Pirates on the Bay
Blackbeard, Cape Henry Lighthouse, and three centuries of pirate history.
In the Golden Age of Piracy, none was more dreaded than Blackbeard. Sam, Derek, and Caitlin head for a week’s vacation at Virginia Beach, where three hundred years ago, pirates sailed the waters off the Atlantic Coast — and where one mystery has been waiting just as long.
Inside Pirates on the Bay.
Sam, Derek, and Caitlin head for a week’s vacation at Virginia Beach, where three hundred years ago, pirates sailed the waters off the Atlantic Coast. As the kids explore the beach, they find suspicious activity from the neighboring military base that points to the discovery of a historic shipwreck — maybe even lost pirate treasure!
When they meet a mysterious stranger named One-Eyed Jack, they’re captivated by the tale of Edward Teach, better known as the notorious pirate Blackbeard. Legend says he may have left valuable plunder buried in the nearby dunes before his final battle and violent death. Could the treasure still be out there, waiting to be discovered?
When the clues lead them on a perilous trip across the Chesapeake Bay, danger lurks at every turn. Will they find a hidden bounty, or will competing treasure seekers, or even Blackbeard’s ghost, send them to a watery grave at the bottom of the sea?
Inside these pages
Climb Cape Henry Lighthouse.
Cape Henry Lighthouse, completed in 1792, was the first lighthouse authorized, completed, and lighted by the new United States government. You can still climb it today. It stands at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, overlooking waters once traveled by colonial ships, naval vessels, and pirates, including the legendary Blackbeard.
Pair it with a visit to First Landing State Park — where the English colonists who went on to found Jamestown first set foot on Virginia soil in 1607 — for a full day of Virginia Beach history.
Cape Henry & First Landing
The real history behind the book
Blackbeard terrorized the Atlantic coast in 1717–18, including the waters off Virginia. He was killed in a battle with the Royal Navy at Ocracoke Inlet in November 1718.
The first federal public works project authorized by the United States. Still standing, still open to climb. Spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay entrance.
Named for the spot where the Jamestown colonists first landed in 1607. Trails through cypress swamp, miles of Chesapeake Bay beach, and one of Virginia Beach’s most beautiful state parks.
Free downloadable comprehension quiz, pirate-era tie-in materials, and a chapter-by-chapter discussion guide for Pirates on the Bay.
What readers are saying
“National Treasure meets Pirates of the Caribbean. Author Steven K. Smith captures the magic of Treasure Island, but brings it up to date, grounding it in Virginia History.”
— Reader review
“My 6 year old son and 9 year old daughter… Pirates on the Bay was hard to put down. So much adventure and suspense!”
— Abby
“As a military family, we were especially excited that some of the action takes place on Ft. Story… it takes on a whole new feel.”
— Parent
“This 10th book shows the boys in the middle of a grand adventure and learning some history at the same time… should be required reading in Virginia.”
— Reader review
All 12 Virginia Mysteries
Using Pirates on the Bay in your classroom?
Free comprehension quiz, discussion guide, and One Book, One School program materials available. Plus bulk pricing for classroom sets and signed copies.
Start the adventure.
Available in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook everywhere books are sold — or order a signed copy direct from Steven.