I’m working on another Texas novel and Galveston Island will be one of the settings. To move things along, I’ll visit Galveston this coming weekend. Get my toes in the sand, feel the wind, poke into some historic sites there.
(My friend Carol H. said, “Oh, Galveston. Are you gonna have a hurricane in your book?” Probably not. Too much of an Act of God to be a good plot device. But – maybe…)
Pirates made Galveston Island their base in the early 1800’s, where they preyed on Spanish ships. The pirate Jean Lafitte, hero of the Battle of New Orleans, arrived there in 1817 and organized the pirate band. Made himself commander of the Island. After some pirates abducted a Karankawa Indian woman, the Indians attacked. The pirates turned their ship’s cannons on them, chasing them off the Island. Lafitte owned it all.
At first, the United States Navy left Lafitte alone. After all, he did help with the Battle of New Orleans. He only raided Spanish vessels. That changed after 1818, when the US forbid the importation of slaves. Lafitte began capturing slave ships and smuggling their cargo into Louisiana (with the cooperation of James Bowie, later hero of The Alamo). Capturing an American merchantman didn't help, either.
That was too much. The US forced Jean Lafitte to abandon Galveston Island. He sailed out into the Spanish Main and into history.
Supposedly, the foundations of Jean Lafitte’s blockhouse are still visible in Galveston. I’ll look for them.
And get my toes in the sands.
Dac Crossley
July 19, 2012
“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.” – James Oppenheim
'Nuther solid blog, Dac. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Posted by: Mike Long | July 28, 2012 at 09:02 AM
Yes, Dac send us some pictures - and not just of a taco! Hope you're enjoying Galveston.
Posted by: Eileen Obser | July 21, 2012 at 02:42 PM
You are only a pirate when you end up on the wrong side of history. Have a wonderful time with your onsight research. Looking forward to the new book.
Posted by: irene black | July 21, 2012 at 07:46 AM
Enjoy your trip to Galveston Island - Don't
forget your hat AND sunblock. Standing by
for followup report AND the book.
Posted by: Jan okey | July 19, 2012 at 04:28 PM
My favorite pirate. Sounds like a must read.
Posted by: J. R. Lindermuth | July 19, 2012 at 03:55 PM
Go ahead, Dac!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 19, 2012 at 02:10 PM
I will love to read the new book! Galveston is a magical place and will provide you with a very good story. Enjoy the trip!
Posted by: shirley white | July 19, 2012 at 10:42 AM
Dac,
Galveston Island sounds like a wonderful setting for your new book. Best of luck!
Posted by: Patricia Gligor | July 19, 2012 at 09:20 AM
Bill - I should have included a picture. You do in your travels. Maybe I'll bring back a picture of a taco...
Posted by: Dac Crossley | July 19, 2012 at 09:17 AM
Interesting post, as always. I've associated Jean Lafitte with New Orleans and had no idea he'd strayed into Texas, that magnet of American history. Thanks!
Posted by: Bill Stroud | July 19, 2012 at 09:14 AM