Queen Anne's Revenge was an early-18th-century vessel approximately 200 tons in weight, believed to have been constructed around 1710. Evidence suggests she was built by French shipwrights, based on distinctive fastening patterns observed in her remains. The ship's physical features include a hull that has largely survived, with significant portions of her keel and stern post recovered, notably a 1,500-pound stern post found in 2007. The vessel's construction indicates she was initially a French naval frigate and merchant ship, often used as a slave vessel during her prior service. Her dimensions and design reflect her dual use as a cargo and fighting ship. She was equipped with a substantial number of cannons—originally estimated at around forty—of various sizes and origins, including Swedish and English. To date, 24 cannons have been recovered, with some bearing proof marks from England and Sweden, and dating back to 1713. The ship's armament and artifacts, such as loaded cannons and diverse weaponry, underscore her role in piracy and privateering. Her service history includes French naval and merchant operations, notably as a slave ship under French and Peruvian ownership before her capture. Blackbeard, the infamous pirate, seized her near Martinique in late 1717, transforming her into his flagship after renaming her Queen Anne's Revenge. Blackbeard added more heavy cannons and used her to attack merchant ships across the Atlantic, including a notable blockade of Charleston Harbor in May 1718. The vessel ran aground at Topsail Inlet (present-day Beaufort Inlet) in June 1718 while Blackbeard was attempting to enter the harbor. After the grounding, her crew and supplies were transferred to smaller vessels, and Blackbeard surrendered to authorities for a pardon but returned to piracy later that year. The wreck was discovered off Beaufort Inlet in 1996, lying in about 28 feet of water, and has since yielded over 300,000 artifacts, including cannons, ceramics, and personal items. Her archaeological significance is profound, as she provides insight into early 18th-century shipbuilding, piracy, and maritime life. Queen Anne's Revenge was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.