Pirate Legends of Savannah Georgia
Blackbeard aka Edward Teach • All story artwork imagined and curated by Artist Charles Maring
Captain Kidd aka William Kidd • Artist Charles Maring
Ahoy, mateys! Today, we're setting sail on a swashbuckling adventure through the legends and lore of pirates in Savannah, Georgia. With its rich history and strategic location on the coast, it's no surprise that Savannah has a long and fascinating history of pirate activity.
Blackbeard sailing aboard Queen Anne’s Revenge
One of the most notorious pirates to set sail in Savannah was the infamous Captain Kidd. Legend has it that Kidd buried treasure on nearby Tybee Island, and to this day, many treasure hunters still search for his lost loot. While there's no concrete evidence to support the existence of Kidd's treasure, the myth has captivated the imaginations of locals and visitors alike for generations. There are also rumors that Kidd may have had dealings with some of Savannah's wealthy merchants, using their connections and resources to help him smuggle goods in and out of the city. Some believe that he may have even used the city as a stopping point on his way to and from his other targets along the East Coast. Captain Kidd's reputation as a fearsome pirate and master of disguise has made him an enduring figure in popular culture, and his legacy lives on in the many stories and legends that continue to circulate about him to this day.
Another legendary pirate who called Savannah home was Blackbeard himself. The fearsome pirate is said to have sailed up the Savannah River on his ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, and used the city as a base of operations for his raids along the coast. One of the most intriguing legends about Blackbeard in Savannah involves a supposed treasure that he buried somewhere in the city. According to the legend, Blackbeard buried a chest filled with gold and jewels somewhere in Savannah during one of his visits to the city. The exact location of the treasure is unknown, but many believe that it is hidden somewhere near the Savannah River. Some even claim that Blackbeard's ghost still haunts the area, and that his spectral ship can sometimes be seen cruising up the river on misty nights.
Pirates Anne Bonny and Calico Jack Rackham just off of The Savannah River
Anne Bonny Portrait
Mary Read Portrait
But perhaps the most interesting pirate legend of all is the story of Anne Bonny and Mary Read. According to legend, Anne Bonny was the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner in South Carolina. She ran away from home as a teenager and eventually made her way to the Caribbean, where she met the infamous pirate Calico Jack Rackham. Bonny joined Rackham's crew and quickly established herself as a skilled sailor and fierce fighter. Mary Read, on the other hand, disguised herself as a man and joined the British military, serving as a foot soldier and later a sailor. She eventually deserted and joined a group of pirates operating in the Caribbean, where she met Anne Bonny.
The two women became fast friends and fellow pirates, terrorizing ships and coastal towns throughout the Caribbean. According to legend, they dressed as men and fought alongside their male counterparts, earning a reputation as some of the most fearsome pirates of the era. Legend has it that the two women eventually settled down in Savannah, where they opened a tavern and became respected members of the community. Whether or not this tale is true, it's a testament to the enduring appeal of pirate legends and the fascinating characters who populate them.
Jean and Pierre Lafitte pirates and privateers • Artist Charles Maring
According to legend, Pirates Jean Lafitte and his brother Pierre used Savannah as a hiding place for their pirate activities in the early 19th century. The brothers were said to have established a base of operations on Skidaway Island, just south of Savannah. They would reportedly smuggle goods in and out of the city, using their knowledge of the local waterways to avoid detection by the authorities. There is also a legend that Jean Lafitte buried treasure somewhere in Savannah. The exact location of the treasure is unknown, but some believe that it may be hidden in one of the many marshy areas around the city. There are even rumors that Lafitte left a map of the treasure's location with a trusted friend in Savannah, although no such map has ever been found.
Queen Anne’s Revenge on the Savannah River at night • Artist Charles Maring
Savannah, Georgia Pirate Stories
While there is no concrete evidence to support these legends, they add to the rich tapestry of pirate lore in Savannah and the surrounding area. Whether or not Lafitte actually spent time in Savannah, his legacy as a swashbuckling pirate and privateer lives on in the city's history and culture.
While there is no concrete evidence to support these legends, they add to the rich tapestry of pirate lore in Savannah and the surrounding area. The pirate legends of Savannah add to the city's already rich history and culture. From the tales of Blackbeard using the city as a base of operations, to the supposed treasures buried by Captain Kidd and Jean Lafitte, these stories keep the spirit of adventure and exploration alive. While some of these legends may never be proven, they continue to captivate the imaginations of both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a history buff or simply love a good pirate story, Savannah's pirate legends are sure to spark your sense of adventure and curiosity.
Blackbeard and his men • All artwork imagined and curated by Artist Charles Maring
Assembling puzzles is the perfect family bonding activity so whether you are visiting Savannah and Tybee Island, or call the low country home, this is a perfect activity to do with the kids during your stay. Created with beautiful imagery by Savannah based Artist Charles Maring. Click the image to see more details about this puzzle.