In the heart of RI’s Narragansett Bay lives the quiet community of Jamestown.  While doing research on pirates in New England I discovered that several stories connected to this placid island. The most exciting of all concerned Capt. Kidd. Before Kidd sailed to Boston to turn himself into the authorities, he made a stop at Jamestown to visit his friend Capt. Thomas Paine. In order to avoid being arrested, it was said that he rowed a boat into Pirate Cave and slinked into the Paine’s home under the cloak of night. During his visit he had given some valuables to Paine and just as he did on Gardner Island, buried another portion of his treasure near the cave. 

When I first read about this cave, I didn’t take it very seriously since stories from our colonial past are often greatly embellished. Over time, I heard mention of this a Pirate Cave and Cove in several other books and stories. Though its name sounded like it was borne from childish fantasies, I began to believe that it might exist. In fall of 2003, I came across a geological survey that mentioned a Pirate Cave. Unfortunately the cave mention was said to be located in Newport. Digging a bit more I found the Newport Pirate Cave mentioned once again. Now I was confused. Pirates Cave, or Pirates Cove, Jamestown, or Newport, which one was it?

        Spring 2004 I decide to take a shot in the dark and head out to Jamestown to find the cave. After much time was spent surveying Topographical maps, aerial photos, and literary references, I decide that the cave had to be on the East side of beaver tail. My goal was to keep going until I found the cave or until I came to an insurmountable point. Most of the hike along the rocky shore was fairly easy, though exhausting. The steep cliffs provided many misleading shadows and crevasses. Every turn summoned a great anticipation to what may lay ahead. Though there were many moments of great disappointment, the thoughts of rediscovering Kidd's cave and the stories of treasure buried close help to motivate me to keep going.

As I proceeded up the coast, the path became more and more difficult. The coves I had to negotiate consisted of vertical rock face with a dense shrub at the top. Each one more was difficult than the last. Looking at my maps, I could see that the 5^th cove I was about to come to was the most difficult yet. I decided that if I didn’t see anything promising, I’d call it a day. As soon as I came to the southern edge, I spotted it. There it was, a cave on the other side of the cove.

       Immediately I noticed how useful the cave would be for a salty rogue trying to sneak in by night. It was large enough to hide a boat and had a natural dock and stairway to the top of the cliff. It appeared to go about 30-40 feet into the bedrock with a ceiling approximately 20 or more feet high. The fact that it was located in a very deep cove lead me to believe that is why it was also refer to as Pirate Cove in some stories.

        Though the aerial photos showed a path around the cove, The path I found had many years of overgrowth. The USGS photos I use are very outdates.  I decided it would be best to make my own path and stay close to the edge of the cliff. The ground was wet and slippery. Each step was taken with one hand anchored on a branch or vine.  Once I arrived at the other side, I took a deep breath and relax. My moment of comfort was interrupted by the realization that I would have to traverse the jungle of thorns and thicket on my return to civilization.

Thought I believed I had found the Pirate Cave, I had no way to confirm this. Other than the fact that it fit the details and descriptions found in books, I had no way of knowing if this was the Pirate Cave written about. The fact that I had also found mention of a Pirate Cave in Newport left me wondering. None the less, deep down inside I felt that I had found the cave. My discovery was finally authenticate when  I spotted a stereo photo of Pirate cave on another web site. My mission was now complete. As soon as I can get permission from a webmaster of the other site, I will post the antiques picture of Pirate Cave with this story.

~Strange NE

** One thing I felt I need to mention about this adventure was what I discover the next day. On the return to my car I passed by many local anglers dropping fishing of the cliffs of lower Beavers Tail. I greeted each of them as I passed as I always do.  I didn't know any by name but they were always very friendly and helpful. The waves crashing on the rocky shore were larger than usual that day. The remaining energy from a hurricane down south provided a show for locals to watch. I took a moment to enjoy the sites and then headed home. On the news the following day it was reported that a man fishing off Beavertail fell into the ocean to his death around 5pm. That was the exact time I had been passing the fishermen. Many thoughts raced through mind. I didn't know the man but felt like I had lost a friend. Soon my thoughts turned to my own safety. I had gone on this adventure alone as I often do. My need to reclaim a forgotten place once again blinded me from the great risk I was taking. There were many moments where I too could have been visiting Davey Jones locker. The news of the death of the fisherman made me realize the importance of having a partner along when out on an adventure.