Time Traveling With Brian Unger Season 1 Episode 15 Key West Defense & Nola Pirate

In season 1, episode 15 of Time Traveling with Brian Unger, viewers are taken on a journey through two historic port cities: Key West and New Orleans. Unger explores the rich history of these locations, uncovering tales of defense and piracy.

The episode begins in Key West, where Unger explains the importance of this island city during the Spanish-American War. With its strategic position at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico, Key West served as a vital defense point for the U.S. Navy. Unger visits Fort Zachary Taylor, a historic military fort built in the mid-1800s, and learns about the role it played in defending the nation against enemy attack.

Next, Unger shifts the focus to the notorious pirates that once roamed the waters around Key West. He speaks with local historian David Sloan, who recounts the story of the infamous pirate Black Caesar. Sloan shows Unger the location of Black Caesar's hideout on nearby Elliot Key, and describes how the pirate used the island to store his stolen goods.

Moving on to New Orleans, Unger delves into the city's history of piracy. He visits the Historic New Orleans Collection, where he meets with curator Erin Greenwald and learns about the city's notorious pirate, Jean Lafitte. Greenwald explains how Lafitte and his crew helped Andrew Jackson defend the city against British attack during the War of 1812.

Unger also explores the city's history of voodoo, visiting the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum and speaking with local historian Dr. Ina Fandrich. Fandrich explains the origins of voodoo in West Africa and how it came to be practiced in New Orleans. Unger learns about famous voodoo practitioners like Marie Laveau and sees some of the artifacts used in voodoo rituals.

The final segment of the episode focuses on New Orleans' renowned Mardi Gras celebration. Unger visits Mardi Gras World, where he meets with float designer Barry Kern and learns about the intricate process of creating Mardi Gras floats. Kern explains the history of the celebration and how it has evolved over time.

Throughout the episode, Unger emphasizes the importance of these historic locations in shaping American culture and identity. He uses his signature humor and wit to engage viewers and make history come alive. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a deeper understanding and appreciation of these fascinating cities and their rich heritage.