Pirate Blackbeard in Beaufort NC

Arr! Start your pirate adventure at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. You’ll discover a fascinating exhibit that includes artifacts from Blackbeard’s flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, and learn about the efforts to locate it.

In 1718, the notorious pirate ran his ship aground in Beaufort Inlet, roughly two miles from where the museum stands today. The site of the wreck is under about 20 feet of water just offshore from Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach.

On November 21, 1996, a search team from the private research firm Intersal, Inc., operating under a permit from the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources found a cluster of cannon and anchors on the seabed near historic Beaufort Inlet. Several diagnostic artifacts were recovered from the site, including a bronze bell dated 1705, a sounding weight, an English blunderbuss barrel, a lead cannon apron, and two cannonballs.

These early 18th century artifacts, nine cannon tubes, and two large anchors led the discoverers to conclude that this was the wreckage of the pirate Blackbeard’s flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge (QAR).

The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

Today, more than 300 restored artifacts from Queen Anne’s Revenge are on display at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Artifacts ranging from cannons to the bones of livestock consumed on board to medical devices used to help keep the crew healthy are on display.

Walk-Ins Welcome

  • Admission to the museum and the exhibits are free.
  • Donations are appreciated.
  • Open Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday, Noon – 5 pm.

 

Pirate Image by Beaufort artist Donna Lee Nyzio.

Queen Anne’s Revenge Model provided by Hungry Town Tours.

7 min.

Drive Time

2.4 miles

Distance from Hotel

watercraft center maritime museum of an old boat

Locals Recommend

“There is Blackbeard treasure here but not gold and silver. The display of the recovered items is very interesting. Make sure you have a look at the medical instruments on display. You will want to go and search for more information about what was recovered from this time capsule.”

Where your Outer Banks adventure begins.

Situated on ten acres, the Beaufort Hotel is offers the privacy of a boutique hotel within minutes to some of the best experiences you’ll enjoy on the Southern Outer Banks.

During your stay, discover, experience, and explore Beaufort – named the “Best Small Town for Adventure” in America by USA Today.

The Beaufort Hotel is a private escape that’s close to every kind of adventure you can imagine. We encourage you to explore like a local, as we give you a slice of what it’s like to live here on the Crystal Coast.

Attraction Details

Good to Know

  • Family-Friendly
  • Rainy Day Activity
  • Groups Welcome
  • Free Admission
  • Donations Appreciated
  • Limited Free Parking

Experience Beaufort North Carolina’s Attractions

Discover 300 years of Beaufort’s history and step back in time and experience some amazing local attractions during your stay.