As a maritime historian with a keen interest in the Golden Age of Piracy, I have spent considerable time studying the exploits of infamous pirates and their ships. One of the most legendary vessels of this era was the Queen Anne's Revenge, commanded by the notorious pirate Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. The ship was not only a symbol of Blackbeard's fearsome reputation but also a testament to his strategic prowess and maritime skills. The Queen Anne's Revenge was originally a French slave ship named La Concorde. Blackbeard captured her in November 1717, and she was subsequently transformed into his flagship. The ship was a formidable sight, armed with an impressive array of cannons and manned by a crew of over 300 pirates. Blackbeard used the ship for less than a year, but during that time, he captured numerous prizes, striking terror into the hearts of sailors and merchants alike. In June 1718, Blackbeard and his crew ran the Queen Anne's Revenge aground at Beaufort Inlet, in what is now Carteret County, North Carolina. This strategic scuttling was a calculated move by Blackbeard, who intended to block the channel and continue his piratical activities from a fortified encampment on the nearby shore. The shipwreck was discovered in the late 20th century, and its identity was confirmed through historical records and archaeological evidence. The discovery of the Queen Anne's Revenge was a significant event in maritime archaeology. The shipwreck was found in 1996 by a team led by Intersal, Inc., a private underwater exploration company. The team used a combination of historical research, underwater surveys, and advanced technology to locate the wreck. The site was initially identified by a cluster of cannons, which were later confirmed to be from the early 18th century, matching the period when the Queen Anne's Revenge was active. The excavation of the shipwreck has provided invaluable insights into the life and times of Blackbeard and his crew. Artifacts recovered from the site include cannons, navigational instruments, personal items, and even medical equipment. These artifacts have shed light on the day-to-day operations of the ship, the living conditions of the crew, and the tactics used by Blackbeard in his encounters with other vessels. The story of the Queen Anne's Revenge is not just a tale of piracy and adventure; it is also a window into a pivotal period in history. The ship's discovery has contributed to our understanding of the Golden Age of Piracy, a time when pirates challenged the established order of the seas and left an indelible mark on the world's maritime history. In conclusion, the Queen Anne's Revenge was found at Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina, a testament to Blackbeard's strategic genius and the enduring legacy of his reign as one of history's most feared pirates. The ship's discovery has been a boon to historians and archaeologists, offering a wealth of information about the Golden Age of Piracy and the life of one of its most infamous figures. read more >>

Blackbeard used the ship for less than a year, but captured numerous prizes using her as his flagship. In 1718, Blackbeard ran the ship aground at Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina, in the present-day Carteret County.read more >>