27 Month Reign of Terror, Treachery, and Theatrics

How, one might wonder, is it that almost three hundred years later, his very name brings to mind images of a rogue so evil, so without regard for humankind that were Edward Teach alive today, he would be linked with the Charles Mansons of the 20th century. What part of the legend of Blackbeard is true? What part was merely contrived in the memory of those so fortunate to survive his murderous attacks and what part was embellished by those seeking to elude capture by the fiercest pirate of all? One fact remains, the sight of the skull and crossbones flying on the masthead was enough to bring fear into the eyes and hearts of the toughest seaman afloat during the 1700s.

From the West Indies to New England, Blackbeard's mere twenty-seven month career earned him immortality as the most diabolic villain in the New World. Thought to be part of the 2000-odd pirates who had gathered at New Providence (Nassau) in the Bahama Islands, he made his way up the eastern shores of North American beginning in 1716. Two of his favorite retreats were Bath Town and Ocacock Island (Ocracoke Island) North Carolina. Ocacock Inlet as it was known at the time served the port of Bath Town which was a principal port of entry. Numerous bays, coves and secluded spots in the Pamticoe Sound (Pamlico) and the Pamticoe and Neuse Rivers provided hide outs.

Blackbeard appeared to many as the Devil personified. Long, black hair covered his head and face, curling into small loops which, in time of battle, he stuck lighted matches into so as to light up his face and dark eyes. With a bandolier holding six pistols slung over his equally hairy chest, it seemed as though he might have stepped directly from the pits of hell.
Source: BLACKBEARD, THE FIERCEST PIRATE OF ALL
written by Norman C. Pendered:
Published by: Times Printing Co., Inc., Manteo, NC, 1975