The Oldest Bar In The Country Is Right Here In Louisiana And It Has A Fascinating History
By Jackie Ann|Updated on June 15, 2023(Originally published June 10, 2023)
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
It’s no surprise that there are some very old, very historic buildings that are still standing in Louisiana, and one of the oldest buildings in Louisiana can be found in New Orleans. Somehow, this national landmark survived not one but two devastating fires that destroyed just about everything in the city and still stands strong, nearly 300 years after it was built. Of course, with any old building, there comes a few ghost stories…but this particular bar has such a fascinating history, it’s no wonder it’s considered the most haunted bar in New Orleans, Louisiana. Care for a spirit with your spirit?
Built between 1722 and 1732, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is known to be one of the oldest buildings in America, and the oldest building being used as a bar in the country.
The exact dates are not known, which is why there's a 10-year gap, but either way, it was built nearly 300 yard ago! To say people have been coming here for ages is an understatement.
When you step inside, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time.
The pub’s dark decor, wooden beams, and exposed brick all add to the overall atmosphere. Lafitte's keeps things simple and, for the most part, everything looks just like it did 100 years ago.
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Many, many patrons have come through these doors, but perhaps the most infamous patrons were the Lafitte brothers, Jean and Pierre, who were believed to use the building between 1772 and 1791.
They used the building as a home base to run their Barataria smuggling operation, using the place to plot their next move, which included contraband smuggling. Oh, if these walls could talk!
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Legend has it that Jean Lafitte even hid his gold in the fireplace, although it has never been found.
The legend of Jean Lafitte's treasure is all over the place. Some believe he buried it near Lake Charles, some believe it's further south in the swamps and marshes leading to the Gulf, and some believe it never existed in the first place. But since the Lafitte brothers were using the building as a bit of a home base/office, it would make sense if they stashed their prized possessions somewhere within these walls, but nothing has ever been uncovered.
Though the fireplace may be clear of treasure, there does seem to be something else lurking about...
He’s almost always seen on the first floor, and it’s a pretty common occurrence, so next time you’re in the area you should swing by for a drink and see if he’ll show himself to you.
While he has never interacted with anyone, he has been seen standing in the corner, staring at people. Dressed in full sailor’s gear from the 1700s, he never speaks to anyone, and vanishes into the shadows before you have the chance to interact with him.
Another creepy occurrence at the pub is glowing red eyes. People have seen a pair of glowing red eyes staring at them from the fireplace. They vanish into thin air after you notice them, but people swear they have seen them. While the majority of paranormal encounters are "friendly", this one does not give off good vibes, leading many to believe this is more of a demonic entity. What do you think?
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Next time you're in the French Quarter, be sure to swing by and check it out for yourself.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. well into the wee hours of the morning. If you’ve ever had a paranormal experience at this haunted bar in New Orleans, share it with us in the comments below!
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Creepy Places in Louisiana & Related Info
Jackie Ann|June 15, 2023
Does Louisiana have any abandoned places?
Like every other state, Louisiana has plenty of abandoned spots that are being reclaimed by Mother Nature. One of the most famous abandoned places in Louisiana is Six Flags New Orleans, which was abandoned after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The area is kept under tight surveillance and trespassers will be prosecuted, so do not attempt to enter the area.
