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Oak Island Money Pit

For over 200 years, treasure hunters have dug into Oak Island seeking rumored treasure. Booby traps flood the tunnels. Six people have died. Theories include pirate gold, the Holy Grail, and Shakespeare's manuscripts.

1795 - Present
Oak Island, Nova Scotia
1000+ witnesses

The Oak Island Money Pit has obsessed treasure hunters for over two centuries.

The Legend

According to documented accounts:

In 1795:

  • Teenagers discovered a depression
  • Began digging
  • Found platforms every 10 feet
  • Oak logs, coconut fiber, charcoal
  • The “Money Pit” was born

The Mystery

Every excavation:

  • Hit flood tunnels
  • Water poured in
  • Refilled the pit
  • Seemingly engineered
  • A booby trap system

The Deaths

Six people have died:

  • During excavation attempts
  • Accidents and cave-ins
  • A prophecy says seven must die
  • Before treasure is found
  • One more to go

What’s Down There?

Theories include:

  • Captain Kidd’s treasure
  • Marie Antoinette’s jewels
  • The Holy Grail
  • The Ark of the Covenant
  • Shakespeare’s manuscripts
  • Nothing at all

Modern Excavation

The History Channel:

  • “The Curse of Oak Island”
  • Ongoing since 2014
  • Advanced technology used
  • Some artifacts found
  • Mystery continues

The Evidence

Findings include:

  • Coconut fiber (not native)
  • Ancient coins
  • Possible man-made structures
  • Metal objects
  • But no main treasure

Sources

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