Louisiana and ghosts have a long history together. From the Myrtles Plantation to the hauntingly beautiful cemeteries of New Orleans, we certainly have our fair share of ghost stories. When it comes to bars in Louisiana, this particular haunted bar has been a watering hole for centuries, and the next time you’re in the area you should swing by for a drink - and maybe a ghostly encounter or two!

Located in the heart of the French Quarter on historic Bourbon Street... ...Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is the oldest building in the country currently being used as a bar.

...Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is the oldest building in the country currently being used as a bar.

Dating back to the early 1700s, this corner building has survived two fires.

Today it holds the distinction as one of the oldest surviving structures in New Orleans.

As you approach this beautiful Creole cottage, you can’t help but feel like you’re taking a step back in time.

The interior looks like it’s been frozen in a past era; a beautiful reminder of the history of the building. Most of the building is without electricity, adding a charming yet spooky element to the overall atmosphere of this National Historic Landmark.

Lafitte’s is known to be one of the more haunted hot spots in the French Quarter...

... so there’s a good chance you’ll have a paranormal experience of your own during your visit.

Legend has it that infamous privateer Jean Lafitte and his brother used the building as a home base of sorts to run their illegal smuggling operations.

Many patrons have reported seeing the apparition of a man standing in the dark corners of the bar, observing everyone. When noticed, he disappears into thin air. Could this be the ghost of Jean Lafitte keeping an eye on things? What else would you expect from a haunted bar in Louisiana?!

Many believe that Lafitte buried his treasure within the fireplace at the bar.

So it could very well be Mr. Lafitte is returning to his local watering hole to guard his hidden stash.

Speaking of the fireplace, there’s another, much more sinister spirit that’s frequently seen in the fireplace.

Several people have reported seeing a pair of piercing, glowing red eyes that just appear to be floating. These disembodied eyes, once locking eyes with you, will fade into the darkness. These phantom eyes are believed to be that of a demonic haunting - one that also plays tricks by moving beverages or even knocking them over.

The next time you find yourself at this historic bar and you think you see something strange...

...don’t be so quick to write it off as the effects of too many spirits of the alcoholic variety… it could very well be a ghostly spirit trying to reach out to you.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is located at 941 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116

Lafitte's is arguably one of the best bars in the French Quarter!

Have you ever been to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar? If so, did you perhaps have a paranormal experience there? What about anywhere else in Louisiana? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

For more information about visit the official bar website. You can also go to the Lafitte's Facebook page.

If you want to do some more bar hopping in Louisiana, then be sure to read this article about Latitude 29.

And if you’re still in the mood for more Louisiana adventures, take a look at this video: