10 Treasures Buried by Famous Pirates That Remain Unfound

Pirates have long been associated with tales of hidden treasures, buried in secret locations to keep their plunder safe from enemies and authorities. Over the centuries, these stories have captured imaginations, with many treasures still remaining undiscovered. From Caribbean islands to remote shores and sunken ships, the legends of these hidden hoards are as varied as the pirates who buried them. Though countless treasure hunters have searched for these riches, the mysteries remain unsolved.

Edward Low’s Hidden Fortune

Edward Low, one of the most feared pirates of the early 18th century, was known for his brutality and his ability to evade capture. Operating primarily in the Caribbean and along the American coastline, he amassed considerable wealth from his numerous raids. Legend has it that he buried part of his fortune on a remote island in the Caribbean, though the exact location remains unknown. His treasure is rumored to include gold doubloons, silver ingots, and rare gemstones stolen from merchant ships. Theories suggest it could be hidden in the Bahamas or the Florida Keys, both areas frequented by him and his crew. Despite extensive searches by treasure hunters, no conclusive evidence of his hidden riches has been uncovered. His infamy and his mysterious end only add to the intrigue surrounding his lost treasure.

Bartholomew Roberts’ Secret Stash

Bartholomew Roberts, also known as Black Bart, was one of the most successful pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy, capturing over 400 ships during his career. With such a vast amount of loot at his disposal, it’s believed that he may have hidden portions of his treasure in various locations. One prominent legend places his stash on the islands off the coast of West Africa, where he often operated. His treasure is said to consist of gold coins, silver bars, and fine jewelry taken from wealthy merchant ships. He was killed in a naval battle in 1722, leaving the exact whereabouts of his wealth a mystery. The remote and dangerous nature of the African coast has made searching for his hidden fortune a daunting task. Black Bart’s legacy as one of the richest pirates continues to fuel the search for his elusive treasure.

Blackbeard’s Treasure

Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, terrorized the American East Coast and the West Indies during the early 18th century. Despite his notorious reputation, the exact location of his amassed wealth remains a mystery. Legends suggest that Blackbeard buried his treasure along the coastlines he frequented, possibly in North Carolina or the Caribbean islands. The hoard is rumored to include gold, silver, and precious gems plundered from numerous ships. Blackbeard’s flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, was discovered off the coast of North Carolina, but no significant treasure was found aboard. This has led many to believe that his riches were hidden elsewhere before his death in 1718. Modern treasure hunters continue to search for clues, but his fortune remains one of the most enduring pirate mysteries.

Captain Kidd’s Treasure

Captain William Kidd, initially commissioned as a privateer, turned to piracy in the late 17th century. Before his capture in 1699, he allegedly buried a portion of his loot on Gardiners Island, New York. This cache was recovered and used as evidence against him during his trial. However, rumors persist of additional hidden treasures in undisclosed locations, possibly in the Caribbean or along the Eastern Seaboard. These treasures are believed to consist of gold, silver, and valuable trade goods from his raids. Despite numerous expeditions, no substantial findings have been reported. His enigmatic legacy continues to intrigue historians and treasure seekers alike.

Olivier Levasseur’s Cryptogram

Olivier Levasseur, known as “La Buse” (The Buzzard), was a French pirate active in the Indian Ocean during the early 18th century. Before his execution in 1730, he allegedly threw a cryptogram into the crowd, challenging them to find his hidden treasure. The cryptogram, composed of 17 lines, has baffled cryptographers and treasure hunters for centuries. The treasure is rumored to be buried on islands such as Réunion or the Seychelles. It purportedly includes gold, silver, and precious stones amassed from his piratical activities. Despite numerous attempts to decode the cryptogram, his treasure remains undiscovered. The legend continues to inspire adventurers and researchers worldwide.

Treasure of the Esperanza

In 1816, the Spanish ship Esperanza was reportedly carrying a vast treasure from Peru when it was captured by pirates. The pirates allegedly buried the treasure on Palmyra Atoll, a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. The hoard is said to include gold, silver, and precious stones valued at over $10 million. Despite numerous expeditions, including those inspired by survivor accounts, the treasure has never been found. The atoll’s treacherous waters and dense vegetation have hindered search efforts. Some believe it was washed away by storms or remains buried deep beneath the sand. The legend of the Esperanza treasure continues to intrigue treasure hunters.

Captain Henry Every’s Treasure

Henry Every, also known as “Long Ben,” was an English pirate who captured the Ganj-i-Sawai, a Mughal ship, in 1695. The loot from this single raid was immense, including gold, silver, and jewels. After the raid, Every disappeared, leading to speculation that he buried his treasure. Possible locations include the Bahamas, Madagascar, or the Irish coast. Despite extensive searches, no trace of his treasure has been found. Some historians believe he may have lived out his life quietly, spending his wealth. The mystery of his fate and the location of his treasure remains unsolved.

Roche Braziliano’s Lost Loot

Roche Braziliano, a Dutch pirate active in the 17th century, was notorious for his cruelty and penchant for gold. He operated in the Caribbean, targeting Spanish galleons loaded with treasures from the New World. He is believed to have hidden his plunder on Jamaica’s remote shores, possibly in a cave or secluded inlet near Port Royal. His treasure reportedly included gold coins, silver bars, and valuable jewels seized during his raids. Over the centuries, treasure hunters have scoured the island for clues, but none have found definitive proof of his hidden hoard. Port Royal’s history as a pirate haven and its partial submersion due to an earthquake in 1692 complicates the search. To this day, his fortune remains a tantalizing mystery, with many believing it lies buried beneath the island’s historic ruins or under the sea.

Jean Lafitte’s Gulf Coast Treasure

Jean Lafitte, a French pirate and privateer, dominated the Gulf of Mexico in the early 19th century. Known for his intricate smuggling operations, Lafitte amassed vast wealth, including gold coins, silver bars, and rare artifacts. He is said to have buried parts of his treasure along the Gulf Coast, possibly in Louisiana or Texas. One popular legend places a hidden hoard on Galveston Island, where he established a base of operations in the early 1800s. Over the years, various expeditions have unearthed coins and artifacts, but no significant caches have been discovered. His treasure might also be hidden in the swamps of Barataria Bay, where he ran a smuggling network. His legacy as both a pirate and a patriot adds to the enduring allure of his unfound riches.

Sir Francis Drake’s Treasure

Sir Francis Drake, a renowned English privateer, explored and raided Spanish settlements in the Americas during the late 16th century. Known as a hero in England and a pirate to the Spanish, he accumulated vast riches from his exploits. According to legend, some of his plundered treasures were buried along the Pacific coast of Central America, possibly in Panama or Nicaragua. His most famous treasure haul reportedly came from capturing the Spanish ship Cacafuego, laden with gold, silver, and precious jewels. While much of this was transported to England, some believe he hid portions of it to safeguard against attacks during his voyages. The exact location of his supposed buried treasure remains unknown, though enthusiasts continue to search coastal caves and jungles. His treasure, whether real or mythical, is a symbol of his adventurous and controversial legacy.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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