The Haunted Commonwealth

Pirates have become a less harmless icon today but back in the 18th century, they were dangerous and rather criminal figures.  Blackbeard is probably the best known of all of them and shockingly, he has a tie to the state of Virginia.  Back in 1718, Governor Alexander Spotswood sent the Royal Navy, under the command of Lieutenant Robert Maynard, to capture Blackbeard.  A battle ensued off the coast of Ocracoke island in the Outer Banks but eventually Blackbeard was killed and his body thrown overboard.  The Royal Navy found the head of Blackbeard (there is some discussion on whether he was decapitated during the battle or after) and returned it back to modern day Hampton, Virginia.

The Governor decided to put Blackbeard's head on a post overlooking the sea to warn off other pirates from attacking British ships.  Today, many locals around that area claim that the area is haunted by the once ferocious pirate.

However, after my research on this topic I find it hard to believe that Blackbeard's ghost is haunting this strip of land.  In fact, there have been more reports of ghost sitings in the Outer Bank than around Blackbeard's point.  I'm not saying that it can't be haunted but if it is, it's probably from somebody other than Blackbeard. 

If you're interested in learning more about this topic feel free to research Blackbeard's final days.  Not only are there a few ghost stories linked to it but it's actually a pretty interesting story.