05/22/2026
・・・
Today in 1718, Edward Teach, better known as “Blackbeard,” conducts a siege of Charleston, South Carolina. This occurred during the Golden Age of Piracy, which lasted roughly from 1650-1730. During this time arose a large influx of pirates, many of whom had previously served as privateers for Britain and Spain, but were left unemployed following various conflicts, including the War of the Spanish Succession. One of the most infamous pirates from this era was Edward Teach, who was more-commonly referred to as Blackbeard.
While it is believed that Teach originated from Bristol, England, not much about his early life is known. Although not the most successful pirate (as that title is usually attributed to Bartholomew Roberts), Teach made a name for himself, and was heavily feared throughout the Caribbean, as well as along the coast of the American Colonies. In May 1718, needing medicine for his sick crew (likely as a result of STDs), Teach led four ships into South Carolina’s Charleston (then Charles Towne) Harbor.
His crew proceeded to blockade the port on May 22, capture as many as nine ships, and take hostages. Teach demanded medicine from the town and sent members of his crew ashore to bargain. Teach maintained that he would release the captives if provided with the medicine, but that if his demands were not met, the hostages would be executed. The Colonial Governor ordered the medicine to be delivered, and upon receiving it, Teach remained true to his word, and released the hostages. Teach was later killed in a battle with British pirate hunters off the coast of Ocracoke, North Carolina, on November 22, 1718.
ℹ️: Charleston Museum