SeeCalifornia.com

At California’s pirate festivals, you will rarely, if ever, see the likes of “California’s only pirate,” Hippolyte de Bouchard (shown below.) With a letter of marque — or Argentine corsair patent — the Frenchman who held dual citizenship was authorized to prey on Spanish commerce. Presidio of Monterey was one of his targets. On Nov. 20, 1818 Argentines under Bouchard’s command took the city for six days, during which time they stole cattle and burned the fort, the artillery headquarters, the governor’s residence and Spanish houses. He went to Santa Barbara afterward, but discovered it was heavily defended.  Traveling by sea once again he arrived in San Juan Capistrano where he sent 100 men to take the town. After a short fight the corsairs took some valuables and burned the Spanish houses. Then California’s pirate sailed south to Mexico to continue his raids.

This weekend Fresno Pirate Festival May 14 & 15, 2016 promises fun entertainment and plenty of wannabe pirates. They’re not as distinguished looking as Hippolyte de Bouchard, but they’re a heck of a lot nicer!