George Washington's Secret Navy: How Pirates Won the Revolution - Children's Day USA & Long Beach California- LBC Pirate Invasion July 11 & 12 at Shoreline Park
Updated: Jun 10
Title: George Washington's Secret Navy: How 'Legal Pirates' Won the American Revolution
When we think of the American Revolutionary War, we picture classic battlefield scenes like George Washington crossing the icy Delaware River or continental soldiers lining up in blue coats. However, one of the most critical factors in securing America's independence didn't happen on land at all—it was fought on the high seas by a brave, independent fleet of private sailors who were, for all intents and purposes, legal pirates.
At the outbreak of the war in 1775, the American colonies faced a catastrophic challenge. The British Empire possessed the Royal Navy, the most formidable military fleet on earth. The newly formed United States, conversely, had almost no military ships. To defeat the global empire, George Washington and the Continental Congress issued special legal documents called 'Letters of Marque' allowing merchant ships to act as pirates, capturing British supply lines for profit and patriotism.
Suddenly, a massive fleet of fast, heavily armed 'privateers' took to the seas. These fast-sailing vessels outmaneuvered the giant, slow-moving British warships. Throughout the war, these courageous sailors captured over 3,000 British vessels. They intercepted vital shipments of gunpowder, weapons, and food meant for British troops, delivering those supplies directly to Washington's army instead.
The heroics of Captain Jonathan Haraden are a prime example of this genius naval strategy. Commanding the privateer ship General Pickering, Haraden utilized advanced sailing math, wind geometry, and velocity calculations to outmaneuver British warships twice his size. Haraden proved that battles are won not merely by raw firepower, but through critical calculations and strategic minds.
History is not just meant to be read in dusty textbooks—it is meant to be felt, heard, and experienced. At Children's Day USA and the DTRT B2B Execution Council, we believe in the power of 'Edutainment' to bring educational lessons to life for local youth, inspiring the next generation of strategic minds.
We are thrilled to invite you and your family to step back in time at the upcoming Long Beach Pirate Invasion on July 11th and 12th! Held at the beautiful Shoreline Park in Long Beach, this spectacular event features historic sailing ships, colonial encampments, live battle re-enactments, and interactive educational rows.
Bring the whole family to meet the re-enactors, see the ships, and discover the true stories of the privateers who helped shape our nation. Every ticket purchased helps fund Children's Day USA scholarship programs and the DTRT Council's anti-poverty initiatives.
Get your tickets today at childrensday-usa.org and help us bring history to life!
Event Location:
Long Beach, CA
Event Dates: July 11 & 12, 2026
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