Henry Morgan

Profession: Pirate

Nationality:

Biography: Henry Morgan was a Welsh privateer who operated in the Caribbean in the 17th century. He is best known for his raids against the Spanish, which made him a wealthy and influential figure.

Morgan likely came to the Caribbean as a young man seeking fortune. He became a privateer under Sir Thomas Modyford, the Governor of Jamaica, who gave him letters of marque to attack Spanish ships and settlements during times of war between England and Spain.

Morgan conducted several lucrative raids, including attacks on Puerto del Príncipe, Cuba in 1667, and Porto Bello, Panama in 1668. His most famous exploit was the raid on Maracaibo and Gibraltar in 1668-69.

In 1671, Morgan led an attack on Panama City after peace had been declared with Spain. While this was his greatest military victory, it caused an international crisis and led to his arrest in England. He was exonerated and knighted by King Charles II in 1674, however, and returned to Jamaica as lieutenant governor.

As a politician in Jamaica, Morgan was involved in feuds with other governors over privateer activity. He owned prosperous sugar plantations that relied on the labor of enslaved Africans. Morgan sued over Alexandre Exquemelin's memoir which portrayed him negatively.

Morgan's health declined in his later years, and he died in Jamaica in 1688.

Birthplace: Llanrhymny, Wales

Died: August 25, 1688