"And looking in the river here, you know, when it starts to go down, that's when I need to come out and do my digging.". This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Evacuees consoled each other after leaving Jean Lafitte, La. I mean you look at that, it's so accurate," Mears said, referring to AccuWeather MinuteCast, which is a forecast offering that highlights the exact start and end times as well as the intensity of precipitation for precise locations over the next four hours. New Orleans, Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, as seen in the new documentary Katrina Babies . It's an actual gold medal, 1859, says it right there, gold medal. Images show full neighborhoods, where green yards and roads were before the storm, now submerged under water. This hobby became a true passion for Mears after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005. I try to prepare for the worst and pray for the best. His dads bank eventually turned the money over to the state. Not a bad location to camp, near the river. Shane Mears searching for historic relics in a privy, an old-fashioned term for an outhouse or what is now known as a restroom. You are using an out of date browser. (AccuWeather / Bill Wadell). "There were a bunch of old Spanish coins that were found recently, a bunch of old shipwreck pieces, fasteners, different things like that," Martinez said. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, South Florida Sports Headlines Newsletter. We just want to make sure.. I mean it's rare. Poking at the can was the first step in uncovering a buried treasure of rare coins estimated to be worth $10 million. The concentration is still on search and rescue in Lafitte, Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said Tuesday. They feel the rain. 1417 Harborside Drive. I know people must be in a panic. SC: Thank you so much, Sheriff Rodriguez, I can only imagine what's going through your mind right now, and please stay in touch and keep us updated. MR: Its going to be worse for this for the area that I work in. One of the men was found living in east Texas where he had bought a farm. He stated while talking to someone on the radio, who was a Jean L researcher, the guy described the markings Lafitte would leave pointing to treasure. The man who was killed left an estate of 60,000 in cash plus land in Mississippi. He sounded exhausted as he rode a parish bus to find some sort of shelter. Everybody knows that it would be bad. Ms. Lee Sheng estimated that about 40 people had chosen not to evacuate Grand Isle. The parish had received more than 200 calls for rescue since Sunday. Richard Fausset reported from Jefferson Parish, La., Rick Rojas from LaPlace, La., and Patricia Mazzei from Miami. Like so many startled unclaimed property owners, Gordons windfall comes from his dad who kept a secret account. Thank you. He started with the company as a kid , fresh from the battlefields of Vietnam. One of the men was found living in east Texas where he had bought a farm. "I'm shaking because I'm like, 'There's no way!' "He grabs it out of the pile and we were just sitting there freaking out.". That means everything that's going on is still going on back there. Do you have any closing thoughts on the situation? She reminded residents to stay optimistic, "We are battered but we will not be broken. A Jefferson Parish deputy sheriff helps Hurricane Ida evacuees from the Lafitte area with their belongings after they were rescued by boat on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. Edgar Sandoval contributed reporting from Houma, La. Satellite image 2021 Maxar Technologies The Galveston Legend of the Infamous Pirate Jean Lafitte But I tell you: Fate's been good to me. But the truth is, the winds wasn't like this. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. So I don't know where it's going to stop. Gordon White is not only a lucky guy, but a truly generous soul. But with parts of Louisiana still unreachable, the full extent of the wreckage remained unclear. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. So was the electricity. When the river levels drop, Mears and his exploration buddy, Susanna French, load up and head out with shovels, a probe and a metal detector. The Treasure Map of Jean Lafitte Edit Main Page Trivia Quotes Gallery The Snake Bracelet of Cleopatra The Lost Love Letter of Captain John Smith The Star of Sultan Saladin The Treasure of Anne Bonny The Keys to the Alhambra Lawrence of Arabia's Headdress The Mussel Shell Armor of Apanuugpak Ponce de Len and the Lost Fountain of Youth My son is crying. SC: I can imagine that this must be also very emotional for you as a first responder. The tree has been dated at better than 325 years old. Though floodwaters in Lafitte have gone down significantly, it still presents a major issue, Lee Sheng said during a press conference. These people never dreamed there was money just waiting for themthat is, until the day Dateline came knocking on their doors. You never think its going to be you until it is.. Some stories to tell about other folks who now, more than ever, need to find a little lost money. Because the water system parish-wide is still being repaired, Lee Sheng said residents must limit how much wastewater goes down the drain for now. after Hurricane Ida hit the town. No one had heard from the Nolans since Sunday morning, and now the village, along with much of the southeastern Louisiana bayou area, was underwater. But, you know, this is a Cat 4, from what I understand is still a Cat 4. Fast forward 25 years. "We've suffered flooding before,. Her 13-year-old son, Cesar, showed videos he had shared with friends on Snapchat of the wind and water descending on the familys home. (Photo by Sophia Germer, . MR: Just pray, you know. Mears has a personal collection at home and said he shares the rest of the treasures he digs up with local libraries. Some discoveries, like unremarkable parts to an old ship, are disappointing; however, other finds are tough to put a price on, Mears explained to Wadell. Hurricane Veterans Were Stunned by Ida: 'It's Never Been as Bad' And they got some older folks back after that, I spoke back in. Beyond Oak Island: 50 MILLION DOLLAR PIRATE TREASURE *Jean Lafitte's John Bel Edwards as of Monday about 80% of all the rescues done Monday were carried out in St. John the Baptist Parish. The Laffite Society, which promotes historical research and education about Lafitte's life and times, meets the second Tuesday of each month. In an interview with Gulf States Newsroom reporter Shalina Chatlani, Rodriguez details information hes received from police officers working in Jean Lafitte and explains how the situation is likely more catastrophic than when Hurricane Katrina hit the area 16 years ago. before Hurricane Ida hit What are you hearing? Several small towns in the southern half of the parish, outside the giant storm protection system encircling New Orleans and some of its suburbs, were inundated. Im scared. In the French Quarter, the streets seemed to have been washed almost clean. I hope that you can help me out. Many homes and businesses have also been devastated and boats capsized. Flooding at a mobile home park in LaPlace. Another man just learned his late father had an investment account no one in the family knew about. Citizens must also conserve water and remember the area remains under a boil water advisory. After stalling for time, Lafitte finally complied in 1821. I love this place built around 1640 . (AccuWeather / Bill Wadell), "I do it for the thrills and the booty," Mears quipped. "I take advantage of the change of tides, every cycle during the storm while the storm is going on, as the storm is leaving.". I'm going by what I'm hearing. after Hurricane Ida. "But I've never seen water like this in my life, and it just hit us in the worst way possible.". What are you hearing about the situation down there? I grew up back there and I've never seen anything like this. Tree limbs and debris clogged the streets from the Bywater neighborhood to Uptown. John Bel Edwards said no major levees failed during Ida, thanks to a $14 billion hurricane risk-reduction system that was built in the greater New Orleans area following Katrina in 2005. On Whitlow Court, a strip of mobile homes, every truck attempting to drive down the street stirred a wake. In Jean Lafitte, a village of about 2,000 people, about 400 residents initially refused the mandatory evacuation order, according to the sheriff. This is one 1806 real from the hoard featuring King Charles IV with a Certificate of Authenticity. Kerner told Weather.com that the local levee was overpowered by Ida's floodwaters. I'm thinking tomorrow morning, I don't know if I'm going to be there at four o'clock in the morning, at three o'clock in the morning, I just don't know. This is a no reserve auction with an opening bid of only $0.99. He sent the chopper anyway to see if it could spot his 10 deputies who remained in a bunker on the isle during the storm. And I think, I never seen the list, but I think they got over 400 that stayed. I found this site just now from a google search for Lafitte's treasure and it brought me here. A Look Back at Hurricane Katrina | HUD USER I'm speechless.". South Florida Sports Headlines Newsletter. Satellite image 2021 Maxar Technologies He said they're not digging for the value but working to unearth and collect pieces of history. Best of all, Dateline was one of the ones who get to deliver the good news in person. BRITAINS 17474 Pirate Jean Lafitte New Orleans 1815, Britains 17474 Pirate Jean Lafitte Battle Of New Orleans Americana Serie, 1956 Saga Men's Magazine Feb. Issue Jean Lafitte Pirate, 1972 Crescent City Tri Multi Bronze Mardi Gras Doubloon Jean Lafitte Pir, 1950s - 60s Fifth Bombardment Group 4 Jean Lafitte Pirate Patch, Barzso War Of 1812 (Battle Of New Orleans) Jean Lafitte And American Reg, 1814 Pirate Jean Lafitte Barataria Front Pg Louisiana, *Barzso*+*Conte*Cannon~Pewter*Battle O New Orleans Playset Cap Jean Lafi, 1950's - 60's Fifth Bombardment Group 4" Jean Lafitte Pirate Patch, 1960 Spanish Main By Swank Pirate Jean LaFitte Toby-Style Mug, The Coins Of The Greek And Scythic Kings Of Bactria And India In The Bri, Catalogue Of Chinese Coins From The VIIth Cent. LaPlace, La., saw many homes mangled and streets flooded by Ida. after Hurricane Ida hit the town. JavaScript is disabled. Treasure hunters seize an opportunity to get an even better chance of finding coins, jewels and artifacts from Spanish shipwrecks from the 1700s. I know this thread is quite old now, but I'm wondering if any other information has been discovered about this? When the storm came in, he was in the process of building his dream home. In them, his 11-year-old brother, Juan, kept calling out, Hold the door, hold the door, terrified of the storms bluster. after Hurricane Ida hit. I don't know about that if the government wanted to dig, they would. In Jean Lafitte, a village of about 2,000 people, about 400 residents initially refused the mandatory evacuation order, according to the sheriff. In Mississippi, one in every four people has money waiting for themthats a lot of people who arent checking. Aerial image of Jean Lafitte, La. Even so, Ida terrified him. August 29, 2021 Hurricane Ida landfall news - CNN Jean Lafitte: Mystery of the Unfound Treasure - Pelican State of Mind This story was told to me several years ago by a man in his 80 s Back in 1940 or 41 two men hired to clean up around what is said to be Lafittes red house disapeared after a few days. Hurricane Veterans Were Stunned by Ida: Its Never Been as Bad, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/30/us/hurricane-ida-lafitte-houma.html. Keep in mind, most states dont have the staff come out and find you. There were reports that its roof had blown off. This was like my first coin ever," she said. That's got to be heart-wrenching for them. These hunters were busy combing the beaches and unearthing shiny pieces of Treasure Coast history. 2023 BBC. Homes in the town of Laplace, to the west of New Orleans, were also flooded. before Hurricane Ida. ", Aerial image of LaPlace, La. SC: I do know that the state had requested help from the National Guard and had activated the entire National Guard and even got help from FEMA resources. I know New Orleans got nailed with it because of that levee failure. Hurricane Katrina was among the most destructive storms ever to hit U.S. shores. Thats the way I do, help somebody who really needs help and those children are it. Hurricane Ida had turned the road into a makeshift boat launch, and Mr. Roque was on a mission to find his relatives. Mears told Wadell he doesn't by any means hope for a tropical storm or hurricane to impact New Orleans again, but if such a storm does hit, he expects floodwaters to resurface more artifacts to be discovered. hide caption. This is the first time in my lifetime that I've left back there where I'm not actually looking at it. You always see other people going through this on the news. At least 15 people were rescued on Tuesday, she said. Aerial image of Jean Lafitte, La. Tate Reeves, Mississippi state treasurer: We have for you 3,4 99 shares of Wachovia bank stock.Gordon White: How many shares?Reeves:So this particular amount of stock is worth over $200,000White: That will make me happy (laughter). But I'm being told that there was 10 foot of water an hour ago in lower Lafitte. Its never been as bad as it is this time, said Jesse Touro, 62, who was rescued from Jean Lafitte after riding out storms in town for the past 12 years. "We've suffered flooding before, we've suffered storms before," Kerner was quoted saying. MR: I'm hoping tomorrow morning, but to be honest with you, I don't know. We find old coins. Baytown cousins believe they found missing pirate ship About 90% of homes in the small town have "serious damage. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? One estimate suggested. Jean Lafitte Mayor Tim Kerner said the town - 20 miles (32 km) south of New Orleans and outside the city's levee protection system - had suffered "catastrophic" flooding. Your device does not support this visualisation. Below are some stories to tell about other folks who now, more than ever, need to find a little lost money. I know that you're not there right now. You know, people say, I'm a worrier, I do worry. You know, most of them that's going to be the worst off are the ones that are not going to have insurance. The man who was killed left an estate of 60,000 in cash plus land in Mississippi. TREASURE COAST, Fla. Right after and believe it or not even during hurricanes, there is a group of brave souls who take to the shoreline. Reporting on health care, criminal justice, the economy and other important issues in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Jefferson Parish was hit by Hurricane Ida's winds that reached up to 70 mph and floodwater that reportedly reached between 10 to 12 feet, according to New Orleans Public Radio. The muddy man on a mission wades along the banks of the Mississippi River and has been searching for unique finds since the 1980s when he first ventured out with his dad. Right now, there's nothing. This one right here was the worst one Ive been in. The wind was howling, he said, and seemed to never stop. Hurricane Ida lingered over southern Louisiana for most of 29 August, bringing rainfall and floods before moving north and east into Mississippi and Alabama the following day. He kept asking, When is the eye passing, when is the eye passing?. Satellite image 2021 Maxar Technologies The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The water was out. Aerial image of Jean Lafitte, La. Long-lost pirate ship may lie in Texas lake / Historical treasure could Jimmy Sparks, a short time ago, wasa veteran on disability. Although he's always on the search for more, Mears doesn't go out treasure hunting with any specific gems or valuables in mind. Jean Lafitte Mayor Tim Kerner said the town suffered "catastrophic" flooding Sunday following Hurricane Ida. Hurricane Katrina remains one of the worst hurricanes in U.S. history. In other areas gardens and roads were littered with debris. Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier, Spectrum, FuboTV, Philo, and Verizon Fios. He told me there is an old, very old oak tree. "We just pulled it out yesterday at this privy I'm telling you about. Harry: I feared losing memories of mum during therapy, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Canadian grandma helps police snag phone scammer, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress. How rising sea levels threaten the lives of Louisiana's coastal - PBS Lafitte attempt to placate Monroe by hanging the miscreant, but the chief executive sent a war-brig to Campeche whose captain issued an ultimatum to Lafitte and his pirates: Vacate Campeche or face expulsion by U.S. armed forces. Mears told Wadell he doesn't by any means hope for a tropical storm or hurricane to impact New. Your device may not be able to access the slider. "Hurricane Ian, that was my first time actually detecting with my dad on the beach," Kaylee said. Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members research needs. You know, right now, people are in the middle of this emergency and there's really not no answer for it. The Dread Jewish Pirate Jean Lafitte - Tablet Magazine It took just a few clicks to find this one mans $400, and another $670 for another man who never received a payout from an old insurance claim. The day before meeting with Wadell, Mears unearthed a first-place gold medal from the Mechanics and Agricultural Fair of New Orleans that was held in 1859. I saved the newspaper to my hard drive and will try to break it down. Hurricane Katrina | Deaths, Damage, & Facts | Britannica His aunt and uncle, Diane and Buddy Nolan, had ridden out the fierce Category 4 storm at home in the hardy fishing village of Jean Lafitte. Thats a lot of money for a man who was a laborer just a few years before. You know, this is horrible. The Mystery of the Final Years of Jean Lafitte . Coin #3, Russia Three Copies Of The Bills Of The Soviets Year 1925-34 UNC, SH284A JAPAN ORIGINAL Hansatsu By FUTAKATA Gun Cash 100 Mon 1870 HYOGO K, 1824 Liberty Large Cent 189 Year Old Coin -, Lot Of 12 World War 2 Nickles 35% Silver Dates As Shown, 1946 1946c Newfoundland Ten 10 Cents Only 38,400 Minted. The authorities had rescued more than 70 people in Jean Lafitte and the surrounding communities, said Cynthia Lee Sheng, the Jefferson Parish president, after eight feet of water overtopped levees, sending several hundred people into attics and onto roofs. Great story! He was also a ham radio operator. The Gulf Coast from Mississippi to Louisiana was left in shambles. http://community.webshots.com/user/famleeroots, http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,109722.0.html. But he expected fewer actually stayed once they saw Idas strength. The other went north later over seas where he was killed during WW2. Now, he's got new company while he is on his hunts. Across the region, many continue to be without power, after the winds downed power lines and other infrastructure. Now the story gets complicated. He told me the government tried digging but was denied by the owner. MR: We've got, I think from what I understand, I think they've got about 200 National Guard, which is that's great but nobody can do anything right now. He told The New York Times he might have his team drop radios by helicopter so deputies on the isle could communicate. Pirate Treasure's of Jean Lafitte An 1837 woodcut of Lafitte, W.C.C. The one I am thinking of was found. The Treasure Map of Jean Lafitte - Legends Of The Hidden Temple Wiki Across the path of Idas destruction, the weathered and storm-weary people of the northern Gulf Coast waded out of flooded communities on Monday and surveyed the damage left by one of the most fearsome hurricanes to strike the region since Katrina 16 years ago. They've never faced a storm like this before. SC: And I take it you're getting calls from residents as well. I just feel so bad for these people. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter'. Woodblock print of the death of Jean Lafitte from The Pirates Own Book, published in 1837. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. The Louisiana town of Jean Lafitte has been "totally devastated" by Hurricane Ida, with rescuers unable to reach hundreds of stranded residents after a vehicle wiped out a bridge, Mayor Tim Kerner . We're excited about it," Mears said. The storm arrived in New Orleans 16 years after Hurricane Katrina followed a similar path in 2005, killing 1,800 people. I mean, right now, if they have 10 foot of water, they're basically there in the Gulf of Mexico in a hurricane. According to Gov. On the edge of this little-known Chambers County lake off the Trinity about 35 miles east of Houston, Jack wants to show where a ship sank in the 1800s. A few New Orleanians had begun venturing out to walk their dogs, ride bikes and assess the state of things early on Monday. Hurricane Ida: Before and after images reveal devastation Jean Laffite's treasure in the Sabine River - Lone Star Treasure MR: I'm hearing that they feel like theyre trapped and they understand that nobody can get there, but they are in panic mode and they've got a good right to be. The town is about 20 miles south of New Orleans. There those coins stayed until 2005, when hurricane Katrina knocked down the oak tree, revealing the treasure entombed in its roots. I can't do nothing. On Monday, he was thankful she had. Claiborne, and Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812 Jean Lafitte was born in France in 1780. The town is about 20 miles south of New Orleans. I was crying, Juan recalled as he stood on the flooded street, the water lapping over his rubber boots. The images are focused on the hard-hit small coastal towns that local officials say received the worst of the storm. If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please, Relevant Satellite image 2021 Maxar Technologies Satellite image 2021 Maxar Technologies hide caption. State treasurer Tate Reeves, who runs Mississippis unclaimed property division, joined Dateline to deliver the news to Gordon. And dont say It could never happen to me. Some states have billions of dollars to give away. Residents surveying the damage to their home in Houma, La. New Orleans and its hardened storm infrastructure appeared to have held up, though the city had no electricity. Here is a transcription of their conversation: Shalina Chatlani: Hi, Sheriff Rodriguez. The networks all-original programming slate features a roster of hit series, premium documentaries, and scripted event programming. Trapped residents waited for daylight, when rescue boats could make their way through the floodwaters. New Orleans itself had been bruised but not beaten. "I had never found a silver coin. What does it do any good for me to sit back there and drown or not make myself available? JEFFERSON PARISH, La. If you see me dirty now, this is what I like," Mears said. It didnt slack up at all, he said. before Hurricane Ida hit. His adventures take him to dirty places that could be hiding prized possessions and pure gems. Some of those who stayed behind still had no plans to leave. MR: Oh, I can't take it. RELATED: Hurricane Nicole unearths possible Native American burial ground, "When Mother Nature does an event where it takes sand away on an extreme level, that's when you find the stuff," Martinez said. Although New Orleans did not receive a direct hit from the storm, the levees protecting the city fell under . Workers pump rainwater off of street after Tropical Storm Nicholas brought heavy rains after Hurricane Ida in Jean Lafitte, La., Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. And so it went for two straight days; $250,000 for one couple who lost everything (including their floorboards); and $100,000 for a woman struggling to rebuild her and her mothers homes. Items Shane Mears has found along the Mississippi River with a metal detector. What do you do? They're scared because they've never seen this, Leorwald said. Welcome to BiloxiMississippis treasury department has set up temporary shop in a courthouse to try to find people who have unclaimed property coming to them. Keep in mind that the Lake was not there it there would be a river in its place. It's dirty. Jimmy says post traumatic stress disorder forced him to quit his job and move back home to Georgia. Severe weather can also toss items from cargo ships, wash valuables away during a tsunami or unearth precious metals during a hurricane. The other went north later over seas where he was killed during WW2. And looking it up, it's so rare. Around this time 17 years ago, Hurricane Katrina bore down on New Orleans, and permanently changed . In the 1950s, the Sabine River and the nearby lake (Hendrick's Lake) experienced a new onslaught of treasure seekers when the story of Laffite's silver was published by the True West magazine. Though Lafitte's home is gone, this property across the street from the Port of Galveston contains the ruins of a later structure and a trove of ghost tales. Hendrick's Lake treasure is focus of Houston historian's upcoming book I'm in contact with Joe Valiante and Tim and them up in EOC. Anyone can read what you share. Oak Island the Strange, the Bizarre, and Maybe the "Truth! If residents that evacuated don't need to return, local officials are asking they stay away for the the time being. The Mystery of the Final Years of Jean Lafitte Lafitte's Treasure Links Digging in the toilets," Mears said. Hurricane Ida update: Did levees fail? Any damage? Latest on aftermath 1987 .999 Silver American Eagle 1 Troy Ounce Bullion Coin W/ Airtite, SH129e JAPAN ORIGINAL EDO Hansatsu By YANAGIMOTO Han Silver 1 Monme 1830, Egypt,1965, 10 X 1 Pound Tutakhamon, Prefix 61 --> 70, P37, See Scan, 2011 (W) Silver Eagle PCGS MS70 West Point Mint, 1899 Barber Half. When no one claims these valuables, theyre eventually turned over to a state, where they may languish for years. My step father knew where one of these markers were, he had found it while hunting years ago and thought it might be a grave marker or something. (AccuWeather / Bill Wadell). I was born and raised in East Texas. But after about 14 years working at Lowes, he was battling serious depression. Fast moving floodwaters during the hurricane had many residents fleeing to attics and roofs in their home. None of them like this one, he repeated. Its been sitting in Mississippis state treasury for yearsits value skyrocketing as Lowes has grown. How many people do you think stayed behind and and and why do you think they stayed behind? Man digs in most unlikely places to find treasures - Yahoo! News After Hurricane Katrina, which damaged more than 100 school buildings, the state seized control of almost all urban schools and turned them over to independent charter groups. At least one person, an older woman, died in her home, Ms. Lee Sheng said. Hurricane Nicole's pounding waves and storm surge eroded the coastline. He's had plenty of success over the years finding some of the millions of dollars worth of Spanish treasures.