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| Today in New Orleans, people are able to make a living by dressing as pirates and reminding people of the legends from New Orleans past. |
History of New Orleans' Pirates
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| A side view of Pirates Alley at night, creepy?! I think yes. |
The legend has many versions, but comes from the prison and cathedral that were once located in Pirates Alley. One version of the story claims that it was named such due to the pirates seen escorted to the prison through this alleyway. The most common version is related to legend pirate Jean Lafitte's brother, Pierre, being arrested in this prison and that he escaped with some comrades. This caused an uproar and a reward was offered for their capture.
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| 1000 Reward for Pierre Lafitte, Jean Lafitte's brother |
The pirates and other criminals were associated with the alley, due to their visit to the prison, but many of the pirates turned hero. Andrew Jackson had a lack of soldiers for the battle of 1812 against the British and he enlisted pirates and Jean Lafitte, to fight.
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| Cafe Lafitte In Exile, the United States first and longest running gay bar, located in Bourbon Street. |
The name Lafitte was quickly associated with rebellious virtue, as the first gay bar took the name as well. Cafe Lafitte In Exile was founded in 1933, with the end of prohibition and famous gay people such as Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote were said to be frequent visitors.
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| Pirate's Alley Weddings |
Pirates Alley and the legend live on, as the alley is a common place for small weddings in modern society.
The alley is also home to The Pirates Alley Cafe, and a stop of the New Orleans Gray Line Pirate Tour. The legend even created an annual pirate week, which can be seen in March throughout New Orleans. It also inspired the Treasure Chest Casino, found in New Orleans. Pirates are NOLA's face for deviant behavior.
A story learned during the Haunted History Tour of Pirates Alley, told the tale of two lovers, a pirate who had escaped and a wealthy woman that had fallen in love with him. The woman disappeared and the man sat on the steps of the prison in Pirate's Alley each day to wait for her and sought her return. It is said that a ghost can be seen on the steps to this day. This is why Pirate's Alley is a wedding destination, as it is said if wedding pictures are taken here, you will remain together for eternity, even after death.
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| Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve, the pirate-hero has a park and museum named after him! Visit Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve |
The fame of Jean Lafitte began first for his deviant pirate behavior. He was a leader of the New Orleans pirates of the Grand Terre, though he claimed he was a privateer and insisted he be called this instead. Lafitte is one of the last of the great pirates of the Gulf of Mexico. He was the captain of the ship Goelette la Dilidente in 1813. His brothers Pierre and Henri helped to lead the group, once the Lafittes had a fleet of four ships. Profitable acts were committed by the group, including reselling slaves or "black ivory" and simple acts of robbing others.
War of 1812
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| Painting of the Battle of New Orleans, displayed in the Cabildo Museum |
Jean Lafitte is remembered fondly as a hero however, due to Andrew Jackson's request to enlist his group of pirates in the Battle of New Orleans of 1815. This battle gave pardon to the pirate's acts, other than Pierre, who had escaped from prison and fled the city. The battle took place on Chalumet Plantation, and is still celebrated today with museums and reenactments.
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| While in New Orleans I found Pirates! People actually do this for a living. |
Pirate Tour from Graylines
West Pirate's Alley Ghost Tour
Pirate-Themed Attractions
Treasure Chest Casino
Pirates Alley Cafe
NOLA Pyrate Week
Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Pirate Sports Team- inspired by Privateer Jean Lafitte
University of New Orleans Privateers
Books about Pirates and Jean Lafitte became very popular, from documentary of the war to children's novels of the tale. Below a few are linked to view or purchase.
Patriotic Fire: Andrew Jackson and Jean Lafitte at the Battle of New Orleans
The Pirates Laffite: The Treacherous World of the Cosairs of the Gulf
Pirate Lafitte and the Battle of New Orleans
1812: The War That Forged a Nation
The Twins, The Pirates, & The Battle of New Orleans
Jean Lafitte: The Pirate Who Saved America
The Journal of Jean Lafitte: The Privateer-Patriot's Own Story
Works Cited
"Battle of New Orleans: Pirate's Alley, The Arsenal, Creole House & Jackson House - Stop 5 of 10 in the Battle of New Orleans Tour." New Orleans Historical, neworleanshistorical.org/items/show/516.
Cafe Lafitte in Exile, www.lafittes.com/.
Jean Lafitte Gulf Coast Pirate and Privateer, jeanlafitte.net/.
"Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)." NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service), www.nps.gov/jela/index.htm.
"Pirates Alley Cafe'and Old Absinthe House." Pirates Alley Cafe' Will Remain OPEN!!, piratesalleycafe.com/home.html.
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