Can you be a pirate and a patriot? I'm Adam from Ripleys.com and this is your Weird Minute. In 1809, a pirate and privateer by the name of Jean Lafitte roamed the coast of New Orleans. While America officially embargoed trade with Great Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars, Lafitte supplied goods and slaves to the black market of Louisiana. He became so rich and powerful that when the governor put a $500 bounty on his head,
He offered his own $5,000 award for the governor's capture. At his peak, Lafitte is believed to have 1,000 people under his command, including many freed slaves. Occupying islands around the Bay of Barataria, his group was called the Baratarians. When the War of 1812 broke out, the British offered him $30,000 and a command in the British Navy to help them attack New Orleans.
The governor was preparing an assault on his sea fortress, but nevertheless Lafitte warned the Americans of the attack. Though the governor refused his help, US General Andrew Jackson gladly took his help. Despite calling him a hellish bandit, The two worked well together, using Lafitte's knowledge and munitions to destroy the British forces. Lafitte earned a full pardon for his men, who settled down and left to be the governor of Galveston, Texas.
though he would eventually rob and burn the city before fleeing to unknown ends. For more strange stories, visit Ripley's.com. Rate The Weird Minute if you haven't already, and tune in tomorrow for another Minute of Odds.