Nestled in the vibrant heart of New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar stands as a captivating relic of history. Reputedly constructed between 1722 and 1732, this time-honored structure, built by Nicolas Touze, holds the distinguished claim of being the oldest building in the United States still operating as a bar. Its very foundations are steeped in the rich tapestry of French Louisiana, evidenced by a realty transfer recorded in 1722 by Don Andres Almonester, further solidifying its early origins. The building’s architecture, featuring the French Provincial Louis XV or Briquette-Entre-Poteaux style, along with its aged fence, transports visitors to a bygone era.
Remarkably, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar has weathered the trials of time, notably escaping two devastating fires that swept through New Orleans at the dawn of the 19th century. This resilience is attributed to its slate roofing, a feature so enduring that these very slates are now repurposed by artists as canvases, adding another layer to its historical narrative.
Adding to its mystique, local legend intertwines Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar with the infamous Lafitte Brothers, Jean and Pierre. Between 1772 and 1791, it is believed this establishment served as a clandestine New Orleans base for their extensive Barataria smuggling operations. This association stems from the property’s ownership by the family of Simon Duroche, also known as Castillon, and the privateer Captain Rene Beluche, who commanded the ship “Spy” within Lafitte’s Baratarian fleet. While Jean Baptiste Dominica Joly LaPorte, the property owner, likely resided there, the strategic location of Bourbon and St. Phillip Streets, then considered neutral ground, would have made Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar a discreet and convenient spot for the Lafittes to negotiate with potential buyers away from the prying eyes of Royal Street’s elite Creole society.
Like many cherished New Orleans tales, the story of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is a captivating blend of historical truth and colorful embellishments, woven from French, Spanish, African, Cajun, and American threads. Visiting Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar on Bourbon Street is not just stepping into a bar; it’s stepping back into the heart of New Orleans history and legend.
