Pirate Tales and Coastal Trails: Exploring Fort Lauderdale’s Pirate History

For many vacationers, Fort Lauderdale is a place they simply pass through en route to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The combination airport and cruise ship terminal certainly have plenty of people coming and going, but the city itself is a travel destination you should consider visiting by itself or just sticking around for a few days. Year-round warm weather is one reason, but pirate stories and history are another.

Where does ‘X’ mark the spot? 

When you think of pirates, you probably think more about the Caribbean. While they were certainly prevalent there, you can also discover East Coast pirate history around Fort Lauderdale. Pirates are simultaneously shrouded in mystery but also steeped in known historical facts. The fun is learning the legends and deciding for yourself what’s true, made up, or just exaggerated.

Florida has more coastline than any other counterpart in the continental United States, with beaches bordering the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. St. Augustine is home to a pirate and treasure museum stocked with artifacts and exhibits, including Blackbeard’s blunderbuss, an authentic pirate treasure chest, and an original Jolly Roger flag.

Pirate Pioneers of the Past

The history of pirates in Florida includes many names that you might have heard or are familiar with. Learning more about them in the region of the world where they sailed, terrorized, and plundered can be a lot of fun. Specific pirates to make an impact on Florida history included Sir Francis Drake, Harry Jennings, and Robert Searles.

Legend has it that Drake’s impressive navigational skills let him sail the seven seas all over the planet. He earned the moniker “Sea Dragon” while en route to England when he made a pitstop at a military outpost on modern-day Anastasia Island. Drake destroyed the fort, burned buildings, and looted money and supplies before fleeing.

Henry Jennings got wind of rumors about a fleet carrying Spanish treasures in 1716. A hurricane crashed them close to Port St. Lucie, and silver, gold, and jewels dropped into shallow waters. While shipwreck survivors were trying to gather what treasure they could, Jennings sailed in from Jamaica and attacked. This began what many consider the Golden Age of Piracy, and pirates such as Calico Jack and Blackbeard gained notoriety for their exploits.

Robert Searles captured a ship near Cuba that was supposed to deliver flour to St. Augustine, and this let him sneak into the harbor and attack the city by surprise. They killed a quarter of the city’s populace, and many others were taken hostage or captive only to be freed or sold for seriously high ransom. Spain’s trade route between Europe and Cuba was compromised to the point that the Castillo de San Marcos fort was built in 1565. The Coquina Fort is one of the continent’s oldest forts, and you can visit it today.

Modern-Day Pirates 

Pirate culture permeates the area to this day. The Fort Lauderdale Pirate Festival is an annual event that includes competitions for the best rum drinks, pet pirate costume contests, and paddle boarders racing on the New River. Florida pirate festivals and stories celebrate the history of pirates looking to plunder gold and treasure from galleons sailing from to Europe from the Caribbean and Central America. Fort Lauderdale has pirate festivals most months of the year.

You can explore Fort Lauderdale’s pirate past on its own, or through organized activities. Treat your kids to a pirate birthday party, or take them on a children’s pirate ship cruise. BYOB adult cruises are a chance to relax, party, and learn local history, or you can just go on a pirate tour to savor the educational experience for yourself.