1.
When was International Talk like a Pirate Day created?
Correct Answer
D. 1995
Explanation
International Talk like a Pirate Day is a holiday created as an inside joke by a pair of friends in 1995 and popularized when it was mentioned in a column by humorist Dave Barry in 2002.
2.
How old was young John King when he became a pirate in 1717?
Correct Answer
B. Ten
Explanation
Ten-year-old John King was allowed to join Capt. Sam Bellamy's rogue band of blackguards, but went down with the pirate ship Whydah off Wellfleet on April 26, 1717.
3.
When was the golden age of pirates?
Correct Answer
C. Late 1600s through the early 1700s
Explanation
The golden age of pirates occurred during the late 1600s through the early 1700s. This was a period when piracy was at its peak, with numerous pirates operating in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Famous pirates such as Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and Anne Bonny were active during this time. The increase in pirate activity was influenced by various factors, including political unrest, the end of wars, and the availability of targets such as merchant ships and colonial settlements. This era eventually came to an end with the implementation of anti-piracy measures by various nations.
4.
What Eastham beauty did Captain "Black Sam" Bellamy woo?
Correct Answer
A. Maria Hallett
Explanation
While in Eastham, Captain "Black Sam" Bellamy met and wooed young Maria Hallett. After he returned to sea, she gave birth to his child, who died soon after. Legend has it that Maria "Goody" Hallett was out of her mind with grief and spent the rest of her life grieving her lost love wandering through the dunes and cliffs over the Outer Cape beaches.
5.
Who found the wreck of the Whydah, Capt. "Black Sam" Bellamy's ship?
Correct Answer
D. Barry Clifford
Explanation
The wreck of the Whydah was found by Barry Clifford in 1984.
6.
What were mooncussers?
Correct Answer
B. Scoundrels who wrecked, then plundered ships
Explanation
On wild stormy nights,land-loving pirates criss-crossed the coast on horseback and planted large decoy lanterns at strategic points. After spotting a ship in distress, the despots grabbed the nearest decoy lantern and began waving it, beckoning the distressed sailors closer to the shore. Once wrecked, the mooncussers simply needed to do away with the crew and steal the ship's cargo before benevolent lifesavers arrived on the scene.
7.
Are there modern pirates?
Correct Answer
A. Yes
Explanation
Modern pirates use high-speed boats and machine guns when attacking other ships.
8.
What children's author has written about female pirates?
Correct Answer
B. Jane Yolen
Explanation
Jane Yolen wrote "Pirates in Petticoats" in 1963.
9.
Was "walking the plank" a real pirate tradition?
Correct Answer
B. No
Explanation
Few (if any) pirate ships ever used "the plank." When pirates took over a ship, they usually let the captured crewmembers choose between joining the pirate crew or jumping overboard.
10.
Where was William "Captain" Kidd born?
Correct Answer
C. Scotland
Explanation
William "Captain" Kidd was born around 1645 in Greenock, Scotland.
11.
What pirate was featured in a famous children's book?
Correct Answer
A. Captain Hook
Explanation
Captain Hook was one of the main characters in "Peter Pan" by J. M. Barrie.