Legend and lore are essential parts of our cultural heritage in the Carolinas. Just ask our friends along the coast, such as those in the Outer Banks, Murrells Inlet area, Charleston, and people living in the Appalachian Mountains. Ironically, this legend is one that you may not be familiar with, and it ties one North Carolina city to another iconic city, New Orleans.
Jean Lafitte was a French Pirate who terrorized the Gulf of Mexico in the early 19th century. Around 1805, Lafitte operated a warehouse in New Orleans to facilitate the distribution of smuggled goods, later relocating the operation to a nearby island. Little is known about him, especially his later life and death.
In February 1823, Lafitte and his pirate crew attempted to capture two Spanish merchant ships, but both vessels fought back, injuring Lafitte. Many believe that Lafitte died here in battle and was thrown overboard, but another legend exists of what happened to Lafitte after this battle.
According to a book released in 2021, Lafitte faked his death and then moved to Mississippi, where he met the Henderson family from Lincolnton, North Carolina. He followed the family back, changed his name to Lorendzo Ferrer, and lived the rest of his days here, finally departing the earth in 1875. The man believed to be Lafitte is buried at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in what is known as the Pirate’s Grave.
People believe the ghostly pirate haunts the French Quarter in New Orleans in the afterlife.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.