Lost Treasures: Captain Kidd's Loot - The Archaeology and Metal Detecting Magazine

Captain William “Robert” Kidd, a Scottish sea captain of the late 17th century, had established himself in early New York City. Initially commissioned as a privateer, Kidd engaged in sailing and attacking ships involved in piracy and the enemies of England, particularly the French, starting from May 1696.

Kidd’s transition from privateer to pirate occurred when he embarked on a voyage to Madagascar and the Indian Ocean, known hotspots for piracy during that era. However, the expedition yielded no success, as there were scarce ships to plunder, leading to frustration among the crew. Additionally, an outbreak of cholera claimed the lives of approximately one-third of his men, exacerbating the situation. Amid further unsuccessful raids, tensions rose, culminating in an altercation where Kidd fatally struck a crew member, William Moore, with a bucket to the head.

On January 30, 1698, Kidd’s fortunes took a turn when he and his crew seized their most significant prize, the 400-ton Quedagh Merchant, which held a valuable cargo worth around 15,000 British pounds (equivalent to over $2 million USD today).

Upon learning of Kidd’s piracy activities, he decided to return to New York, where he hoped for protection from his influential acquaintances. Before reaching New York, however, Kidd took precautions by burying his treasure on Gardiner’s Island. Despite his hopes for protection, Kidd was apprehended upon arrival.

After revealing the location of his buried treasure, it was unearthed and sent back to England as evidence against him during his trial. Kidd was convicted of piracy and the murder of Moore, subsequently executed by hanging on May 23, 1701. Some recent assertions suggest that Kidd was not a true pirate but rather acted in accordance with his role as a privateer and his political beliefs. Kidd vehemently proclaimed his innocence during his trial, emphasizing that he was falsely accused by perjured individuals.

Legend has it that Kidd, nearing the end of his life, claimed to have hidden another treasure, sparking the curiosity of treasure hunters for generations. While there is limited evidence supporting the theory of Kidd’s treasure being buried on Oak Island, it gained traction in the early days of treasure hunting and persists as a popular speculation to this day.

One possible finding may related to Kidd’s treasure:

According to Jessica Elgot of The Guardian, a group of divers stumbled upon a silver bar while investigating the shallow waters near Saint Marie Island. Their primary objective was to search for remnants of the Adventure Galley, the ship of William Kidd, which had been found submerged in 2000. Previous expeditions had yielded only artifacts like old rum bottles and pottery fragments, lacking any significant treasure—until now.

Despite Kidd’s demise, speculation persisted regarding the existence of untold riches from his escapades. Explorer Barry Clifford, who had uncovered the ship over a decade ago, remains convinced that more treasures lie beneath the ocean’s depths. While Clifford’s team is confident in the authenticity of their discovery, they intend to verify their findings through the analysis of wood samples extracted from the shipwreck.

Regardless of its authenticity, the discovered silver bar is undeniably substantial. Clifford’s team showcased their find to the president of Madagascar, aiming to leverage it for tourism promotion in the country. The president’s office shared a photo of the discovery on Twitter, emphasizing its significance: “Saint Marie Island: Discovery of a wreck and treasure in the waters of the Island of Saint Marie.”