A historic moment unfolded in New Iberia, Louisiana, as the legend of the pirate Jean Lafitte was officially honored with a new plaque at the former Mount Carmel site on Duperier Drive. The installation, which took place on September 23, 2025, was made possible through funding from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and the Teche Project, organizations dedicated to preserving local folklore across the United States.
Celebration of Local Legends
The plaque commemorates the tale of the “Bayou Teche tunnel,” a story that suggests Lafitte used a hidden passageway to escape to the bayou during his escapades. This installation event drew public officials and former students of Mount Carmel, who gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of local storytelling. “The important thing is that there’s this story and you as a community have continued to tell it, that’s what is important,” said John Sharp, Assistant Director for the Center for Louisiana Studies. This center serves as the state partner for the Pomeroy Foundation, working to establish markers in various locations, including Eunice and Natchitoches, where other local legends have thrived.
The legend of Lafitte is rooted in a small room located beneath the Mount Carmel building. When current owner Herman Schellstede acquired the property, he received historical details about the structure, including the story of Lafitte when the building was known as the Duperier home. This room features a trap door and steps leading to a space with four walls, one of which purportedly opens to Bayou Teche, where Lafitte allegedly fled after being pursued.
Art Inspires and Transforms
Over the years, various stories about the room have emerged. Former students of Mount Carmel even shared their own interpretations, turning it into a site of folklore where misbehavior was said to be punished. Despite its rich history, the room and tunnel have been inaccessible for years, although a few individuals have managed to view it with prior permission.
Local artist Paul Schexnayder, who attended the plaque unveiling, showcased a painting inspired by the tunnel stories. “I heard all kinds of stories about it,” Schexnayder remarked, highlighting the deep cultural significance of the legend. The event served not only to honor the past but also to inspire future generations to keep the stories alive, reinforcing the bond between the community and its history.
The installation of this plaque marks a significant step in recognizing the narratives that shape local identity, offering a tangible connection to the tales of adventure and intrigue that define New Iberia’s rich cultural landscape.
