PIRACY IN THE 18TH & 19TH CENTURY

Our pirate treasure map and posters depict pirates as they are best known, for their nefarious activities in the Caribbean. However, pirates also played important roles in the early history of the United States. During the Revolutionary War pirates were commissioned  as privateers by the Continental Congress to defend the United States at sea.  Later, during the War of 1812, a notable pirate, Jean Lafitte, played a critical role serving the United States in its battle against Britain, having been enlisted by General  Andrew Jackson in exchange for a legal pardon for his men. And, during the Civil War, the Confederate States of America resumed the practice of hiring pirates as privateers to fight in its defense.