Pirate Facts
1. What’s the difference between pirate and privateer? Privateers are sanctioned by their respected government and they do not attack ships from their own country. Pirates harass anyone passing by.
2. Contrary to the book Treasure Island, most Captains didn't command by an iron fist, they commanded through skill, daring, and the ability to win prize and booty.
3. The Pirate ship elected its Captain through a vote. If the Captain fell in disfavor the crew was just as quick to maroon their captain.
4. The pirate Black Beard was an imposing site. He stood well over six feet tall and was as strong as an ox.
5. It is said that the pirate Black Beard shot his own first mate, just so that people would remember how ferocious he could be.
6. Of the many legends surrounding Black Beard, the most notable is his missing treasure which has never been found.
Blackbeard Drawing
“Calico” Jack Rackham woodcut from Charles Johnson's 1725 edition of A General History of the Pyrates.
7. “Calico” Jack Rackham was a pirate captain during the early 18th century. He earned his name from the colorful Calico clothes he wore.
8. The pirate “Calico” Jack Rackham is famous for having the two most famous female pirates in his crew, Anne Bonny and Mary Read.
Bartholomew “Black Bart” Roberts first flag.
9. Bartholomew “Black Bart” Roberts, was one of the most successful and menacing pirates in the Golden Age of piracy. In his brief career he captured a total of more than 400 ships.
Bartholomew “Black Bart” Roberts second flag
10. Woodes Rogers, the “Pirate Hunter”, was an English privateer and governor of the Bahamas who helped suppress piracy in the Caribbean.
Statue of Woodes Rogers, Nassau
11. A Galleon ship was heavily armed. It typically carried 74 guns, with 36 each of these being mounted on either side of the ship. The two remaining guns were mounted aft.
12. The Cutlass was the sword of the seas. A cutlass was a short bladed singled edged sword. The blade was usually slightly curved and only sharpened on the outer blade.
