Blackbeard

Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach (or Thatch), is one of the most infamous pirates in history. He terrorized the American colonies and the Caribbean during the early 18th century, in what is known as the Golden Age of Piracy.

Little is known about Blackbeard's early life. Historians believe he was born around 1680 in Bristol, England, and may have worked as a sailor on privateer ships during Queen Anne's War (1702–1713). This experience likely introduced him to the world of piracy.

By 1716, Teach had joined the crew of Benjamin Hornigold, a well-known pirate captain. Hornigold retired from piracy in 1717, and Teach took command of a captured French slave ship called La Concorde, which he converted into his flagship and renamed Queen Anne's Revenge. He outfitted the ship with 40 cannons, making it one of the most fearsome pirate vessels of the time.

Blackbeard became famous not just for his deeds but for his terrifying image. He was said to have a long, thick black beard, which he braided and tied with ribbons. During battles, he would light slow-burning fuses in his beard and on his hat, surrounding himself with smoke and fire to appear demonic and intimidating to his enemies.

Blackbeard led a small fleet of pirate ships, preying on merchant vessels along the American coast, particularly around the Carolinas. He used intimidation rather than violence to capture ships, often taking their supplies and allowing crews to go free.

One of his most infamous exploits was the blockade of Charleston Harbor in South Carolina in May 1718. Blackbeard's fleet stopped all incoming and outgoing ships, demanding medical supplies. After securing what he wanted, he released the hostages and sailed away.

Later in 1718, Blackbeard intentionally grounded the Queen Anne's Revenge near Beaufort, North Carolina. Some historians believe this was to downsize his crew and increase his personal share of loot. He then accepted a pardon from the Governor of North Carolina, Charles Eden, but quickly returned to piracy.

Blackbeard's growing infamy and continued raids drew the attention of the authorities. The Governor of Virginia, Alexander Spotswood, ordered Lieutenant Robert Maynard of the Royal Navy to hunt him down.

On November 22, 1718, Maynard and his crew caught up with Blackbeard near Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. In a fierce battle, Maynard's men boarded Blackbeard's ship. Despite fighting ferociously, Blackbeard was killed after being shot and slashed multiple times.

After his death, Blackbeard's head was severed and hung from the bow of Maynard's ship as a warning to other pirates. Though his reign of terror lasted only a few years, Blackbeard became a legendary figure in pirate lore.

Today, Blackbeard is remembered as the quintessential pirate, with his larger-than-life persona inspiring countless books, movies, and tales of adventure. His ship, Queen Anne's Revenge, was discovered in 1996 off the coast of North Carolina, and artifacts from the wreck are displayed in museums.