Cape Cod - Index

Cape Cod - travel_guide_2008 - Index

■ cape & islands pirates
PIRATES OF THE CAPE
The only verified pirate shipwreck ever to be
found in North America lies just off the coast of
Eastham. Because of the efforts of Cape Cod
native Barry Clifford, the story of the Whydah
is seeing the light of day.
BY MATTHEAU LEDUC
Many who have spent time on a beach have surely given in to thoughts of the possibility
of unearthing buried pirate treasure. For one Cape Cod native those notions have
become reality.
Not only did underwater explorer Barry Clifford fulfill a boyhood dream by discovering the
wreck of a pirate ship off the coast of the outer Cape, but he also made—and continues to make—
a significant contribution to history. The Whydah is the only verified pirate ship ever to be found in
North America.
“I remember growing up here on the Cape and listening to stories about the pirate ship Whydah
told to me by my uncle, and I guess I could never let that go,” says Clifford.
During the last two decades, Clifford and his crew have pulled more than 200 artifacts from the
shipwreck. As recently as last summer, divers discovered about 30 cannons buried in 10 feet of sand
on the ocean floor.
The National Geographic Society has recently teamed up with Clifford to conduct a national
traveling exhibit, “Real Pirates,” with hundreds of Whydah artifacts on display. Check the website,
www.whydah.com, for more information.
The story of the Whydah is the stuff of legend, but what’s better, the story is true. Back in the
early dawn hours of April 26, 1717, the sailing vessel, which began its life as a slave ship, was caught
in a horrendous nor’easter off the coast of Cape Cod. Its captain, the British-born Samuel “Black
Sam” Bellamy, was believed to be headed for Provincetown to reunite with his love, Maria Hallet,
and to retire from his life of plundering on the high seas.
www.capecodtravelguide.com
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