Prologue: Hampton was Virginia's leading port in the early 1700's . in 1710 a Custom's House was established on Hampton Creek to serve the entire lower James River District which included both sides of the river as far north as Jamestown and as far east as the entrance to the York River.  This area was a ripe hunting ground for pirates of the era to find targets rich in goods bound for Boston, the British West Indies, and England.  Hampton was also home to at least six taverns that served as watering holes for thirsty pirates. Edward Teach (alias Blackbeard) was known to have sent his quartermaster William Howard to Hampton to press new crew into service.  Lt. Maynard of the British Royal Navy was dispatched by Governor Spotswood of Virginia from Hampton to capture Blackbeard in Ocracoke, North Carolina.  Lt. Maynard returned to Hampton with the head of Edward Teach hanging from his bowsprit and fifteen of his crew.  The head was placed on a tall pole at the entrance to Hampton Creek to serve as a warning to other would be pirates. 

Present Day: Blackbeard's Crew was founded in the year of our Lord, two thousand in conjuction with OpSail 2000.  It was the first year of the Hampton Blackbeard Festival and through hard work and determination we remain committed to providing authentic historic interpretation and entertainment. The Crew has grown since then, now numbering close to forty members and has continued to expand our attack beyond the waters of Hampton Roads. We have created unique performances for Skipjack Nautical Wares in Portsmouth, VA. The Outer Banks Arts Council, The Pepsi America's Sail Challenge, The International Search and Rescue Competition, The Greater Jacksonville (FL) Kingfish Tournament, Norfolk Harborfest, Oxford Day (Oxford, MD), and many others.  Our commitment to our victims has made us who we are today.

Explore the accompanying pages of our dossier to discover the many talents of our Crew: