The History of Blackbeard
For history, mystery and maybe a touch of the supernatural, Virginia Beach is the place to be. On the tranquil shores of what is now First Landing State Park you’ll uncover a tale that’s as tantalizing as it is eerie, starring none other than one of history’s most notorious pirates, Captain Edward Teach – better known as Blackbeard. His legend is so wildly captivating that the Netflix hit series Outer Banks has woven him into this teenage treasure-hunting adventure. Blackbeard even makes a dramatic appearance in the show. Talk about a legendary casting choice.
So, let’s set the scene. It’s the early 1700s, and the Virginia Beach coastline is a hub of maritime activity. The windswept dunes and cypress trees at Cape Henry provided the perfect vantage point for Blackbeard’s ragtag crew, who constantly looked for their next big score. Day and night, they’d scan the Chesapeake Bay, searching for merchant ships ripe for plunder, as well as Royal Navy vessels that could spell trouble for this band of marauders.
At last, a signal came in: a princely merchant ship was on the horizon. Blackbeard and his crew sprang into action, hearts racing as they sabotaged the ship and laid claim to its valuable cargo. But they weren’t in for an easy win. Not this time. Two naval vessels were hot on their tail. A high-seas showdown ensued.
Burdened by his newfound riches, Blackbeard had to act fast. He buried his treasure in the dunes and made haste to his stronghold in North Carolina, planning to return once the coast was clear – literally. But fate had other plans. The Royal Navy’s ships closed in, leading to a bloody clash in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Blackbeard met his end, but not before hiding his riches.
Despite countless searches and wild claims, this treasure has never been conclusively found, keeping the legend of Blackbeard alive and well. The elusive loot continues to captivate imaginations, even inspiring showwriters to skillfully entwine this thrilling legend into the Outer Banks storyline, further fueling one of pirate history’s most enduring mysteries.
The Thrills and Chills of Edward “Blackbeard” Teach Live On
The story doesn’t end here, of course. The legend lingers. According to local lore, Blackbeard’s restless spirit still haunts the area of First Landing State Park, guarding his riches with an otherworldly watchfulness.
As the sun sets, you may sense the ghostly energy of Blackbeard himself. Visitors at First Landing have reported all sorts of spine-tingling phenomena, like mysterious footprints in the sand, chilling breezes, even fleeting glimpses of a headless figure – he was horrifically beheaded by Lieutenant Robert Maynard – wandering the dunes. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, the tantalizing allure of Blackbeard’s lost treasure adds an irresistible layer of supernatural mystery to any visit.
Legend has it that getting too close to Blackbeard’s hidden treasures may put you face-to-face with his restless spirit. While the riches remain undiscovered, the thrill of the hunt is too exciting for many to resist, including the adventurous teens on the Outer Banks. If you’ve got it in you, bravely plunge into this mystery and see if you can catch a glimpse of this ghostly pirate.
For more spine-tingling spots and haunted places in Virginia Beach – trust us, there are plenty – check out the tales of the Witch of Pungo and the Haunted Hotel on the Hill (aka the Cavalier Hotel). We triple-dare you to explore these ghostly legends.
Cover Photo Art by @njdanzi
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