Person
Calico Jack
English pirate captain
John Rackham (21 December 1682 – 18 November 1720), commonly known as Calico Jack, os an English pirate captain operating in the Bahamas during the early 18th century (Rackham is often spelled as Rackam or Rackum in historical documentation).
His nickname is derived from the calico clothing he wears.
Active towards the end (1717–1720) of the "golden age of piracy" (1690–1730) Rackham is most remembered for two things: the design of his Jolly Roger flag, a skull with crossed swords, which contributes to the popularization of the design, and for having two female crew members (Mary Read and Rackham's lover Anne Bonny).
After deposing Charles Vane from his captaincy, Rackham cruises the Leeward Islands, Jamaica Channel and Windward Passage.
He accepts a pardon some time in 1719 and moves to New Providence, where he meets Anne Bonny, who is married to James Bonny.
When Rackham returns to piracy in 1720, by stealing a British sloop, Bonny joins him.
Their new crew includes Mary Read.
After a short run he is captured by pirate hunter Jonathan Barnet in 1720, before being hanged in November of the same year in Spanish Town, Jamaica.