Blackbeard

Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, was a notorious English pirate who operated around the West Indies and the eastern coast of the American colonies during the early 18th century. He is one of the most famous and feared pirates in history, known for his intimidating appearance and audacious tactics.

Wikipedia

Blackbeard's early life remains somewhat mysterious, and there are limited records about his origins. He was likely born around 1680 in Bristol, England, and little is known about his early years. 

He served on privateer ships during Queen Anne's War. In 1716, Teach joined the crew of Benjamin Hornigold, a pirate who operated from the island of New Providence. He quickly gained a fearsome reputation.

Blackbeard captured the French slave ship La Concorde in November 1717 and subsequently renamed it Queen Anne's Revenge. The ship, originally built as a merchant vessel, was armed with 40 cannons and became Blackbeard's flagship. He modified and outfitted Queen Anne's Revenge to enhance its firepower and make it suitable for piracy.

Under Blackbeard's command, The Queen Anne's Revenge, became one of the most feared vessels in pirate lore. With its firepower and Blackbeard's ruthless tactics, the ship terrorized merchant vessels and coastal towns throughout the Caribbean and along the American coast.

In the Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard blockaded the port of Charles Town, South Carolina, with an alliance of pirates. After successfully ransoming its inhabitants, he settled in Bath Town, but soon returned to piracy.

Blackbeard and his crew would lock themselves in the hold of the ship and light pots of sulphur to see who could last the longest without suffocating.

Blackbeard would go into battle with anywhere from six to ten pistols on his person, and multiple blades. His fighting style with a cutlass was meant to be intimidating as well as effective.

According to contemporary sources, Blackbeard flew a black flag with a skull and a blood red flag. Blackbeard's flags were designed to intimidate his enemies. The skull and crossbones were a symbol of death, and the blood red flag was a symbol of violence. 

Some historians believe Blackbeard was a ruthless pirate who killed and maimed without mercy, while others believe that he was a more complex figure who used violence only when necessary.

There is evidence to support both sides of the argument. On the one hand, Blackbeard was known for his fearsome appearance. He would often tie burning fuses into his long, black beard, giving him a terrifying appearance. He also carried a variety of weapons, including swords, pistols, and grenades. Sometimes he tortured prisoners to extract information or to maintain control over his crew.

On the other hand, there are accounts of Blackbeard sparing the lives of his enemies and even showing them kindness. For example, when he captured a ship in 1718, he allowed the crew to keep their belongings and even gave them food and water.

In 1718, a naval expedition led by Lieutenant Robert Maynard was dispatched to hunt down Blackbeard. On November 22, 1717, the two forces clashed in a fierce battle off the coast of North Carolina. Despite Blackbeard's legendary status, he was ultimately overwhelmed by Maynard's men. After sustaining multiple gunshot wounds and being struck with swords, Blackbeard was finally brought down. His head was severed and displayed as a warning to other pirates.

Capture of the Pirate, Blackbeard, 1718, Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, painted in 1920

When Blackbeard captured the ship that would become Queen Anne's Revenge, there were 455 African slaves on board. Many of the African slaves would go on to become pirates rather than continue to be slaves. At the time of Blackbeard's death, nearly one-third of his total crew were former slaves.

Blackbeard's brief but impactful pirate career left an indelible mark on pirate folklore and popular culture. His larger-than-life persona, fearsome appearance, and ruthless tactics have made him an enduring figure in history and a symbol of the Golden Age of Piracy.