Pirate of the Caribbean

Politics and piracy had close connections in early Jamaica, thanks to one of the most notorious pirates of the Caribbean: Sir Henry Morgan. Most believe the Welshman came to the West Indies as an indentured servant, eventually becoming a licensed privateer. With the government's blessing, Morgan plundered Spanish ships—as well as Spanish towns of the Caribbean, for which he did not have the approval of the crown.

Morgan's raids took him to Cuba's Puerto Principe (today's Camagüey), then to Portobello, returning to Jamaica laden with gold and silver. His raids—including his famous attack on Panama in retaliation for raids on Jamaica—earned Morgan the favor of King Charles II. Morgan was knighted and became deputy governor of Jamaica.

It was a job change for Morgan—in many ways. Soon Charles II decided that England should enjoy better relations with Spain. Morgan was asked to persuade the privateers of Jamaica—which some historians say made up a fifth of the island's population—to give up their marauding ways. Some of those who wouldn't stop their hunt for booty were caught and sent to trial, and often to the gallows.

Morgan himself died in Jamaica—not by the sword, but by the drink. Years of alcoholism caught up to the swashbuckler in 1688. The privateer turned knight was buried in Port Royal.