Do you believe in ghosts?
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is one of the oldest buildings in the French Quarter, and maybe one of the most haunted. As the legend goes, the building was used at some point as a base for a smuggling operation run by the infamous Jean Lafitte and his brother Pierre. While most of the details of Jean’s life can’t seem to be nailed down by historians, there’s no denying that his story was one of piracy, privateering, and even war heroes.
The bar itself has maintained its feel as a historic landmark, with scarce use of electricity in most of the building. Lit instead by mostly candlelight, it somewhat lends itself to a spooky ambiance for those looking to experience the paranormal.
Many patrons of Lafitte Blacksmith Shop have reported seeing ghosts during their visit, mostly the ghost of Jean Lafitte himself, who purportedly has been seen standing in dark corners of the establishment. Some say he is looking after a treasure he hid within the walls of the fireplace. That’s not the only ghost patrons of the bar have experienced. Some have reported hearing their name whispered into their ears by the ghost of a woman on the second floor of the building. Spooky!
Whether or not you believe the stories, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop remains an important part of New Orleans’ history. The structure was built sometime in the 1700s and is one of the oldest standing examples of briquette-entre-poteaux architecture. Thanks to its slate roofing, it avoided being burned to the ground not once, but twice at the turn of the 19th century, when New Orleans was plagued with great fires. Needless to say, this historic building has made it clear that it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Maybe the same can be said for the ghosts!
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop usually offers live piano performances at night, and customers love their strong drinks, their signature Purple Drink and the Hurricane being local favorites. It is located right at the corner of Bourbon Street and St. Phillip Street.
Where: 941 Bourbon Street, New Orleans
[Featured image: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop]