Pirate lore is a popular subject among many who find the idea of sailing the seven seas and buried treasure to be fascinating. After all, who could blame them? There's a certain level of intrigue when it comes to the idea of discovering gold that's centuries old. If nothing else, learning the history behind the world's most feared pirates is something that many people are interested in. And for some, this involves visiting locations where these pirates were rumored to have been familiar.
There's a small island just off the coast of Connecticut that's associated with one such pirate: Captain Kidd. It's believed - well, for anyone who believes the rumors - that his treasure is buried somewhere on the island. However, finding it is not all that simple...
The Curse Of Captain Kidd, And Several Others
Charles Island is located in Milford, Connecticut, and is supposedly where Captain Kidd laid to rest his buried treasure. Of course, this treasure has yet to be found - but it's not quite as simple as unearthing a shiny coin that will lead to a wooden chest. The treasure of Captain Kidd comes with a tale of a curse that was put on the island, and it's one that many people would believe to be true. It's said that Charles Island is 'thrice-cursed,' meaning the island wasn't cursed once, not twice, but three times, total. The first person to ever curse the land was a Paugusset chief in 1639. The chief had traded the land with European settlers. It was believed that the trade was made in anger and came as an act of revenge, thus the first curse was laid.
The second curse was that of the notorious Captain Kidd. It's said that the Scottish pirate arrived at the island and buried his treasure in 1699 but not without first cursing the land in which it was buried. It's said that he cursed the island just before he was captured and put on trial, thus adding to the hostile history behind the island's reputation. While it's believed that the treasure was buried on Gardner Island in New York, many believe that Charles Island is the actual location.
The third curse revolves around Guatmozin, a Mexican emperor during the 16th century who took the place of Montezuma. Supposedly, explorers found the treasure belonging to Guatmozin and brought it back to - surprise surprise - Connecticut. As the curse swept through the explorers, the last one standing allegedly buried the treasure on Charles Island. Thus, the third curse. Despite numerous tales of buried treasure on the island - multiple treasures, in fact - no treasure has been found, and people have tried to search for it. As it turns out, this island might just be that - an island that's fueled by lore and circumstance. However, this doesn't mean it's not worth visiting.
Visiting Charles Island
Visitors to this (very) small island are usually enamored with its remote nature, all of which has been untouched throughout the centuries. At one point, the island could have been the location for any number of things including a yacht club, military operation, amusement park, and even a nuclear power plant. In the end, it has remained an unspoiled part of Connecticut's natural coastal beauty, as well as a home for many migratory birds. Today, it's considered to be part of Silver Sands State Park, and it's actually the largest breeding colony of egrets and herons in the state. Therefore, it has become popular for those looking to go bird watching or simply enjoy the quiet nature that exists on the island.
- Fact: Visitors are not permitted on Charles Island between the months of May through August due to the nesting of its endangered bird species.
The island itself is considered to be a natural Area Preserve so, as one can imagine, digging for 'buried treasure' is prohibited on its soil. One of the most famous features of the island is called Hog Rock, and it's said that this is where Captain Kidd may have potentially buried his goods. Despite the last 300 years of searching, this fact has not been confirmed and likely never will be. Another unique geological feature of the island is the pathway that visitors can use to reach it. The island itself was formed by a glacial deposit, which left somewhat of a sandbar in its wake. This sandbar is shallow enough during low tide that visitors can cross from the mainland to the island without much trouble.
- Tip: Visitors should be wary of high tide, as it can come rushing in with little warning. It's best to check the tides prior to going and be aware of rapidly changing weather patterns.