Born in the late 1700s, Jean Lafitte created a profitable smuggling operation in New Orleans with his brother, Pierre. After the Embargo Act of 1807, the brothers setup base at another port in Louisiana where they defended General Andrew Jackson against the British during the War of 1812. The pair then moved to Galveston Island and developed the colony of Campeche while becoming spies for the Spanish during the Mexican War of Independence.
For such an enigmatic character, much is still unknown (or misinterpreted) about Lafitte's life. Guests can learn more about the colorful stories that surround Lafitte, arguably the most famous pirate (or, perhaps, privateer) of the early 19th century. The lively look will include his rise to power in Louisiana, his role in the Battle of New Orleans, his smuggling operations in Galveston, and his mysterious whereabouts afterward. The presentation is illustrated with slides and a couple of folk songs by Dr. Curley on his guitar.
Dr. Stephen Curley is Regents Professor Emeritus of Liberal Studies and an award-winning teacher of literature, writing, and film at Texas A&M University at Galveston.
Born in the late 1700s, Jean Lafitte created a profitable smuggling operation in New Orleans with his brother, Pierre. After the Embargo Act of 1807, the brothers setup base at another port in Louisiana where they defended General Andrew Jackson against the British during the War of 1812. The pair then moved to Galveston Island and developed the colony of Campeche while becoming spies for the Spanish during the Mexican War of Independence.
For such an enigmatic character, much is still unknown (or misinterpreted) about Lafitte's life. Guests can learn more about the colorful stories that surround Lafitte, arguably the most famous pirate (or, perhaps, privateer) of the early 19th century. The lively look will include his rise to power in Louisiana, his role in the Battle of New Orleans, his smuggling operations in Galveston, and his mysterious whereabouts afterward. The presentation is illustrated with slides and a couple of folk songs by Dr. Curley on his guitar.
Dr. Stephen Curley is Regents Professor Emeritus of Liberal Studies and an award-winning teacher of literature, writing, and film at Texas A&M University at Galveston.
Born in the late 1700s, Jean Lafitte created a profitable smuggling operation in New Orleans with his brother, Pierre. After the Embargo Act of 1807, the brothers setup base at another port in Louisiana where they defended General Andrew Jackson against the British during the War of 1812. The pair then moved to Galveston Island and developed the colony of Campeche while becoming spies for the Spanish during the Mexican War of Independence.
For such an enigmatic character, much is still unknown (or misinterpreted) about Lafitte's life. Guests can learn more about the colorful stories that surround Lafitte, arguably the most famous pirate (or, perhaps, privateer) of the early 19th century. The lively look will include his rise to power in Louisiana, his role in the Battle of New Orleans, his smuggling operations in Galveston, and his mysterious whereabouts afterward. The presentation is illustrated with slides and a couple of folk songs by Dr. Curley on his guitar.
Dr. Stephen Curley is Regents Professor Emeritus of Liberal Studies and an award-winning teacher of literature, writing, and film at Texas A&M University at Galveston.