Jean Lafitte was a French pirate and privateer who operated in the Gulf of Mexico during the early 19th century. He is best known for his role in assisting the United States during the War of 1812, when he and his brother Pierre provided critical supplies and assistance to General Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. Lafitte also became a successful smuggler and merchant, operating a large smuggling network in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. He was eventually pardoned by the United States government and granted a large land grant in Louisiana.