Age of Piracy in the Bahamas.

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The Age of Piracy in the Bahamas.

The late 1600s to the early 1700s were the golden age for pirates and privateers. Most of the ones you've heard about -- like Sir Francis Drake and Blackbeard -- used The Islands Of The Bahamas as their port at one time or another.

The Islands Of The Bahamas made an ideal home base for pirates and privateers. The numerous islands and islets with their complex shoals and channels provided excellent hiding places for the plundering ships. And since The Islands Of The Bahamas were close to well-traveled shipping lanes, it gave the buccaneers plenty of opportunities to steal from merchant ships.

The most famous pirates were, of course, men. Whether they were government-sanctioned privateers like Sir Henry Morgan or independent pirates like Calico Jack, they roamed around The Islands Of The Bahamas looting passing ships.

With its shallow waters and over 700 islands, The Islands Of The Bahamas made a great place to hide treasure -- and pirates were quick to boast about all the riches they had buried. In addition, many ships laden with gold and silver sank off the coasts of the islands. Such tales of treasure add mystique to The Islands Of The Bahamas, whose real treasure is its beautiful beaches and hospitable people.

Nassau, the capital city of The Islands Of The Bahamas, is located on the island of New Providence. It was once the port of choice for pirates, privateers and assorted criminals. For many years Nassau had no laws and no government, so it was paradise for those who liked to prey upon others.

Dressed as men, Anne Bonny and Mary Read sailed under pirate captain John Rackham. They had hot tempers and were said to be as fierce as the men who fought alongside them.

• Bahamas Cruises

The History of the Bahamas.

There are many things to talk about when inquiring about Bahamas History. We have chose a few of the most popular topics. Click any of the below names to be directed to a detail of that section.

• Lucayan Era

• First Settlement

• Age of Piracy

• The Loyalists

• Civil War

• Tourism

We hope you find this information useful and hope you choose us for your one of your next cruises to the Bahamas.  Remember that we specialize in Bahamas Cruises.