When we think about pirates, we tend to think of the long ago and the far away — deep down in the Caribbean centuries ago.
There was a popular fantasy movie series – ‘Pirates of the Caribbean.’
What about pirates on the Alabama Gulf Coast? Were there any? Where, and doing what? That will be the topic of a most unusual program Tuesday night in Mobile.
John S. Sledge, maritime historian-in-residence at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of America on Mobile’s waterfront, will take audiences 200 to 400 years into the past with settings just a few miles from home.
Did pirates come to South Mobile County? Did they sometimes headquarter near Bayou La Batre? Did they possibly hide buried treasure on the Alabama Gulf Coast?
Did the famous pirate Jean LaFitte camp in Alabama?
There’s an area and restaurant in South Baldwin County named “Pirates’ Cove.” Is it just a colorful name, or is it historically based?
Those questions and many others will be posed and answered by John Sledge Tuesday, October 21 at an appropriate venue – ‘Red Beard’s Outfitters.’ The outdoor and sporting goods shop is at 51 Kenneth Street in downtown Mobile. While it does have some pirate paraphernalia, it also has all things outdoors. The name of the shop is actually a double entendre, as owner Garrett Smith wears a red beard.
The event, ‘Pirates of the Gulfcoast’ is free. No tickets or RSVP are needed. Seating is limited. Details.
The speaker, nowadays called the resource person, has written eight books, mostly about Alabama and Mobile history.
John Sledge served for over 30 years with the City of Mobile’s Historic Development Department, retiring last year.
He was the “writer about writers” for the Sunday Mobile Press-Register with a weekly column on local authors.
Sledge was hired last year as the newly-created historian-in-residence of the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of America, located on Mobile’s waterfront.
Sledge’s books include two that are exactly on point: “The Mobile River” and “The Gulf of Mexico: A Maritime History”
Information on Sledge’s books and ordering available are here.
Could the topic of pirates of the Gulf Coast become another John Sledge book? He will be asked that Tuesday night at the presentation.
Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected]
