"North Carolina was a common stopping place for pirates during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, a time also known as 'The Golden Age of Piracy.' Many pirates frequented the islands of the Outer Banks or even called North Carolina home. It's been suggested that pirates chose these islands because the shallow waters and tricky terrain made it easier for them to evade capture." 

"A lot of pirates started out as 'privateers,' which were essentially pirates sanctioned by the crown. As a privateer, they were allowed to attack and steal from ships that belonged to the opposing side in exchange for a portion of their goods being given back to their government. As these countries moved to more peaceful times, privateering was no longer allowed, but some men missed the thrill and chance for riches, and they became pirates."

-excerpts from North Carolina Pirate Storymap by Micelle Rosquillo