Many of Chesapeake Bay pirates attacked ships that were coming and
going from the mouth of the Bay near Cape Henry, Virginia.
There was no C&D Canal shortcut across the Delmarva Peninsula before 1829. You
can learn more about this amazing little canal by completing
Canals vs. Railroads: The Transportation Race.
Ships had to leave and
enter the Bay at its mouth. Most pirate attacks occurred during the
good weather months of April through October, and it became necessary
for ships to be accompanied by convoys.
The red "Xs" on the map indicate places where pirate bases were located.
