Murrells Inlet was once a hub for piracy in the early 1700s. It was easy to dip into the inlet to avoid capture and hide, which made it a desirable location. Often, piracy is associated with male figures, such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet, but two of the most formidable pirates of all time were women: Anne Bonny and Mary Read.
Both were as ruthless as their male counterparts, involved with Calico Jack Rackham, and disguised themselves as men to join pirate crews to prove themselves as capable. Throughout her life, Bonny earned the nickname “The Pirate Queen” and also became one of the most recognizable.
They raided merchant ships in the West Indies until they were captured in October 1720. Calico Jack and his crew met their fate when they were sentenced to death.
Bonny and Read avoided their executions when both claimed to be pregnant. Read later died in jail in mid-April of 1721, but the fate of “The Pirate Queen” remains unknown.
Some suggest that Bonny made her way back to Charleston, while others say she headed toward England. Her ghost is often spotted in Charleston.
There is some speculation that Anne Bonny and Mary Read may have sailed the waters near Murrells Inlet.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.