Saturday, July 11, 2026

Question: Which North Carolina privateer was one of America’s most successful during the War of 1812?

Answer: Otway Burns of Swansboro captained the Snap Dragon. He was one of the most successful American privateers of the war. Operating along the Atlantic coast, he captured or destroyed numerous British vessels, disrupting enemy supply lines and bringing in valuable prizes. Burns later served as a North Carolina state senator.