Public Gaol (Jail)

Thieves, enslaved runaways, debtors, and political prisoners once paced the cells of the Public Gaol as they waited to be tried—or hanged. Perhaps the Gaol's most notorious inmates were several pirates who served under Blackbeard and were captured with him in 1718. Enjoy a self-guided exploration of the cells where prisoners were held as they awaited trial and punishment.

We recommend planning to spend at least 10 minutes at this site, but we welcome you to explore at your own pace.