Blackbeard has been characterized as one of the fiercest pirates in history. Some of the biographical facts of his life still remain a mystery. However, Blackbeard's use of fear tactics in the pursuit of treasure are well documented. Whether you're a maritime historian or simply a pirate history enthusiast, Blackbeard and his ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, are definitely two of the most intriguing figures in pirate history.

The collection of facts relating to the history of Blackbeard reveals that his real name was Edward Thatch. Edward's popular name was earned by virtue of his physical appearance. A tall, imposing figure, with a tangled black beard, and the array of weapons he wore across his chest, all helped the man to live up to his name.

Blackbeard's early life began in England in the town of Bristol. He was a fighter in Queen Anne's war before he took up a pirate's life in the early eighteenth century. In one of Blackbeard's most memorable conquests, he stole the helm of a ship called the Revenge. He later took control of another ship, the Concorde, thereby building his supply of crew members and ammunition. From then on, the Concorde became known as the Queen Anne's Revenge, and was Blackbeard's most famous ship.

For two years, Blackbeard and his band of pirates sailed throughout the Caribbean stealing ships and valuables to add to their plunder. Blackbeard's pirate ways were finally put to an end in 1718 when he was killed by members of the Royal Navy at Ocracoke, North Carolina. After Blackbeard's last battle his head was cut off and mounted on a ship as a trophy, signifying his final defeat.

Blackbeard's most notable ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, began its sailing life as a French vessel used to transport slaves. After Blackbeard captured it, he threw out its original name, the Concorde, and made it his own. The story behind Queen Anne's Revenge includes the significant events of the day it was taken over. When Blackbeard hunted down and boarded the ship that was to be connected with his name forever, he encountered a French crew and a group of slaves there. Blackbeard left the crew and the slaves behind on Bequia island with a smaller sailing craft. The story goes on to explain that as Blackbeard was leaving, a young sailor of the captured ship revealed to him that a few of the Concorde's crew members were in possession of gold dust. They were immediately searched, the gold dust was added to Blackbeard's treasures, and the traitorous French crew member gladly joined the ranks of Blackbeard's pirate followers.

Blackbeard's piratical conquests during the eighteenth century's era of piracy are still taught by history teachers today. Over the years the exciting events of Blackbeard's life have been written about and depicted in several movies. The image of Blackbeard appears on a yearly basis as a favorite adult costume on Halloween. Plus, his likeness is a permanent resident within the racks of the neighborhood costume store. The public's interest in Blackbeard was recently stirred with the discovery of what are likely the remains of Queen Anne's Revenge at the bottom of a North Carolina inlet. Most assuredly, Blackbeard's reputation as a figure that inspired terror on the world's seas will live on forever.