Blackbeard

Blackbeard
Blackbeard is one the most notorious pirates in history. Not only did he inspire fear and intimidation in those that he pillaged and plundered, but in his own crew as well. But before he was known as the terrifying Blackbeard, it is believed that he was a privateer during Queen Anne's War, named Edward Teach. He, like many other privateers, turned to piracy after the war ended. Thus, Edward Teach soon began building his motley reputation. He first sailed towards the Bahamas where he encountered the French slave ship //Concorde.// He captured the ship and renamed it //The Queen Anne's Revenge.// Blackbeard then sailed north towards North Carolina, where he made his home in Bath. North Carolina proved a good place for Blackbeard in that he could slip through the many inlets and hide from inforcement. It is also believed that he payed off Governor Eden of North Carolina, in order to keep from being pursued by him as well. But Blackbeard's rule of the seas came to an end. Virginia sent lieutenant Maynard to attack Blackbeard and his ship. Blackbeard killed several of his men, but the rest hid on deck and then gave a surprise attack. Maynard the shot Blackbeard multiple times and slit his throat. Blackbeard tried to keep fighting but soon dropped dead due to the many wounds he'd suffered.

Quick and Interesting Facts: --Blackbeard had 14 wives. --He carried six pistols, several daggers, and two cutlasses at all times. --Blackbeard tied his beard in ribbons and then tied firecrackers to them and set them alight.

Resources: North Carolina Land of Contrasts--Clairmont Press and Prentice Hall []