North Carolina pirates: 5 famous NC pirates, including Blackbeard

Sept. 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day.

According to The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex in Fayetteville, North Carolina's coast was a popular home for pirates and a frequent place for pirates to stop. Here's a list of five famous NC pirates.

1. Blackbeard

Blackbeard, also known as Edward Teach, is arguably North Carolina's most famous pirate.

"He is remembered as one of the fiercest pirates because of his terrifying appearance," according to the Museum of the Cape Fear. "He wore a long beard and tucked fuses under his hat so that smoke billowed around him when he met his enemies. Some were so scared by his appearance they would give up without a fight."

Blackbeard’s ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, was found off the coast of North Carolina in 1996. The remnants of the Queen Anne’s Revenge can be found at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort.

According to Visit North Carolina, there are more popular North Carolina pirates:

2. Stede Bonnet

Known as “The Gentleman Pirate,” Bonnet was born into wealth and well-educated. He known to have sailed with Blackbeard. According to Visit NC, people can walk in his footsteps at the Cape Fear Inlet, Bath, Beaufort and Ocracoke.

3. Charles Vane

Charles Vane was known to be cruel, cheating his men of their share of booty. People can visit Ocracoke to walk in his footsteps.

4. Calico Jack

Jack Rackham was known as Calico Jack for his colorful clothing and flew the famous Jolly Roger flag, a skull with two crossed swords, according to Visit NC. People can walk in his footsteps at the Ocracoke Inlet.

5. William Kidd

William Kidd was known as one of a few pirates to bury treasure. People can walk in his footsteps (and find treasure?) on Money Island, near Wrightsville Beach.

Did you know? According to the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, walking the plank and burying treasure are both pirate myths.

Sources: Visit NC and Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex.