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Last Updated on June 2, 2024 by Ryan John
The connection between Pirates and Newport, Rhode Island, is as intriguing as the city’s famed Gilded Age mansions and its celebrated sailing culture. This post delves into the enthralling stories of audacious pirates who navigated these waters, casting a long shadow over Newport’s rich history.
The Golden Age of Piracy: Newport’s Infamous Residents
In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Newport emerged as a bustling hub, inadvertently becoming a sanctuary for pirates. Among the most notorious was Thomas Tew, dubbed the “Rhode Island Pirate.” Tew’s audacious exploits and eventual violent demise in 1695 left an indelible mark on Newport’s legacy.
A Haven for Buccaneers
Newport’s relationship with piracy was complex, often blurring the lines between legality and lawlessness. The city’s legal system, at times, appeared to accommodate pirates. One such case involved George Cutler, who, after being arrested for piracy in 1698, was acquitted due to the absence of claimants for the seized goods. This trial underscored Newport’s ambivalent stance toward piracy, enabling pirates like Cutler to integrate into society and even contribute to the founding of Trinity Church.
The tale of The Pelican further illustrates Newport’s entanglement with piracy. Outfitted with 16 guns and a crew of 100, The Pelican, under Captain Colly, embarked on a voyage ostensibly to return captured sailors to Jamaica. In reality, it set sail for Madagascar to engage in piracy.
The Turning Tide Against Piracy
By the late 17th century, English authorities began to scrutinize Rhode Island for its lax attitude towards piracy. In 1695, Captain Kidd was commissioned to pursue pirates, including those from Rhode Island, highlighting the growing concern over the colony’s pirate-friendly reputation.
The mass hanging of 26 pirates at Gravelly Point in 1723 marked a significant turning point. This event, precipitated by the capture of Edward Low’s crew, was a clear signal of Newport’s shifting stance on piracy. Despite Low’s escape, the execution of his crew was a stern message against piracy, celebrated from New York to Boston. The history of Pirates and Newport is a dark and deadly one.
The Legacy of Piracy in Newport
Piracy’s influence on Newport extended beyond its legal system and violent encounters. Pirates like Paulsgrave Williams, who left Newport to join the ranks of pirates alongside Samuel Bellamy, highlight the personal stories intertwined with the city’s history. Williams’ story, among others, was brought to life by the Newport Historical Society, emphasizing the deep connections between Newport’s community and its pirate past.
A Timeline of the History of Pirates and Newport
- Late 1600s: Thomas Tew embarks on notorious pirate voyages.
- 1698: George Cutler’s trial showcases Newport’s ambivalent legal stance towards pirates.
- Early 1700s: The Pelican sets off on a pirate mission to Madagascar.
- 1695: Captain Kidd is commissioned to tackle piracy, implicating Rhode Island as a pirate haven.
- 1723: The mass execution of 26 pirates at Gravelly Point signifies a crackdown on piracy.
Closing Thoughts on Pirates and Newport, RI
The tales of pirates and Newport, unveil a fascinating chapter of the city’s history, replete with daring exploits, ambiguous morality, and eventual redemption. From Thomas Tew’s legendary voyages to the dramatic mass execution of pirates, Newport’s legacy is a testament to the tumultuous era of the Golden Age of Piracy. As modern-day explorers of history, we’re left to marvel at the stories of those who once sailed these waters, leaving behind a legacy as captivating as the treasures they sought.
