Charleston and the Golden Age of Piracy

From its earliest days, Charleston was a vital port of call and center of trade, which left it vulnerable to seafaring criminals.The Golden Age of Piracy, encompassing roughly the first quarter of the eighteenth century, produced some of the most outrageous characters in maritime history. The daring exploits of these infamous plunderers made thievery widespread along Charleston's waterfront, but determined citizens would meet the pirate threat head-on. From the &quote;Gentleman Pirate,&quote; Stede Bonnet, to Edward &quote;Blackbeard&quote; Teach and famed pirate hunter and statesman William Rhett, the waters surrounding the Holy City have a history as rocky and wild as the high seas. Join author and tour guide Christopher Byrd Downey as he tells the tales of Charleston during piracy's greatest reign.

Chris Downey is the owner/operator of Captain Byrd's Boat Tours and has worked for the past 15 years in the Marine operations/steamship industry. Chris is also a member of the Charleston Visitors Bureau and the South Carolina Historical Society, and authored The History Press' Stede Bonnet: Gentleman Pirate of the Carolinas.