Louisiana and ghosts have a long history together. From the Myrtles Plantation to the hauntingly beautiful cemeteries of New Orleans, we certainly have our fair share of ghost stories. This particular haunted bar has been a watering hole for centuries, and the next time you’re in the area you should swing by for a drink – and maybe a ghostly encounter or two.
Located in the heart of the French Quarter on historic Bourbon Street, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is the oldest building in the country currently being used as a bar.
Teemu008/Flickr
Dating back to the early 1700s, this corner building has survived two fires and is one of the oldest surviving structures in New Orleans.
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr
As you approach this beautiful Creole cottage, you can’t help but feel like you’re taking a step back in time. The interior looks like it’s been frozen in a past era; a beautiful reminder of the history of the building.
Wikimedia / Lobberich Most of the building is without electricity, adding a charming yet spooky element to the overall atmosphere of this National Historic Landmark.
Lafitte’s is known to be one of the more haunted hot spots in the French Quarter, so there’s a good chance you’ll have a paranormal experience of your own during your visit.
MarkMac69/Trip Advisor
Legend has it that infamous privateer Jean Lafitte and his brother used the building as a home base of sorts to run their illegal smuggling operations.
P8176CRmichaelw/Trip Advisor Many patrons have reported seeing the apparition of a man standing in the dark corners of the bar, observing everyone. When noticed, he disappears into thin air. Could this be the ghost of Jean Lafitte keeping an eye on things?
Many believe that Lafitte buried his treasure within the fireplace at the bar, so it could very well be Mr. Lafitte is returning to his local watering hole to guard his hidden stash.
Serr72/Trip Advisor
Speaking of the fireplace, there’s another, much more sinister spirit that’s frequently seen in the fireplace.
wpchic1/Trip Advisor Several people have reported seeing a pair of piercing, glowing red eyes that just appear to be floating. These disembodied eyes, once locking eyes with you, will fade into the darkness. These phantom eyes are believed to be that of a demonic haunting - one that also plays tricks by moving beverages or even knocking them over.
The next time you find yourself at this historic bar and you think you see something strange, don’t be so quick to write it off as the effects of too many spirits of the alcoholic variety… it could very well be a ghostly spirit trying to reach out to you.
klemdad/Trip Advisor
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is located at 941 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116 and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Robert Levy/Flickr For more information about Lafitte’s, visit its website here.
Have you ever had a paranormal experience at Lafitte’s or anywhere else in Louisiana? Share it with us in the comments below!
Teemu008/Flickr
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr
Wikimedia / Lobberich
Most of the building is without electricity, adding a charming yet spooky element to the overall atmosphere of this National Historic Landmark.
MarkMac69/Trip Advisor
P8176CRmichaelw/Trip Advisor
Many patrons have reported seeing the apparition of a man standing in the dark corners of the bar, observing everyone. When noticed, he disappears into thin air. Could this be the ghost of Jean Lafitte keeping an eye on things?
Serr72/Trip Advisor
wpchic1/Trip Advisor
Several people have reported seeing a pair of piercing, glowing red eyes that just appear to be floating. These disembodied eyes, once locking eyes with you, will fade into the darkness. These phantom eyes are believed to be that of a demonic haunting - one that also plays tricks by moving beverages or even knocking them over.
klemdad/Trip Advisor
Robert Levy/Flickr
For more information about Lafitte’s, visit its website here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
