A piece of pirate history is now anchored in Greenville at ECU's West Research campus.

The grapnel, which archaeologists believe belongs to Blackbeard's ship the Queen Anne's Revenge, will be cleaned before going on display.

The 4 and-a-half foot anchor was resting loose in the sand in the Beaufort Inlet and scientists felt it was time to bring it up. Only two of the four prongs remain on the metal anchor.

The anchor was in the water for about 300 years.

The site in the Beaufort Inlet has been excavated since 1996 when the wreckage was found. About 25 cannons, three large anchors and the grapnel are just some of the items that have been found.