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THE
HISTORIAN
On the web - ww\v2. datasync.com/history
OF HANCOCK COUNTY
Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi
MAY 2003
“(the) Pirate’s House (was) built in 1802 by a New Orleans business man who is alleged to have been the overlord of the Gulf Coast pirates. At one time, the legend says, a secret tunnel led from the house to the waterfront....The house is a perfect example of the Louisiana planter type, with a brick ground story and an outside stairway leading to the first floor. The outer walls are covered with white stucco; square, white frame columns support the gallery, which runs the length of the house. The three dormer windows on the front are beautifully proportioned, and the iron grillwork forming the banisters is reminiscent of that in the French Quarter in New Orleans.” (1938 WPA report)
MAY HAPPENINGS
The May meeting of the Hancock County Historical Society will be held at the Kate Lobrano House, 108 Cue Street, Bay Saint Louts, Mississippi on May 15, 2003, at 12 noon.
Please call early for reservations; cost of the luncheon is S7.00, payable at the door. The speaker will be Sue Chamber-lain, Greenways Project Coordinator.
President Jim Henrie and Executive Director Charles Gray met with the Bay Saint Louis Mayor Eddie Favre and the City Council in April and have set a workshop to be held on June 11th at the Depot for further work on the preservation ordinance.
THE PIRATE HOUSE IN WAVELAND
Judging by photos in the Lobrano House collection, the legendary “Pirate House” in Waveland had to be one of the most imposing - as well as one of the most beautiful - structures situated on the Hancock County coast. It must have been designed and built by craftsmen of more than ordinary talents, for it was at once large, strong, and handsome.
Regrettably, Hurricane Camille demolished the Pirate House in 1969. If it had not been destroyed, perhaps even now clues could be discovered that would alleviate some of the mystery' that lingers in its legends.
And mystery there is. When w;as it built and by whom? Most importantly, for what purpose? Was it a transfer point of contraband slaves?
Did the noted pirate, Jean Lafitte, have some connection to the house, perhaps even by way of ownership? Was it really possible to have a tunnel from the house to a sandbar, allowing for the discreet disembarking of “black ivory,” as the legend forcefully tells?
Not a great deal seems to be recorded to authenticate the stories that have accumulated about the Pirate House. While much of what is said has been passed down orally through generations, it should be recognized that legends - even those that may seem far-fetched -usually have some basis in fact.
Consider for example the story of the tunnel. Even with modem technology and equipment, the construction of a tunnel out to open water would be a challenge. But the Pirate House stood next to a small bayou and pond. (This is nicely de-