Oak Island Buried Treasure Mystery
Uncovering the Old Secret of Nova Scotia's Money Pit
Oct 29, 2008
The digging began in 1795. Three boys were hunting on Oak Island when they noticed a certain expanse of ground did not match the terrain of the surrounding surfaces. Additionally strange--a tall, worn oak tree was growing in the spot with a marred branch, as though it once had been used to haul up something heavy.
Daniel McInnis, Anthony Vaughn and Jack Smith decided to scrutinize the area more closely. Returning to the Island after their hunt, the boys began digging. As they dug it became apparent that the earth had been dug before as it was softer than the surrounding areas. Eventually their digging uncovered a "...platform of logs."[1]
Months drifted into years. Now men, and out of money, McInnis,Vaughn and Smith almost had to abandon the digging. Their project was rescued by a Dr. Lynds who used his influence to form a company. With new resources, the digging commenced again.
Old Pirate Tale
Late one evening lights were seen burning on Oak Island of the year 1720. Local legend at the time alleged that pirates were burying treasure.
Area fishermen were curious. Two of them set out to explore the strange lights. They disappeared, presumably murdered by the supposed pirates on the island. The story was forgotten by the local residents, but not by their wives.
Failure
Year after year though the depth of the excavation increased, diggers and interested groups appeared and faded as their resources diminished. One of the problems, sea water flooded the excavation site. Even though newer techniques over time were used in the hopes of preventing the flooding, the ocean would never-the-less, find a way to overflow the site.
The last known digging ended during the 1860's when the 118 ft. shaft collapsed. Before it collapsed, a "...small piece of parchment..."[2] with letters written on it was uncovered. This remains a mystery. Also found was a stone with symbols on it. Though attempts were made to decipher the symbols, the results were questionable.
Facts
There are several facts that seem to support that something, maybe treasure, is truly buried in that spot:
- Someone or a crew dug a pit;
- The pit appeared to be intentionally linked to the ocean to prevent anyone from stealing whatever is buried there; and,
- Every so many feet there is a platform of logs.
How were the diggers able to dig to the depths of the shaft without sea water flooding them? How were they able to place a platform of logs every ten to 20 feet? What tricks or techniques did the diggers have at their disposal that allowed them to bury something significant?
Almost 100 years later, with improved technology, diggers could not perform the same maneuvers as the original diggers without severe flooding and eventual collapse. How were the first diggers able to accomplish so much?
There is reported evidence of containers at the bottom, problem is, just how to recover them. A gold chain and human remains have also been found. [3]
Unfortunately, to date, there are no answers.
Renewed Attempts in 2008, New Investors
"Four investors from Michigan (namely: Marty Lagina, Craig Tester, Rick Lagina, Alan Kostrzewa) have teamed up with long-time treasure seeker Dan Blankenship in hopes of unlocking the Oak Island mystery.
Dan Blankenship, the President of Oak Island Tours... is responsible for developing the future exploration plans." [4]
Blankenship has obtained the necessary licenses. Sophisticated research has already begun. Hopes are high the mystery will soon be solved using the latest technologies.
More Information
Sources
[1] Edward Rowe Snow, True Tales of Buried Treasure, Dodd Mead and Company, New York, NY 1967, pg. 23.
[2] Ibid., pg. 33.
[3] Ibid., pgs. 20-37.
[4] New Investors
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