local
Moments In Time: Did pirate Lafitte bury treasure here?
By Port Isabel Press
· July 16, 2026
· 4 min read
By STEVE HATHCOCK
Special to the PRESS
Moments in Time is a collection of recovered newspaper briefs and other publications, compiled by local historian, Steve Hathcock, offering a look back at the history of the Rio Grande Valley.
Steve Hathcock is a local historian and a regular columnist for t...
Key takeaway This is due to the finding of 25 long-buried human skeletons in a sand pit on the bank of the Laguna Madre, about fifteen miles east of here.
Why this matters in The Brownsville
The legend of Jean Lafitte's buried treasure on Padre Island has long fascinated residents of the Rio Grande Valley. This tale, revived by the discovery of human skeletons and ship timbers on the Laguna Madre, speaks to the region's rich and complex history. The fact that Lafitte is believed to have sailed into the Laguna Madre through the pass below Point Isabel highlights the importance of the area's waterways and ports, including the Port of Brownsville , which remains a vital part of the local economy. The story also underscores the Valley's strategic location on the U.S.-Mexico border, where the pirate's exploits would have been facilitated by the proximity to Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico. As the region continues to grow and develop, with projects like SpaceX's Starbase at Boca Chica, it is worth remembering the colorful and sometimes illicit history that has shaped the area.
About this story
Original reporting by Port Isabel Press . The Brownsville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Port Isabel Press . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: Port Isabel Press ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By STEVE HATHCOCK
Special to the PRESS
Moments in Time is a collection of recovered newspaper briefs and other publications, compiled by local historian, Steve Hathcock, offering a look back at the history of the Rio Grande Valley.
Steve Hathcock is a local historian and a regular columnist for t...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by Port Isabel Press and curated for The Brownsville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Port Isabel Press. To learn more about how The Brownsville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Brownsville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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