interesting overview but the bit many accounts say lafitte settled in Galveston casts unnecessary doubt, The settlement in Galveston (Campeche) is firmly established in the history, theres even a museum there about it. Is his last name spelled Lafi tte or Laffi te? that the treasure was on board one of Lafittes vessels and sank to the ocean Merchants and planters were eager to buy the goods and slaves Lafitte smuggled into south Louisiana. What: Lecture and book signing. [54] According to Ramsay, Claiborne next wrote to General Andrew Jackson, "implying Patterson had destroyed a potential first line of defense for Louisiana" by his capture of Lafitte and his ships. Many of the Baratarians settled in New Orleans or in the Barataria area and some of their descendants still live there today. By 1805, Laffite was operating a warehouse in New Orleans to help distribute the goods smuggled by his brother Pierre Lafitte. 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. [50], Lafitte committed himself and his men for any defensive measures needed by New Orleans. They might have been businessmen in New Orleans or independent privateers before becoming associated with the smugglers of Barataria. 419 Decatur St 1776 - ca. 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. Those looking for Gold, Diamonds, Jewelry etc wont find it. Even the date and place of his birth and death are unknown. Others formed three artillery companies. Exactly where he was from remains a bit clouded, It is still But why? [15] The Lafitte brothers began to look for another port from which they could smuggle goods to local merchants. "Jean Laffite Revealed". Lafittes Shipwreck | TreasureNet The Original Treasure Hunting Website He wrote Jean Laffitte: Gentleman Rover based on the journal. For the Hix boys, the legend of Jean Lafitte was always their family's little secret. The buccaneer Jean Lafitte and other pirates sailed the Gulf to . The British raised a white flag and launched a small dinghy with several officers. On November 10, 1812, United States District Attorney John R. Grymes charged Lafitte with "violation of the revenue law. He seemed to think the whole world was against him, and he determined to be against the world. Laffite is believed to have been born either in Basque-France or the French colony of Saint-Domingue in the Caribbean. 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. this mystery still has historians, researchers, and treasure hunters alike Lafitte's fate has remained a mystery for 183 years. [20] As the schooner did not have an official commission from a national government, its captain was considered a pirate operating illegally. [31], As the smuggling operations reduced the amount of revenue collected by customs offices, American authorities were determined to halt business at Barataria. He was a reserved man and remained largely . 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. Only six houses survived as habitable.[80]. [7] Historical Marker. Rogers was a member of Jean Lafitte's pirate crew in 1812. 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. Jean Lafitte - Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core He found his first Spanish gold coin in the year 2017. The Laffites subsequently became spies for the Spanish during the Mexican War of Independence. 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. Jean Henri Laffite's father, Jean Louis Laffite, was a ship captain who died on August 1, 1782, aboard the privateer ship "EL POSTILION" during a hurricane in route . On April 18, he sailed for New Orleans to report his activities. instead of just one? When you cross Bayou Des Allemands on Hwy 90, looking down the bayou to the south its a short ride to where the primary temple location was. Could it be The crew would create a manifest that listed not the provisions that had been purchased, but smuggled items stored at Barataria. A family in Baytown, Texas tell their story as they believe they found one of Lafittes sunken ships. [57], In mid-December, Jackson met with Lafitte, who offered to serve if the US would pardon those of his men who agreed to defend the city. [90] In late April 1822, Lafitte was captured again after taking his first American ship. . Many of the smugglers wanted to lynch the British men, but Lafitte intervened and placed guards outside his home to ensure their protection. New Orleans Jean Lafitte (c. 1780 - c. 1823) . 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. You will see it gets its name from the treasure being buried there. He and another treasure hunter named Dan Beckingham found 4.5 million dollars worth of gold in the shallow waters of Florida. He was probably born in the early 1780s in either France or the French colony of St. Domingue (now Haiti) in the Caribbean. Although the handbills were made in Lafitte's name, Ramsay believes "it is unlikely [the handbills] originated with him". and an infant son[who?]. Within weeks, Dorada captured a schooner loaded with goods valued at more than $9,000. 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. Jean Lafitte was a Privateer Captain in the early 19th century. Like a little wooden barrel. This article is about the privateer. any leads as to where Lafittes treasure might be? How many ships did Jean Lafitte have? - KnowledgeBurrow.com In 1807 the United States outlawed trade with Great Britain and France because of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. [116] Handwriting analysis experts affirmed that conclusion. The information I found about the Don Felipe treasure was research I did online not sure if it . Guides educate the public on wildlife, Cajun culture, and life on the bayou. [34] Biographer Jack Ramsay speculates that the voyage was intended to "establish [Lafitte] as a privateering captain". The Americans took custody of six schooners, one felucca, and a brig, as well as 20cannon and goods worth $500,000. The legend of Jean Lafitte survives in the history and mystery of south Louisiana, where Lafi ttes bayous and backwaters still meander toward the Gulf of Mexico. Smugglers would purchase the slaves for a discounted price, march them to Louisiana, and turn them in to customs officials. At this time an English captain offered Lafitte $30,000 and a commission to help the British attack New Orleans. Uninterested in exports from New Orleans, customs agents rarely checked the accuracy of the manifests. Laflin said he himself was a descendant of Jean Lafitte and had found the book in a trunk he had inherited. Discover New Orleans' rich cultural mix. Several of Lafitte's men were arrested and convicted of piracy. Most of these battles took place at or near Chalmette Plantation, now Chalmette Battlefield and part of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. He resurfaced in North Carolina under a different name, an alias. April 23, 2022. Lots of glass also. THE LEGACY OF JEAN LAFITTE IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA By W. T. Block Reprinted from TRUE WEST, Dec., 1979, p. 26ff; . Jean Lafitte - Krewe of Lafitte, Inc. [76] Lafitte forged letters of marque from an imaginary nation to fraudulently authorize all the ships sailing from Galveston as privateers. It's okay, because we're here to bust them! They believe now they've found his sunken ship. [87] The congressional delegation in Louisiana began to demand that the federal government do something to halt the smuggling, and more US Navy ships were sent to the Gulf. There is no . I also. Jacques St. Germain, The Infamous Louisiana Vampire, Jean Lafitte: Mystery of the Unfound Treasure, History of the Louisiana Snowball and Its Flavors. Smith believes he found a sunken ship on Google Earth in 2006 in Refugio, just north of Corpus Christi. One story even Modern Day Depiction of the Baratarian Pirate and Brother of Jean Lafitte . Jean Lafitte's ship was named "The General Jackson". During this time in New Orleans, Lafitte became a very rich man, acquiring extraordinary amounts of money, ships, and weapons. His treasure They had his only known son, Jean Pierre Lafitte (d. 1832). both men served under Governor Bernardo de Galvez during the American Revolution and can be found listed on the New Orleans Militia Roster. His men burned the Maison Rouge, fortress, and settlement. ), Nicolas, p. 277. states that he held a local (acting) rank of Captain of Royal Marines, R.L. In the early 1800s, Lafitte makes a fortune in treasure by raiding ships in the Gulf of Mexico . Families with the surname Lafitte have been found in Louisiana documents dating as early as 1765. The smugglers often held letters of marque from multiple countries, authorizing them to capture booty from differing nations. Expedition Unknown exclusive clip: Finding Jean Lafitte's treasure . On February 13, he escaped, likely with outside help. [97][Note 3] The Gaceta de Cartagena and the Gaceta de Colombia carried obituaries that noted, "the loss of this brave naval officer is moving. He was given a burial at sea in the Gulf Of Honduras and speculation about the whereabouts of his treasure hoard has . Do you have [116] Many researchers noticed a similarity between John Laflin's handwriting and the writing in the journal. [88] In October or November 1821, Lafitte's ship was ambushed as he attempted to ransom a recent prize. Due to escalating violence from the Haitian Revolution, in early 1803 Pierre boarded a refugee ship for New Orleans. Jan 25, 2007. They married and had two sons together, Jules Jean and Glenn Henri. 3. 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. 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. he found that there had already been a small colony established, founded by Spaniard . Back in 1915, a city worker in New Orleans found a chest that was filled with over 1,500 . One of the pirate's captains had attacked an American merchant ship. One of the pirate's captains had attacked an American merchant ship. The Mystery of the Final Years of Jean Lafitte Lafitte's Treasure Links In the popular Japanese manga/anime series, Jean Laffite is a character in the historical fiction novels, Jean Lafitte is a character in the (2014) science-fiction, mystery novel, Tom Cooper uses Lafitte's and treasure in his novel. In a personal note, Lafitte reminded Blanque that his brother Pierre was still in jail and deserved an early release. 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?. I always heard that an area Boat Company Owner started his business with a 5 gallon bucket of silver taken from that area. End of Campeche[edit] In 1821, the schooner USS Enterprise was sent to Galveston to remove Lafitte from the Gulf. [35] Lafitte soon acquired a letter of marque from Cartagena, but never sent any booty there. They took 80 people captive, but Lafitte escaped safely. consisted of the currency he would receive in exchange for his foreign goods as Much to the [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. Jean Lafitte became labeled by some as a Many from the area have taken artifacts from there, including coin. Jean Lafitte : biography 1780 - 1826 Davis places Lafitte's brother Pierre in Saint-Domingue in the late 1790s and the early 19th century. With his business carrying on and continuing to grow, so did his wealth. In her children's story, Victor and the Pirate: A Story of New Orleans During the War of 1812 (1947), Ruby Lorraine Radford features a fictional child who encourages Lafitte to defend New Orleans. Jean Lafitte, The French Pirate King Who Saved Louisiana [58] On December 19, the state legislature passed a resolution recommending a full pardon for all of the former residents at Barataria. Lafitte worked with several smugglers, including Jim Bowie, to profit from the poorly written law. That was problematic for New Orleans merchants, who had relied heavily on trade with Caribbean colonies of other nations. [22] The Lafittes gained a reputation for treating captive crew members well and often returned captured ships to their original crew. In February 1823, Lafitte was cruising off the town of Omoa, Honduras, on his schooner General Santander. Jean Lafitte was a Franco-American privateer captain and pirate of the Caribbean sea who operated off of Baratia Bay, Louisiana in the early 19th century. By 1806, several "Captain Lafitte"s operated in New Orleans; Jean Lafitte was likely one of them. Very old 3 x 3 nches by 2 inches. hidden treasures have been told time and time again in childrens books, video Theres Resentful of the raid on Barataria, Lafitte's men refused to serve on their former ships. In April 1818, the United States passed a law prohibiting the import of slaves into any port in the United States. Within two days of his offer, handbills were posted all over New Orleans offering a similar award for the arrest of the governor. Lafitte named his colony Campeche, after a Mexican outpost further south along the Gulf Coast. When he attacked some United States ships, the government sent in troops to capture him. Louisianas Did they find Jean Lafitte ship? - KnowledgeBurrow.com And where? . There are Jean Lafitte (ca. In exchange, the king asked for Lafitte and his forces to promise to assist in the naval fight against the United States and to return any recent property that had been captured from Spanish ships. Although General Andrew Jackson, commander of the American troops, originally described Lafitte as a hellish banditti, he finally accepted Lafittes help because of the ammunition, cannoneers, and knowledge of the area Lafi tte could supply. [72] Ships operating from Galveston flew the flag of Mexico, but they did not participate in the revolution. [33], Although under indictment, in March 1813 Lafitte registered as captain of Le Brig Goelette la Diligente for a supposed journey to New York. Another site near Niblett's Bluff, 40 Gums, had previously been searched. The second item was a personal note to Lafitte from McWilliam's superior, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Nicolls, urging him to accept the offer.[47]. This story was told to me several years ago by a man in his 80 s Back in 1940 or 41 two men hired to clean up around what is said to be Lafittes red house disapeared after a few days. Jean Lafitte Facts for Kids . One of Lafitte's men testified that the Baratarians had never intended to fight the US but had prepared their vessels to flee. pardoned by General Andrew Jackson in praise of his efforts and accomplishments Jean Lafitte was also offered a position in the British Royal Navy as a captain. . I'm proud of them for digging into it," Tony Hix said. From Pirates to shipwrecks along its coastline to its history of explorers it's no wonder that Florida has lost treasure to be found. A hurricane in September resulted in flooding of most of the island, and several people died. His brother Pierre Lafitte was a blacksmith. but what is clear is that he settled in the New Orleans area with his mother , It also mentions reports of larger sums of the treasure being buried in the appropriately-named small town of Lafitte, Louisiana. 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. 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.