On November 22nd 1718 the infamous "Blackbeard the Pirate" was beheaded at Ocracoke. Gov. Spotswood of Virginia sent a ship led by Lt. Robert Maynard to find the pirate and his crew and kill or capture them and that they did. After a fierce battle at what is now called Teachs' Hole, Blackbead was beheaded and his body thrown overboard. As Capt. Rob Temple tells it, Blackbeards' boby swam seven times around the ship trying to find the head. Well whether that's true or not, an Ocracoke legend was born on that day and on this day Blackbeard ( otherwise known as Edward Teach ) is 287 years dead.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke's Street Names, published November 19, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news111905.htm.
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Interesting that you should tell the tale of Blackbeard today. I was reading A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES by Diana Gabaldon last evening. Ocracoke, and even a man by the name of "Mr. Howard" were both mentioned and enjoyed almost a whole chapter of information. Interestingly enough, though, according to this story Blackbeard was still alive, and this story was taking place in the mid 1700's. Just thought that you might be interested...Judy
ReplyDeleteAs a long-time visitor to Ocracoke, I was interested in this "alternate history" so I looked up Gabaldon's book on the internet. It is, I learned, a novel (with excellent reader reviews)-- but a novel nevertheless. Perhaps Ms. Gabaldon should have done more thorough research about the battle at Teach's Hole (where Capt. Teach was definitely killed in 1718). Or maybe she was just using literary license.
ReplyDeleteAs a reply to the last comment, I did not think to mention that the book was a novel. The mention of Blackbeard was just that, a mention, just a small detail to add interest to the story, I am sure. The only reason that I made a comment here was the coincidence of the date and my familiarity with the island and the old family names on the island. I do hope that no offense was taken as none was meant. Judy
ReplyDeleteJust as a p.s. of sorts, the story is one of a series of books..Actually very interesting if you enjoy historical fiction and can wrap your mind around the theory of time travel. Ms. Gabaldon has a very loyal following...Judy
ReplyDeleteNo offence at all! I just wanted to be sure that there wasn't any confusion about Blackbeard's real history. I just know that some people back here in PA still think he was a fictional character.
ReplyDeletethought-provoking, mootable pv. just my thoughts, well anyways gl & be chipper is what i say
ReplyDeleteLooks like the discussion of Gabladon's book that mentions Ocracoke is a very old one but I am just reading it and happend to be in the vicinity for a wedding on Satuday. I am curious, I can't find anything on the internet about rumored vortexes in the area (she also mentioned Sedona, where I have been, as well as places in Scotland I've explored)---anyhow, if anyone reading this knows of such legends, I'd love to know more!
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