Newest link I love for information and background on our world a little south of America at the beginning of HWY 1. https://beta.lpb.org/index.php?/site/programs2/turning_the_tide/
Chopin, Kate . The Awakening
Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library
Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library
Free to read on-line this is one of the first important works by a woman around the turn of the century and is a very important one. This is a great background of what New Orleans and Grand Isle was like in the beginning of the 1900s. (It is NOT the horror movie Awakening) The story is about the life of women their value and purpose in early 1900’s in NOLA and on Grand Isle. Grand Isle has always been the get away for the wealthy New Orleanians during the sweltering heat of summer there.
There are other short stories by Chopin that will bring alive early life on the plantations when you drive along the bayous. I believe they are listed on this same site, if not you can look them up. Anything by Lyle Saxon is great as well. There is a huge difference between northern writers and southern. Read the southern ones.
https://www.trutv.com/library/crime/gangsters_outlaws/cops_others/lafitte/1.html
This is one of my favorite reads on the history of early 1800s New Orleans Barataria Bay and the privateers descendants that settled Grand Isle. The privateer Jean Lafitte established Grand Terre the next island east of Grand Isle as his base of operations in the gulf of Mexico. Starting with the arrival of the brothers Lafitte and on to the war of 1812 the privateers were both Robin Hood and scoundrels, sinners and saints, but there can be no doubt of their storys impact on both New Orleans and the United States of America.
If you travel to Louisiana and skip the history you will miss the heart and soul of South Louisiana. Having this information makes so much about the area come alive for you. I envision all that must have taken place way back when as we drive through the cypress swamps and past the live oaks draped with moss. The streets and buildings of New Orleans are characters themselves.
Jean Lafitte: Gentleman Pirate of New Orleans
| In the nineteenth century Jean Lafitte was referred to as the Gentleman Pirate of New Orleans. Though he sailed the seas capturing ships and stealing riches, he was known for his suave demeanor and charming ways with the ladies. Several young women wished that had a chance at dating the alluring buccaneer. Jean Lafitte was an adventurous spirit who was as famous for his gentlemanly nature as for his pirate’s deeds.According to eighteenth century records, Jean Lafittewas born in August of 1782 in the French city of Bordeaux. He lived with his mother Guillemette and father Antoine, who earned his living making ropes. Jean Lafitte also had two brothers, Pierre and Alexander. The details of Jean Lafitte’s childhood are spotty, but early on he exhibited a strong desire to leave the safety of his home for the sea in search of riches and new experiences.Jean Lafitte’s life on the sea began when he took a position as a chief mate on a ship headed for Madras. While aboard, Lafitte rebelled against being under the control of the ship’s captain. One particular heated argument between them prompted Lafitte to desert the ship at the next port. Lafitte’s decision to leave the ship turned out to be the first step in his path to becoming one of the most infamous pirates of all time. Soon after arriving on land Lafitte obtained his own ship, equipped it, and set sail with a crew. He captured and robbed ships travelling from all different countries. Before long, his stash of gold, silver, and other treasures allowed him to buy a sturdy, new ship. Lafitte sailed his new possession, La Confiance, out onto the seas with a crew of two hundred and fifty men in search of more treasure.Throughout history, much has been made of Jean Lafitte’s reputation as a charmer. This dark-eyed Frenchman who led a pirate’s life on the sea has been characterized in historical documents as elegant and suave. He dressed in elaborate suits of richly colored fabrics and practiced manners that were similar to an aristocrat’s. All of these traits made him very appealing to the women he encountered. He regularly attended the fancy dress balls held in New Orleans, dancing right alongside the upper classes. Also, Lafitte was notorious for housing his mistresses in beautifully decorated apartments at various locations around the city. One of his well-known mistresses named Catherine Villars reportedly had a child with Jean Lafitte. The child shared the name of one of Jean’s brother’s, Pierre. Among Lafitte’s other known children was a daughter named Denise.History has forever connected Jean Lafitte and the Battle of New Orleans. He is said to have warned the Governor of New Orleans of the British troops’ intention to attack the city. Andrew Jackson paid heed to this warning and the Americans were victorious in the battle. President Madison later awarded Lafitte a pardon from his pirate’s crimes as a result.As time went by and despite his official pardon, Lafitte returned to a pirate’s life. The story of Jean Lafitte ended with as much mystery as it began. In fact, there are several theories as to how and when he died. One theory is that he died of disease on an island in the year 1826. Another account claims that he died in battle on a ship in 1823. A third theory is that Lafitte lived into his seventies and died at home in St. Louis. It’s unlikely that the truth of his death will ever be uncovered.
The life of Jean Lafitte was one full of adventure. It’s certain that this |
Island House RV Park, Grand Isle, Louisiana 
Michelle: We want reservations for the month of February 2015! Cannot find your e-mail address. We are Wendell and Ruth Brown . . . stayed a couple of weeks w/you a few years ago. Please let us know what you have available. We have a 40′ 5th wheel/4 slides/Freightliner truck and Jeep. Thanks!!!
Plenty of information about history, fishing, weather… but nothing about making reservations.
We are very hands on. We have a very small park with specific needs for each site. I will never have online registration for several reasons, but mostly it is to make sure that we can accommodate your specific needs. We use pencil and paper we greet you and give you a map. We are very old fashion and that way. Once you get here and are comfortable, you are free to do as you please whether that be hibernate or socialize. 985-360-6451