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Stede Bonnet’s Jolly Roger flag (source Wikipedia)

From 1650-1720 pirates navigated the ocean and it was known as, “The Golden Age of Piracy”. Pirates tended to “pirate” in the Caribbean because Spanish ships carrying New World trade items there were fairly slow and if needed the pirates could use several Caribbean coves and islands for shelter to hide out. In addition to the places to hide, most Caribbean cities didn’t mind the silver and gold spent by the pirates. Due to its bustling harbor with worldwide goods and relative proximity to the Caribbean, Charleston did experience piracy. 

There are several different pirates that frequented the coasts of South Carolina. If you’ve been on a tour—you’ve met our very own barefoot pirate, Captain Robert (the most kindest pirate)! Two other infamous pirates that visited the Charleston area were Edward Teach, who you may know as Blackbeard, and Stede Bonnet, the Gentleman Pirate. Blackbeard and Bonnet formed a blockade on the Charleston harbor in 1718. They were in search of medicine for their crew due to a disease, which some historians believe was syphilis. The pirates did not want to plunder the town but instead took certain high ranked people as hostages in order to trade for the medicine. Once medicine had been given, the hostages were returned unharmed—but whatever money or items they had on person was taken by the pirates. 

Blackbeard and Bonnet then parted ways. Bonnet and his crew attacked ships and disrupted the flow of trade between the Carolinas. Because of this disruption the Governor at the time had a Colonel (William Rhett) go after Bonnet and his crew. They were brought back as prisoners to Charleston and then executed at White Point Garden. While pirates terrorized the trade routes, some locals sympathized with them. Eventually, the British cracked down on piracy, ending the Golden Age. Today, Charleston’s pirate history lives on in stories, landmarks, and ghost tours. Here’s a list of places to visit if you are interested in learning more! The Charleston Museum also has got a great article on pirates in the area!

      1. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

• After being captured, many pirates, including Stede Bonnet, were held in the Provost Dungeon before their trials. You can tour the dungeon today and learn about the pirates who were imprisoned there.

      2. White Point Garden

• Located at the tip of the Charleston peninsula, this scenic park is where several pirates were executed, including Stede Bonnet and his crew. Following their trials, they were hanged along the Battery to serve as a warning to other would-be pirates. Historical markers in the garden commemorate these grim events.

      3. Charleston Harbor

• Charleston Harbor was the site of Blackbeard’s infamous blockade in 1718.

   4. Pineapple Fountain (Waterfront Park)

• The pineapple was a symbol of hospitality, but it’s also believed to have been used by pirates as a sign to locals that they were open to trade or smuggling. While this landmark is more modern, the symbol serves as a reminder of the connections between pirates and the city.

     5. Dock Street Theatre

• Though not a pirate-specific site, it’s near the historic area where pirates roamed, and it’s rumored to be haunted by the ghost of infamous pirates. The theatre is steeped in Charleston’s early colonial history, blending with the pirate lore that permeates the area.