Jean Lafitte Historical Marker

Back in 1817, the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte made Galveston his home. He arrived with a fleet of ships and a crew of buccaneers, claiming the island under the Mexican flag while continuing his bold raids on Spanish ships in the Gulf.

Right on this very spot, Lafitte built his grand home—Maison Rouge, or the “Red House.” But it wasn’t just a house. It was part of his fortress, with cannons peeking out from the upper floor and rooms filled with lavish treasures taken from captured ships. For a few wild years, Lafitte ruled Galveston like a pirate king.

But in 1821, the United States gave him an ultimatum: leave or face the consequences. True to his dramatic flair, Lafitte didn’t just pack up—he torched his home, his fort, and the entire settlement before sailing away to Yucatán.

Years later, in 1870, a new building rose here, built right over the old cellars and foundations of the infamous Maison Rouge. The legend, though, never really left.

Note: Access to the marker is limited, as the property is enclosed by a chain-link fence. Visitors can park on a nearby side street and should use caution when walking along Harborside Drive to view the site.