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BURIED TREASURE OF CASCO BAY: A Guide For The Modern Hunter
BURIED TREASURE OF CASCO BAY: A Guide For The Modern Hunter
B. F. KENNEDY, JR. Forest City Printing Company South Portland, Maine THIRD PRINTING All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Copyright © 1963 by B. F. Kennedy, Jr. To my father: B. F. KENNEDY, Sr. who loved Casco Bay very much. B. K....
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The following people helped me greatly in the compilation of this book. The Author Miss Jessie B. Trefethen Peaks Island, Maine Mr. Herbert G. Jones Portland, Maine Mr. Francis O’Brien Portland, Maine Mr. Martin Coombs South Portland, Maine...
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
This little endeavor of mine that follows, is a small effort in a literary way, to acquaint the reader with modern methods and information on the art of treasure hunting and various facts and locations of same. The Author sincerely hopes that you gather some information and entertainment from the reading of this book. THE AUTHOR April 14, 1962...
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About the Author — Retired in 1976 — Now City Historian for South Portland, Maine
About the Author — Retired in 1976 — Now City Historian for South Portland, Maine
B. F. Kennedy, Jr. was born in Portland, Maine in 1916 and has spent most of his life in this area, attending grammar school and high school in Portland. Mr. Kennedy has also worked as a ship chandler and a drugstore clerk. A collector by nature, his favorite hobbies besides treasure-hunting are bottle collecting and mineralogy. The author has done extensive research on buried and sunken treasure locales. Working on information furnished by Mr. Kennedy, scuba divers located three brass Revolutio
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FOREWORD
FOREWORD
The locations given in this book do not guarantee that you will find treasure there, or anywhere in Casco Bay. These locations are places where history took place, maybe you will find treasure and maybe not. The Author does not want to mislead you into thinking, that if you dig at any of these locations; you will find buried treasure. B. KENNEDY...
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CHAPTER I HOW TREASURE WAS BURIED
CHAPTER I HOW TREASURE WAS BURIED
The word, “treasure,” has excited people the world over for centuries. When we were mere children we read about hidden treasure being buried on lonely isles, by bands of cutthroat pirates, also the burying of caches of money by the outlaws and bandits of the old West. The early settlers were always hiding their money from the Indians and bandits, and the best place to put their money was, of course, in the ground, as they had no bank vaults in which to keep it safe. So down through the years tho
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CHAPTER II FORT GORGES
CHAPTER II FORT GORGES
Fort Gorges is on Hog Island, Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, it is a stone fort in a commanding position on a reef, guarding the entrances to the upper harbor as well as to the ship channel. Although designed to complete the harbor defense, it was not built until much later than the earlier forts, Preble and Scammell. It was commenced in 1858 but was not completed until 1864 or 1865. It was built under the direction of Captain Casey, of the United States Engineering Corps, and in bomb-proofs and ba
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CHAPTER III FORT SCAMMELL
CHAPTER III FORT SCAMMELL
On House Island, Casco Bay, you will find Fort Scammell. This fort was built in 1808, under the direction of Mr. H.A.S. Dearborn, who under authorization of the War Department, purchased for twelve hundred dollars, all the southwest part of House Island containing twelve acres more or less. On the highest point of this island an octagonal block-house of timber was erected, with a porthole and a gun on each side. The upper story projecting over the lower, two or three feet; contained the battery.
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CHAPTER IV PEAKS ISLAND
CHAPTER IV PEAKS ISLAND
The Island of Peaks is located in Casco Bay and is approximately three miles due east from Portland. It only takes a fifteen minute boat ride to arrive at Peaks. There are several good locations here for the treasure seeker, especially if he or she is armed with a good metal detector. The first location that I shall mention is located on the northerly end of the island. It is about three-quarters of a mile from the boat landing. A few years ago construction of an addition to the Island school ho
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CHAPTER V CUSHING’S ISLAND
CHAPTER V CUSHING’S ISLAND
One of our next stops should include this island of Casco Bay. It is located just across the channel from Willard Beach, South Portland; in an easterly direction from Willard Beach. First of all, why do we wish to treasure hunt here? A little history at this point might help the modern hunter, just a bit. We will go back in history to the year 1632. The first pirate ever heard of in the annals of piracy, was called; “Dixie Bull”. This pirate was believed to be of English descent. He robbed and s
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CHAPTER VI SIMONTON’S COVE or WILLARD BEACH So. Portland
CHAPTER VI SIMONTON’S COVE or WILLARD BEACH So. Portland
This cove located on the easterly end of South Portland facing Casco Bay is the scene of early settlers to this part of the Cape, (Elizabeth). Today the cove is known as Willard Beach. It was named for Captain Ben Willard, who was born there in 1828. Ben was a fisherman, pilot, and stevedore. This beach was used by the early settlers, of about 1813 as a landing spot for their fishing boats. Many little homesteads sprung up in this area in the early 1800’s. The old houses, of course, are gone now
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CHAPTER VII PORTLAND HEAD LIGHT AREA
CHAPTER VII PORTLAND HEAD LIGHT AREA
The history book tells us that many of the old sailing vessels came to grief in this area. Portland Head Light is located on the government reservation of Fort Williams and you definitely can not search here; but the area outside of the Fort should receive your attention. If you proceed in a southeasterly direction along the shoreline, going away from the Fort there is no telling what you might find. The ships that were wrecked in this area of the bay, carried all kinds of cargo; such as silks,
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CHAPTER VIII CLIFF ISLAND
CHAPTER VIII CLIFF ISLAND
The location of this island will take us down the bay beyond Peaks Island, and about three miles due east from Long Island. Many stories have been written about Cliff Island. Some were fact and others were legendary. We will try to stay with the facts as close as possible. First a little about the geography of Cliff Island. It has great coves, low sand bars, and many lush pine groves; a nicer haven for the artist, scholar, or traveler, has not been found. The Island has not always been known as
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CHAPTER IX RICHMOND’S ISLAND
CHAPTER IX RICHMOND’S ISLAND
Here we have one of the earliest settlements in the Casco Bay area. In 1604, Champlain, the great explorer, landed here on Richmond’s Island. This was, of course, sixteen years before the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. In other words, this island has a real old history in the annals of time. The first trader or shop keeper to settle here was Walter Bagnall. He traded with the Indians and got along fine until he started to cheat them. That was his undoing, as they found
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CHAPTER X TURNER’S ISLAND
CHAPTER X TURNER’S ISLAND
This small island was settled by Ralph Turner in 1659. He was a farmer who kept his cows and garden on this island. He, however, did not live on the island, but had a house on the mainland of the Cape. The river on which the island was located was called Casco River. It is now called Fore River and is a part of Casco Bay, or an inlet from the Bay. Turner’s house was located near Barbeery Creek, which now is industrial property in South Portland. I mention this location because of its early settl
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CHAPTER XI PORTLAND, MAINE EASTERN SHORE LINE
CHAPTER XI PORTLAND, MAINE EASTERN SHORE LINE
The largest city in Maine offers the modern treasure seeker good hunting grounds, especially the eastern side of town. This area is called the east-end bathing beach. The shore line here was the scene of Indian attacks and burning of houses back in the year 1775 when Portland was known as Falmouth Neck. The British Admiral, Mowatt, attacked and destroyed by shell fire the area from the Eastern Promenade to Monument Square, and included the waterfront in this destruction. If you think about this
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CHAPTER XII CAPE ELIZABETH SHORE LINE
CHAPTER XII CAPE ELIZABETH SHORE LINE
When starting out to check this shoreline a good starting point in my estimation would be at the “Two Lights” section of the Cape. Go along the shore checking as you proceed; all spots, both among the rocks, sand, and higher water line. A short walk will bring you to the State of Maine Park. Here you will not be able to use your instruments as there are restrictions, but go beyond the park in a westerly direction and this will lead you around the point to Crescent Beach. In years past there have
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CHAPTER XIII MACKWORTH’S ISLAND
CHAPTER XIII MACKWORTH’S ISLAND
Mackworth’s Island has an unusual and interesting background. According to historians, the Indian Sagamore of Casco, known as Cocawesco, made his home here. On an old English chart it is called Macken’s Island. The island was named for Arthur Mackworth, who came to this country in 1631. He died in 1657 and was buried on the island. The State of Maine School for the Deaf is located on this island, which may be reached from the mainland via a causeway. Please get permission before trespassing on t
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CHAPTER XIV JEWELL’S ISLAND
CHAPTER XIV JEWELL’S ISLAND
Now here is an island that fairly reeks with legend and treasure lore. Certainly no island in the Bay so ideally lends itself to piratical practices with its deep landlocked harbor, hidden coves and thick woods that even today shelter all observation from the sea. All of which lends credence to staunch belief that at one time in its history it was the favorite haunt of smugglers and pirates. Jewell is only a little island of but two hundred and twenty-one acres, one of the outer islands that fri
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CHAPTER XV GREAT CHEBEAGUE ISLAND
CHAPTER XV GREAT CHEBEAGUE ISLAND
Here we have one of the largest islands in Casco Bay. The name is pronounced “Shar-Big.” This name in Indian language means “land of many springs.” The Indians used this large island as a gathering place for their outings and feasts. Many Indian families would come to Chebeague Island and spend the day boating, fishing and eating. The Indians were the forerunners of the modern day tourist. On Chebeague you will find large shell heaps still visible after hundreds of years. These piles of shells a
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CHAPTER XVI GREAT DIAMOND ISLAND
CHAPTER XVI GREAT DIAMOND ISLAND
The history of this island, located just across the channel in a northerly direction from Peaks Island, dates back to the year 1635 when a lease was given to George Cleeves and Richard Tucker by Sir Fernando Gorges, the King of England’s Representative. Diamond Island is one of the earliest settled parts of our state. There is an old chart dated 1760 that shows farm buildings on the south side of the island. One can still see the remains of an old graveyard with unmarked stones. The deep water n
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CHAPTER XVII POND ISLAND
CHAPTER XVII POND ISLAND
In the vicinity of Harpswell you will find a small island that became one of the most treasure explored islands in Casco Bay. Here we find, if we check our legends of the islands, the spot of land in our island studded bay that is said to be the location of the Boston Pirate Low’s hidden treasure chest. To tell you a little about this I will go back to the year 1726. At this time Pirate Low was sailing in and around Casco Bay as he was preying on the northern shipping lanes. A Spanish galleon na
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CHAPTER XVIII FORT PREBLE
CHAPTER XVIII FORT PREBLE
Here we have a fort that was started in 1808 and finished about 1812, just before the War of 1812. It was named for Commodore Preble, prominent in the Revolutionary Navy. At the time of the Civil War it was enlarged and had a complement of 72 guns. The early fortress was of whitewashed brick ramparts which faced the channel. On the site of this fort a log meeting house once stood, a gathering place for the earliest settlers of this area. This location may be reached by going to South Portland an
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CHAPTER XIX FRENCH’S ISLAND
CHAPTER XIX FRENCH’S ISLAND
Considerable Indian interest is attached to French’s Island in the lower bay. An Indian skull was found under three feet of clam shells and it was figured that the skull was three or four centuries old. French’s Island is located between Great Chebeague and Goose Island and to the south of Bustin’s Island. To reach this island you proceed to Flying Point, Freeport, then by boat to Bustin’s Island, then over to French’s. It is a short trip from the mainland. You will have to hire someone with a m
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CHAPTER XX BAILEY’S ISLAND
CHAPTER XX BAILEY’S ISLAND
Here history tells us that the first settlers arrived about 1743. This island is one of the larger islands of Casco Bay and there are still many of the old homesteads there. A definite link with this early period still standing on Bailey Island is the so-called “Gardiner” house built in 1818. It stands back from the road at the northern end of the island and in the rear is an ancient well. The timber came from the ruins of a log house built by Deacon Timothy Bailey, for whom the island was named
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CHAPTER XXI ORR’S ISLAND
CHAPTER XXI ORR’S ISLAND
One of America’s famous authors, Harriet Beecher Stowe, made this island stand out in the annals of Casco Bay by writing her popular story, “The Pearl of Orr’s Island.” This story was published in 1862 when the island itself was practically isolated and unknown. The appearance of this story was a literary event for thousands of Mrs. Stowe’s readers. The island takes its name from two brothers; namely, Clement and John Orr, who in 1748 bought the greater part of the island for two shillings an ac
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CHAPTER XXII HARPSWELL NECK
CHAPTER XXII HARPSWELL NECK
This long neck of scenic beauty is a close neighbor of Orr’s Island. It lies to the north, northwest and can be reached by auto via the rotary traffic circle at Brunswick, Maine. Many stories and tales have been written about Harpswell, some fact and others legend. Each has its own place in American literature. Located on the east side of the Harpswells is the site of the Skolfield Shipyard. This yard was the birthplace of many rugged sea-going vessels. Some were three masted and others six. The
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CHAPTER XXIII SHELTER ISLAND
CHAPTER XXIII SHELTER ISLAND
“Shelter Island,” as you pronounce the name, it sounds almost like “Treasure Island” of Robert Louis Stevenson fame. It not only sounds like it, but this island comes as close to “Treasure Island” as any island in the entire bay. We don’t seem to read or hear too much about this small island in the very middle of Casco Bay. It is more or less hidden from the open sea and was a perfect hiding place for the smuggler and privateer who plied these waters while trying to escape and hide from the reve
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CHAPTER XXIV LONG ISLAND
CHAPTER XXIV LONG ISLAND
On our way down the bay we will find Long Island nestled in between Peaks and Great Chebeague Islands, but don’t sell this island short, as it has a history going back to the sixteen hundreds. The first settlers were here around 1640, so you see we have a background of real early history on Long Island. The Indians gave special attention to Long Island because of its many fresh water springs. It was, and still is, a delightful place to put on an old fashioned shore dinner. The early settlers and
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CHAPTER XXV PETTENGILL ISLAND
CHAPTER XXV PETTENGILL ISLAND
To locate this small island we will follow Route 1 north from Portland until we reach Freeport Village. Here we will make a right turn at the yellow blinker light and follow the signs to Flying Point. When we reach Flying Point we will look offshore across the small bay and there we will see Pettengill Island. There are no inhabitants on this island although I believe it is privately owned. The Author rowed over to Pettengill and landed on the rocky southwest point. Here I discovered an old iron
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CHAPTER XXVI SEBASCODEGAN or GREAT ISLAND
CHAPTER XXVI SEBASCODEGAN or GREAT ISLAND
This large island lies between Orr’s Island and the mainland. You will cross this island on your way to Orr’s Island and Bailey’s Island. It seems to be part of the mainland but actually is not. The name “Sebascodegan” in Indian language means “marshy place and a place for gun-firing.” Thus, the interpretation would mean “a good place for hunting water fowl.” To reach Sebascodegan proceed the same way as though you were going to Orr’s Island. That is, go to Brunswick and follow the signs to Orr’
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CHAPTER XXVII TREASURE HUNTING EQUIPMENT
CHAPTER XXVII TREASURE HUNTING EQUIPMENT
Some of the treasure hunters that I know really load themselves down with all sorts of equipment. They remind me of a pack mule. You do not have to have a truck load of this hardware on your back. Here I will mention the essential articles you should take along on your next treasure hunting expedition. First, I would put down on my list a metal detector, of course. Next, I would take a folding Army trench shovel. These can be purchased in almost all Army surplus stores. Next, I would take along
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
BIBLIOGRAPHY
William Willis’ History of Portland Vol. I & II Bailey and Noyes Portland, Maine 1885 Forts of Maine by Henry E. Dunnack State of Maine Librarian 1924 Isles of Casco Bay by Herbert G. Jones 1946...
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