Send us Fan Mail

The rope snapped. Was it a sign from God—or just the last contradiction in a much bigger conspiracy?

In 1701, Captain William Kidd stood on the gallows, condemned as a pirate. But here’s the twist: just a few years earlier, he’d been a respected sea captain with a royal commission and the backing of some of England’s most powerful men. So how did a crown-approved pirate hunter become an infamous villain?

Grab your coffee and join Hollie, TheCampyTraveler, as we dig into the curious, complicated life of Captain Kidd. From a poor Scottish childhood to Caribbean mutinies, colonial battles, and the powerful friendships that shaped his fate, we’re separating the man from the legend—one suspicious turn at a time.

Plus, discover real places to explore and literary rabbit holes to follow.

This is Part One of a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the blurry line between privateer and pirate.

Where You Can Touch It

If today's episode has you itching to follow Captain Kidd's footsteps in person, I've put together today's featured destinations in the show notes — so you can plan your own dark-history adventure.

1. Dundee, Scotland

Most historians believe this is where William Kidd was born, around 1645. Walking the waterfront gives you a real sense of just how humble his beginnings were.

"This is where Captain Kidd's remarkable story begins."

2. The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum

A window into Dundee's maritime culture, and the seafaring world that shaped Kidd as a child.

"What did life look like for a poor Scottish boy growing up in a port city? This museum helps answer that."

3. Trinity Church, New York City

Kidd became a respected member of New York society and supported the early Trinity Church. Standing here really drives home how far he'd climbed.

"By this point, William Kidd wasn't just surviving — he was thriving."

4. Fort James Site (Battery Park), New York City

The original fort is long gone, but this is where Kidd helped defend the city during Leisler's Rebellion and earned the reputation that would eventually lead to his royal commission.

"This is where Captain Kidd became a hero instead of just another sailor."

5. Deptford Royal Dockyard, London

Little remains today, but this is where the Adventure Galley was built — the ship that would change everything for Kidd.

"This is where England built the ship that would ultimately destroy Captain Kidd."

6. Painted Hall & Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich

One of Britain's most beautiful maritime landmarks, sitting on the waterfront Kidd sailed past on his way out for his most famous voyage.

Books, Pop Culture & Media

Documentary

The UnXplained, hosted by William Shatner

• • "The Golden Age of Pirates" — Season 7, Episode 1 (aired Oct 4, 2024)
  • "America's Lost Treasures" — Season 4, Episode 17 (aired Nov 4, 2022)

Fictional Works

• The Gold-Bug by Edgar Allan Poe (1843) — Follows a coded treasure map said to mark the location of Captain Kidd's lost treasure. Helped cement the enduring image of Kidd as the archetypal treasure-burying pirate, influencing countless treasure-hunting stories to follow.
• The Devil and Tom Walker by Washington Irving (1824) — Inspired by Kidd's legend of buried treasure, this tale follows an ordinary man who must outwit the devil himself to claim treasure Kidd supposedly buried. Notable as one of the earliest works to fold Kidd and his treasure into American folklore.

References

• Zacks, Richard. The Pirate Hunter: The True Story of Captain Kidd. New York: Hyperion, 2002.
• Konstam, Angus. Pirates: The Complete History from 1300 BC to the Present Day. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2008.
• Marquis, Samuel. Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal. 2025.