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Miami and its pirate history

The romance of buried treasure and sunken Spanish galleons, notorious, swashbuckling pirates, and legends of their adventures fascinates young and old. These are the early tales of Florida when privateers and pirates roamed the Caribbean.

Legends of pirates plundering ships on the Spanish Main hearken back to the era known as the Golden Age of Piracy during the late 1600's and early 1700's. The area around Key Biscayne and Biscayne Bay of Miami was ideal for the plundering of ships disabled during hurricanes and floundering on the Florida Reef. Pirates from the vantage point of protected inlets and coves could also attack treasure laden ships and quickly retreat.

One of the most famous pirates to stage his looting operations in the Biscayne area was Black Caesar. Legend has it that Black Caesar was an African chief of impressive size and strength. Slave traders had tried many times to capture him, but to no avail. Finally he was lured onto a ship by a wily slave trader. Showing him a pocket watch, the trader captured Black Caesar's curiosity and lured him to his ship with the promise of more interesting treasures aboard.

Once busy looking at objects of curiosity, Black Caesar didn't realize the ship was leaving port. When it was too late, the crew overcame him and imprisoned him in the hull of the ship. Later, though, he was able to escape with the help of a crewman who had become his friend. They stole to shore and ended up somewhere around Key Largo. From then on the two teamed up looting ships and committing acts of piracy.

It is said that Black Caesar amassed a great fortune plundering ships and capturing young maidens whom he would hold for ransom. North of Key Largo there is a hidden creek named for this pirate. Perhaps some of his treasure is still buried there.

Later Black Caesar joined the infamous pirate Blackbeard for more lucrative plunderings. Eventually, though, they were captured. In 1714 Black Caesar was hung in Williamsburg, Virginia. Pictures of Black Caesar can be seen at the Museum of Florida History.

Adventure seeking buckaroos and mates can enjoy a taste of the pirate's life and hear stories of their exploits at some of Miami's many attractions.

Ghost Tours of Coconut Grove offer Pirate History Activity Day on Thursdays. Youngsters can come dressed as pirates, enjoy historic storytelling by costumed actors, engage in pirate role playing, and a have a pirate feast, all in an old historic home.

At Bayside Marketplace, adventurers young and old can enjoy a one and a half hour boat tour aboard the El Loro, a very modern boat disguised to look like a pirate ship. Its crew will be dressed like pirates and those aboard will get a swashbuckling adventure and a grand tour of Biscayne Bay and the Venetian Islands.

Miami Seaquarium has a new and popular attraction called Salty's Pirate Playground. It features a two level pirate ship set amidst a shark filled moat. Kids love the water blasters, cargo nets, punch bags, padded areas, and spiral slide. Not only a popular activity, Salty's Playground provides a great photo op.

Any of these adventures are sure to be fun for all and bring to life the history and legends of the past.

For further information, go to the Web sites for Ghost Tours of Coconut Grove, Miami Seaquarium, and Bayside Marketplace.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Wordsmith.
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