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All the United States North Carolina Lincolnton Pirate Jean Lafitte’s Grave
AO Edited

Pirate Jean Lafitte’s Grave

Visit the secret grave of a legendary privateer who faked his own death.

Lincolnton, North Carolina

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Here lies a pirate (probably).  
Portrait of Jean Lafitte   Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas
Marker at Jean Lafitte’s home in Texas   QuesterMark / CC BY 2.0
The grave is elevated and a little down the hill   apbreuhan / Atlas Obscura User
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From 1810 to 1823, Jean Lafitte and his brother Pierre were among the most notorious and successful privateers in the Americas. Like many great pirates, Jean Lafitte's exact origins are shrouded in mystery, but he is believed to have been born either in France or one of its Caribbean colonies, possibly Saint-Domingue (now called Haiti). He had a spectacular reputation for drinking, womanizing, and debauchery.

An equal-opportunity spy and smuggler, Lafitte lent his skills in military endeavors from the War of 1812 to the Mexican War of Independence. At various points, he worked for the British, U.S., and Spanish armies. He supposedly died in 1823—an event many scholars later believed to be a ruse. 

In fact, local researchers in Lincolnton, North Carolina, believe that the buccaneer staged his own death, changed his name to Lorenzo Ferrer, then enjoyed a quiet life free from the prying eyes of law enforcement until his actual death in 1875. He is believed to be resting peacefully in the cemetery at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

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Pirates Gravestones Graveyards Cemeteries

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The cemetery is open to all respectful visitors.

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Scarheel

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Michelle Cassidy, apbreuhan, kguenther

  • Michelle Cassidy
  • apbreuhan
  • kguenther

Published

August 16, 2023

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Pirate Jean Lafitte’s Grave
315 N Cedar St
Lincolnton, North Carolina, 28092
United States
35.474778, -81.253689
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North Carolina

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Nearby Places

Abandoned Henry River Mill Village

Hildebran, North Carolina

miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

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North Carolina

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Stories 34

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