The U.S. and British Virgin Islands host a wide range of visitors from North America and Europe. Eco-tourists, sailors, bar hoppers and simple beach lovers savor the majestic mountainous islands and clear turquoise waters. Another group of guests enjoyed the sanctuary, entertainment and trade opportunities of the Virgins during the “golden age of piracy.” Mostly British and Dutch, some of the most celebrated pirates lived and worked in these isles. waters. Many carry their names. The pirate Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Thatch, is memorialized by the uninhabited Great Thatch and Little Thatch Islands in the B.V.I. And, in the historic town of Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, he is honored by a 17th century Danish military tower that has been known as Blackbeard’s Castle for more than 100 years. The British island Jost Van Dyke is the largest Virgin named for a pirate. Now, the home of two internationally celebrated beach bars — the Soggy Dollar and Foxy’s — and a small picturesque village, the mostly empty island is named after the Dutch slaver and pirate Joost Van Dyke. In the early 1600s, Van Dyke founded the first settlement at Tortola’s west end. Just off Tortola’s east end is Bellamy Cay, home of The Last Resort bar and restaurant. The Cay bears the surname of Black Sam Bellamy known as the “prince of pirates” for his sound leadership and great wealth. Blackbeard, though, is the most famous pirate to have sailed these waters in the early 1700s. He also has the distinction of being ordered captured or killed by the colonial governor of Virginia, Alexander Spotswood. Like Blackbeard, Spotswood is also memorialized in geography: the town and county of Spotsylvania, Virgina. Ironically, Spotswood, Blackbeard and Black Sam Bellamy (a Blackbeard associate) all served on behalf of the British…