| Tortuga | |
 | |
| Continent | North America |
| Location | Off the coast of Hispaniola (modern day Haiti) |
| Population | French citizens
Slaves Buccaneers (formerly) |
| Affiliation | French Empire
British Empire (formerly) Buccaneers (formerly) |
Tortuga is an island off the coast of Hispaniola and part of the French Empire, formerly a part of the British Empire and a haven for pirates.
History[]
Background[]
Tortuga was orginally settled by a few Spanish colonits. In 1625, French and English colonists arrived on the island after originally planning to settle on Hispaniola. They were attacked by Spanish soldiers in 1629, who then fortified the island. The French quickly returned to the island, expanding on the Spanish fortifications in 1630. From then on, the island was divided between French and English colonies, allowing buccaneers to use the island as a base of operations. in 1633, slaves from Africa were brought to the island, but use of them ended by 1635 due to their being out of control. In 1635, the Spanish invaded again, expelling the English and French settlers, only to leave again because the island was too small to be of importance. By 1640, the pirates had returned and began calling themselves the Brethren of the Coast. The Spanish captured the island for a fourth time in 1654. In 1655, the French and English reoccupied the island. In 1670, the buccaneer era began its decline. Many pirates turned to log cutting and wood trading as a new source of income. Around this time, privateer Henry Morgan began promoting himself and inviting pirates on the island to sail under him. They were hired by the French as a striking force to gain a stronger hold on the Caribbean region. The pirates never had true control of the island of Tortuga, but retained it as a neutral hideout for their spoils.
In 1680, new Acts of Parliament forbade sailing under foreign flags, dealing a major blow to Caribbean pirates. In 1697, Spain officially gave up Tortuga to the French, making it part of the colony of Saint Domingue.
Season Two []
Ned Low mentions to Charles Vane that he has made camp in various places, Kingston, Port Royal and Tortuga. In every place, there was always a man who you knew not to cross[1].
After sacking Charles Town, Flint and the Spanish Man O' War stop in Tortuga to refit and gather news, of which they found plenty. They learn that Eleanor Guthrie was arrested and on her way to London to stand trial, in the custody of the Royal Navy[2].
