Hey, Readers! Earlier this month I wrote about the legend behind Don Franciso’s buried treasure. This week, I’ll share another story about rumored buried riches.
Jean Lafitte (born c. 1780, died c. 1823) was a French pirate and privateer who operated in the Gulf of Mexico during the 1800s. He operated a warehouse in New Orleans to assist in the distribution of goods by his brother Pierre. After the government passed the Embargo Act of 1807, the Lafittes moved their operation to an island in Barataria Bay, Louisiana. By 1810 the operation was quite successful and the brothers had a profitable smuggling trade. They also engaged in piracy.
In late 1815 and early 1816, the Lafitte brothers acted as spies for Spain. Jean was sent to Galveston, Texas. He essentially developed Galveston Island as another smuggling base.
In February 1823, while cruising near Omoa Honduras on his schooner General Santander when he engaged in battle with two Spanish merchant vessels. A battle ensued and Lafitte was wounded. He is believed to have died on the morning of February 5, 1823. However, his legacy and legends involving his buried treasure live on.
I read about one such legend in the book Texas Myths and Legends by Donna Ingham. The story goes like this.
On a cold February night in the 1880s, an elderly war veteran rode through the area of LaPorte, Texas. Twilight came, and he looked for a place where he could shelter for the night. He supposedly saw the silhouette of a house and a stable in the light of the rising moon.
He knocked at the door. No one answered and the place was locked, but he managed to crawl through a window. The room had a fireplace and a stack of wood, and soon the old traveler was warm and cozy. Using his saddle as a pillow, and the blanket for a pallet, he soon fell asleep.
Sometime during the night by a “presence” in the room. By the light of the fire, he saw a man who beckoned to him. He followed the ghostly figure into the next room, and then into a third one.
“It is here,” the apparition said. “It is here that more gold lies buried than is good for any man. You have but to dig, and it is yours.”
Before vanishing, the spirit went on to say that gold must be used only for good purposes and not one penny spent for evil or selfish reasons.
The old veteran returned to his makeshift bed and soon fell asleep, only to be awakened once more. He followed the specter into the room. This time he swore he could see great quantities of gold and jewels. “Do not force me to come again.” With those words, the ghost was gone.
Troubled by the words, “More gold than is good for any man,” the traveler left the house, saddled his horse, and rode away.
This is one such story about Lafitte’s supposed buried treasure. Tales of haunted houses related to Lafitte and other supposed locations abound. Some claim to have found a small amount of treasure, but when they return to the place, they are unable to locate it. Rumor has it Lafitte buried much of his treasure on Galveston Island
In numerous places along the gulf coast, people come in search of the treasure. To date, no one has discovered the loot, but that doesn’t stop others from trying.
30 Responses
Great post, Joan 🙂 His painting made me smile. I think I would leave if a ghost wanted me to dig for gold, but I’d be tempted to go and look. Wouldn’t it be great if someone found it used it for some good.
I probably would have left after the first visitation, Denise! It would be cool if someone did find the treasure.
Another cool story. Love it!
Thanks so much, Darlene.
There’s nothing like a good pirate/buried treasure legend. Very creepy about the ghost and the visitations. I like that the spirit spoke so throughly about the gold and how it should be used!
An interesting post, Joan. I remember watching an episode of Expedition Unknown about Jean Lafitte’s treasure.
I haven’t seen that one, Jeannie. Might have to see if I can find and watch it.
The ghost is more intriguing to me than the possibility of buried treasure. Thanks, Mae.
Wonderful post. I’ve had a drink at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop in NOLA.
Cool! (I’ll be the drink was too.) 🙂
I’d be tempted to take some of that treasure, but after watching so many horror movies I figure it wouldn’t end well for me, lol.
That would be my luck as well, Teri! 🙂
Those are some pretty emphatic ghostly visits. Not sure how I’d respond to that. Interesting, Joan.
As I told Denise, I would have probably fled after the first visitation. 🙂
Ah, the lure of hidden treasure. The early account is chilling, and I can understand why the traveler saddled up and rode away. But I would have been tempted to return with help if I had been him. 🙂 Jean Lafitte is one of my favorite historical characters, and my favorite place to visit in New Orleans is his blacksmith shop. It has a certain feel to it that I can describe, but it pulls me. Thanks for sharing, Joan!
If I ever make it to New Orleans, I’ll be sure to visit there. I don’t blame the traveler for leaving, either. 🙂
When we lived on Mustang Island, there were also stories about Jean Lafitte’s buried treasure somewhere on the island. As you pointed out, no one has ever found any. Super post, Joan.
I can imagine all the stories, John. Who knows where (or if) he buried it.
Fun to think about though.
I don’t think I would like to be visited by the ghosts more than once. I would have left as well. But the lure of a buried treasure is certainly a draw for some.
I would have gotten the heck out of there. That’s for sure. Yep, buried treasure certainly entices a lot of folks.
Fascinating, Joan. Wouldn’t it be fun to find – anything – that’s been buried for 100+ years? 😊
You know what I would find more fascinating than buried money? A time capsule. Maybe one with letters or notes inside. That would be interesting.
So true…I’d love that as well. 😊
Hmm, I’m surprised the old veteran didn’t go after that gold.
Me too, Liz. At least try to go back for it. Maybe the ghost was too much for him!
We ain’t afraid of no ghosts!
🙂
Great post, Joan. Love the legends, but would have run screaming from the house the minute that ghost started talking to me. 😀
BTW, Jean Lafitte looks decidedly grumpy in that painting. (And he wears too much rouge, too!) 😂😂😂
He does look like an old grouch. 🙂 Yep, I would have run as well.