Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard, was an English pirate who operated in the Caribbean and along the American East Coast. He commanded a flotilla including the captured French slave ship he renamed Queen Anne’s Revenge and famously blockaded Charleston harbor in 1718. He cultivated a fearsome image, reportedly weaving lit slow matches into his beard during battle. He was killed in a boarding action off Ocracoke Island, North Carolina.
Quick Facts
| Real Name | Edward Teach |
|---|---|
| Aliases | Edward Thatch; Edward Tache |
| Born | c. 1680 (unverified) |
| Died | 1718-11-22 |
| Nationality | English |
| Years Active | 1716-1718 |
| Known Ships | Queen Anne's Revenge; Adventure |
| Flag | A horned skeleton (devil) holding an hourglass in one hand and a spear piercing a bleeding heart in the other |
| Fate | Killed in battle against a Royal Navy force led by Lieutenant Robert Maynard off Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, on November 22, 1718 |
Learn More
As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.