Mysterious Virginia Beach: The Search for Blackbeard’s Hidden Treasure

The History of Blackbeard

For a blend of history, mystery, and a hint of the supernatural, Virginia Beach is the perfect destination. Along the serene shores of what is now First Landing State Park, you’ll discover a tale as intriguing as it is eerie, featuring one of history’s most infamous pirates, Captain Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. His legend is so fascinating that it has even been woven into the popular Netflix series Outer Banks, where he makes a dramatic appearance. Talk about an iconic character!

Chesapeake Bay

So, let’s set the stage. It’s the early 1700s, and the Virginia Beach coastline is bustling with maritime activity. The windswept dunes and cypress trees at Cape Henry offered the perfect lookout for Blackbeard’s ragtag crew, who were always on the hunt for their next big score. Day and night, they scanned the Chesapeake Bay for merchant ships ripe for plundering and Royal Navy vessels that could pose a threat to their piracy.

Finally, a signal came through: a valuable merchant ship was approaching. Blackbeard and his crew sprang into action, their hearts racing as they sabotaged the ship and claimed its precious cargo. However, victory wouldn’t come easily this time. Two naval vessels were hot on their trail, leading to an intense high-seas showdown.

With his newfound wealth weighing him down, Blackbeard had to act quickly. He buried his treasure in the dunes and rushed to his hideout in North Carolina, planning to return once the coast was clear. But fate had other plans. The Royal Navy’s ships closed in, culminating in a bloody battle in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Blackbeard met his end, but not before hiding his treasures.

Despite numerous searches and wild claims, this treasure has never been conclusively found, allowing the legend of Blackbeard to persist. The elusive loot continues to captivate imaginations, inspiring writers to skillfully weave this thrilling legend into the storyline of Outer Banks, further enriching one of pirate history’s most enduring mysteries.

First Landing State Park

The Thrills and Chills of Edward “Blackbeard” Teach Continue

But the story doesn’t conclude there. The legend endures. According to local folklore, Blackbeard’s restless spirit still haunts the area of First Landing State Park, vigilantly guarding his hidden treasures.

As dusk falls, you might feel the eerie presence of Blackbeard himself. Visitors to First Landing have reported a variety of spine-chilling experiences, from mysterious footprints in the sand to sudden chilling breezes, even fleeting glimpses of a headless figure—he met his gruesome fate at the hands of Lieutenant Robert Maynard—roaming the dunes. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the irresistible allure of Blackbeard’s lost treasure adds an exciting layer of supernatural mystery to any visit.

Legend has it that getting too close to Blackbeard’s hidden treasures could bring you face-to-face with his restless spirit. While the riches remain undiscovered, the thrill of the hunt proves too enticing for many, including the adventurous teens in the Outer Banks. If you have the courage, dive into this mystery and see if you can catch a glimpse of this ghostly pirate.

For more spine-tingling spots and haunted places in Virginia Beach—trust us, there are plenty—check out the stories of the Witch of Pungo and the Haunted Hotel on the Hill (also known as the Cavalier Hotel). We dare you to explore these ghostly legends!

Cover Photo Art by @njdanzi