pirates?

Travel discussion for St. John
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djmom
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pirates?

Post by djmom »

We are going to St.John next week (yeah!)

We are bringing the kids, my daughter just got assigned a project on pirates.

Anyone know any history or places to go re. pirates? We have been to St. John a bunch- all I can think of is the possible treasure in Norman Island caves and hangings at Gallows Point.

Any other stuff that might be interesting?
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Anthony
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Post by Anthony »

Blackbeard's and Bluebeard's hills on St. Thomas are both named for their respective pirates. There is a little museum open now I think in the old tower at Blackbeard's. Don't know if you will get a chance to stop there but may be worth it.

http://www.blackbeardscastle.com/

Not sure if that is an official site or not. There is definitely a lot more pirate history - someone must have some St. John pirate facts.
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liamsaunt
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Post by liamsaunt »

Stop by the National Park Service shop at the NPS dock. I am almost certain that they have books on the pirate history that are child-appropriate. I was in there browsing for gifts for my niece and nephew, and I think I recall seeing pirate books. I was focused on sea life stuff, so there's a chance I am wrong, but even if I am wrong, it's still a neat place to stop in to.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
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Chickadee
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Post by Chickadee »

There's a public library on STJ. They might have some local pirate history stuff for you.

Given that there's a Privateer Bay on the East End, your daughter could research the difference between a Pirate and a Privateer and talk about that history too.

I also recall an interview the BB boys did at their On St. John site with Capt. (John?) Brandi. In it I think he mentioned that in the way-back days, ships heading for Europe would pass through "over there" and the pirates were waiting to catch them, hence the name....somethingorother I can't remember. If you can find that interview it might give you a jumping off point for some more research.
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chicagoans
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Post by chicagoans »

Jost Van Dyke was named after a Dutch privateer. You could go have a few painkillers at Foxy's and call it "research"!

What cool timing to get that project right before your trip!
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sillymom
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Post by sillymom »

I highly reccomend Blackbeards in St. Thomas . We were there in August and it was the highlight of my 9 yr old sons trip. I think it is $ 12.00 tour . It includes 3 historical bulding and homes. Oh and the gift shop has free rum punch and I must say it is the best rum punch I have ever had. 99 steps is there also. If you have any specific questions I would be glad to answer if I can .
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