The Largest Pirate Mass Grave Was Just Discovered In Massachusetts And The Story Will Fascinate You

The largest mass pirate grave in America has just been unearthed on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Researchers believe they’ve finally found the resting place of Captain “Black Sam” Bellamy, thought to be the richest pirate ever. The burial site is estimated to be at least 300 years old and the likely result of the sinking of the Whydah Gally in 1717.

This astounding find was made by archaeologists in late March. Though the research team can’t reveal the exact location of the burial site, they have confirmed that more than 100 bodies have been found so far.

Facebook/Whydah Pirate Museum

Officials have also revealed that goods such as a pistol, pottery, and decorative items have been discovered. Bellamy’s legendary treasure, estimated at about $120 million in today’s currency, was found off the coast of Cape Cod in 1984.

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Facebook/Whydah Pirate Museum

Born in England in 1689, Captain "Black Sam" Bellamy raided 54 vessels in just a year. However, he was known for the democratic way he ran his ship and avoidance of violence. He was known as the "Prince of Pirates" because of his gentle yet firm leadership and charisma. He was also a one-time shipmate of the feared pirate Blackbeard.

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Wikimedia Commons/Theodore Scott

Archaeologists are working to definitively identify the captain’s body and catalog the other bodies.

They report that the site includes grassy burial mounds. It’s likely that hikers and wanderers may have been walking right by these forest features for years without ever suspecting that the bones of legendary pirate and his crew.

If you want to learn more about this fascinating story, check out our article on the Whydah Pirate Museum. You can see the shipwreck’s gold in person, learn about life as a pirate, and more.