By 1729, Georgetown (SC) was a busy seaport, with cargo ever flowing down-river on
barges and flats. Imports and exports created wealth beyond imagination.
The citizens of the Georgetown District petitioned the King of England to
have a port, which was officially granted in 1732 with the arrival of the
King's "Collector of Customs". The slow and heavily ladened merchant ships
were easy pickings for pirates, who darted out from the labyrinth of hidden
bays in the barrier islands to plunder without respect for life. Some of the
most famous pirates in history lurked offshore.... "Blackbeard", "Caaesar",
and "Red Anny", to name a few. At one point, over 2,000 pirates were flying
the "Jolly Roger" up and down the coast. Blood-thirsty and ruthless, most
died as they had lived...violently. But what about the booty they buried and
covered with human skulls and crossed bones? Some say it's still around the
area, waiting to be found.
Source:
Georgetown County History
