Posted in Louisiana Dining October 27, 2017 by

The Oldest Bar In The Country Is Right Here In Louisiana And It Has A Fascinating History

Would it surprise anyone that we have the oldest structure being used as a bar in the country? Well, we do. And this amazing little pub has a fascinating history that just may surprise you.

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
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.
Wikimedia
People have been coming here for ages.
When you step inside, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time.
black.stilettos/Flickr
The pub’s dark decor, wooden beams, and exposed brick all add to the overall atmosphere. Another interesting thing you’ll notice is the lack of lights. There’s no electricity in the pub, and candles are used during the the pub at night.
Between 1772 and 1791, the building is believed to have been used by the Lafitte brothers, Jean and Pierre.
Dawn K./Yelp
They used the building as a home base to run their Barataria smuggling operation, using the place to plot their next illegal seizure and contraband smuggling.
Legend has it that Jean Lafitte even hid his gold in the fireplace, although it has never been found.
Carly K./Yelp
And that's not the only thing believed to be in the fireplace...
Like many old buildings in New Orleans, there’s a paranormal history to the building, too.
It’s allegedly one of the more haunted venues in the French Quarter, and many believe it’s the ghost of Jean Lafitte himself.
Staff and guests have reported being touched, hearing disembodied voices, and the piano even plays at times when no one is near it.
Sheena M./Yelp
The spirits have also been known to move your cocktail around, so maybe keep a hold of your drink so it doesn’t end up on the other side of the bar.
People have also reported seeing full body apparitions, believed to be Jean Lafitte.
Sheena M./Yelp
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.
rulenumberone2/Flickr
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.

You can find Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70116.

Have you ever had a paranormal experience here? Let us know!