Pirates Of The North Carolina Coast

North Carolina possesses one of the longest, most treacherous coastlines in the United States, and the waters off its shores have been the scene of some of the most dramatic episodes of piracy and sea warfare in the nation's history. Now, Lindley Butler brings this fascinating aspect of the state's maritime heritage vividly to life. He offers engaging biographical portraits of some of the most famous pirates, privateers, and naval raiders to ply the Carolina waters. Covering 150 years, from the golden age of piracy in the 1700s to the extraordinary transformation of naval warfare ushered in by the Civil War, Butler sketches the lives of eight intriguing characters: the pirate Blackbeard and his contemporary Stede Bonnet; privateer Otway Burns and naval raider Johnston Blakeley; and Confederate raiders James Cooke, John Maffitt, John Taylor Wood, and James Waddell. Penetrating the myths that have surrounded these legendary figures, he uncovers the compelling true stories of their lives and adventures.

Provides general information about pirates and discusses the activities of notorious seafaring outlaws, such as Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard, in and around North Carolina during colonial times.

North Carolina played a pivotal role in the struggle for American independence, and the Cape Fear region was ground zero in the rebellion against British rule. Historians say the famous battles of the Revolutionary War were fought in the North, but the decisive battles were fought in the South. The Cape Fear region was a central theater of that fight for American independence. A vicious civil war was fought between neighbors, families, Continentals, and Redcoats in southeastern North Carolina, from Fayetteville to Wilmington, and everywhere in between. This is the story of that fight.

21 tales of pirates and ghosts from along the North Carolina coast Haunted houses, graveyards, and other favorite places are are featured Some stories told for the first time and involving people who really lived

Follows the exploits of one of the most feared pirates of the eighteenth century, the legends associated with him and the probable discovery of his ship off the coast of North Carolina in 1996.

Thirteen of the most intriguing buccaneers in the history of piracy, all connected somehow to the Carolinas. New edition has an all-new chapter on Blackbeard, as well as updated information on some of the other pirates, and new sections such as: The Truth About Piracy, How To Talk Like a Pirate, a list of pirate movies, a pirate quiz, and more.

In April 1713 the War of the Spanish Succession came to an end. During the conflict hundreds of privateers - licenced pirates - preyed on enemy shipping throughout the Caribbean. These privateers now found themselves out of a job, and many turned to piracy. One of theme was Edward Teach - more popularly known as "Blackbeard". He joined the pirates in New Providence (now Nassau) in the Bahamas, and by early 1717 he had become a pirate captain. From then on he caused havoc off the North American seaboard, in the West Indies and off Honduras, before appearing off Charleston, South Carolina in May 1718. He blockaded this major port for a week, an act that made Blackbeard the most notorious pirate of his day. He then "downsized" - deliberately running his flagship aground near Beaufort, North Carolina, before sailing north in a small sloop to seek a pardon from the colony's governor, Charles Eden. For late June onwards, Blackbeard lived in the colony's tiny capital of Bath Town, and pretended to have turned his changed his ways. However, he also established a den on nearby Ocracoke Island in North Carolina's outer banks, and used this as a base for pirate forays into the waters of the Virginia and Delaware. He then used Bath Town as a clearing house for his plunder. In the neighbouring colony of Virginia, Governor Alexander Spotswood decided to take action. Two British warships were anchored in Virginia's James River, and he and their captains began planning a raid - an attack designed to deal with Blackbeard once and all. In November 1718 Lieutenant Maynard was sent south down the coast with two hired sloops, and orders to seek out and destroy Blackbeard's sloop, the Adventure. At the same time a land expedition was mounted, led by Captain Brandt of the Royal Navy. His men "invaded" North Carolina, and marched on Bath Town, hoping to corner the pirates and capture their stockpile of plunder. On Friday 22nd November the sloops Ranger and Jane rounded Ocracoke Island, and attacked the Adventure. In the small but hard-fought action that followed Blackbeard's vessel was boarded, and the pirate captain was slain. While Maynard sailed home to Virginia with Blackbeard's severed head hanging from his bowsprit, Captain Brandt seized Bath Town, captured what pirates still remained at large, and then headed back in triumph to Williamsburg with his prisoners. Most of them would be hanged before the year was out. The attack on Blackbeard's lair was the largest anti-piracy operation of the "Golden Age of Piracy", and a textbook example of how to deal with the scourge of piracy.

Beyond the ocean mist is an area rich in history and lore. Explore the fascinating past of 16th through 20th Century Brunswick County, North Carolina. Visit these historic times through the eyes of its early residents, historical documents, ghosts, seafaring pirates, Indian predecessors, notable cemeteries (including known Slave Cemeteries), local facts, and legends. Take a glimpse into the rich tradition and culture of Brunswick County, and become a part of the southeastern North Carolina legacy. Meet Mary Hemingway, a plantation owner and one of the original settlers of Brunswick County. Read her Last Will & Testament and find out where her final resting place is located. Gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of colonial challenges, pirate lifestyles, and the intricacies of the Indian culture and their clashes with the early settlers. Peruse the names and lives of the original residents of Brunswick County, North Carolina. Enjoy your trip back into time.