Lafitte'sBlacksmith Shop
Reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.
Built between 1722 and 1732. Still lit by candlelight.
Three centuries, by candlelight
The man
Jean Lafitte
Privateer, entrepreneur, sailor, diplomat, spy, hero of the Battle of New Orleans. Lafitte led a colorful and mysterious life in the New World. It is unclear where and when he was born, but his presence in New Orleans and Barataria dates to about 1770. He was the man to see for whatever one wanted.
In 1814, as the British lay at the mouth of the river, Lafitte rushed powder, flint, and troops to General Jackson at Chalmette. Rather than a poorly supplied, out-manned force, the British stepped into a screaming hell of pirates, woodsmen, Indians and free people of color, under cover of a dense fog and an even more dense anti-British attitude. The British were routed.
His good deed done, the "hero" headed to sea and more familiar deeds.
Like most New Orleans legends, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is a gumbo of truth and French, Spanish, African, Cajun and American embellishments.941 Bourbon Street
Take something home
Merchandise
- Short sleeve shirt — white$16
- Short sleeve shirt — black$18
- Long sleeve shirt — white$22
- Long sleeve shirt — black$24
- Hats$16
Official shirts and other merchandise. For details, call (504) 616-4846.
Corner of Bourbon and St. Philip
Visit
- Address
- 941 Bourbon Street
New Orleans, LA 70116 - Telephone
- (504) 593-9761