Lafitte’s, widely acknowledged to be the oldest continually occupied bar in America, was opened in 1761 on Bourbon Street. I made a print of this photo for our friend, Martha, who is visiting here on business for a few days. Martha lives in New Orleans and loves this old place. Here is an excerpt from the website:
“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 Lafitte was born, but his presence in New Orleans and Bartaria dates 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. “
Ed Barham Photography 