16 Incredible Treasures Hidden in Maryland

By Keith Jackson - Geologist

| Updated

16 Incredible Treasures Hidden in Maryland

By Keith Jackson - Geologist

Updated

Did you know that Maryland is hiding some pretty incredible treasures? You might not believe it, but there are lost fortunes scattered across this state, and some are worth millions of dollars. The thought of discovering hidden gold or priceless artifacts has always sparked excitement here.

If you’re a fan of adventure, Maryland is the perfect place to go treasure hunting. Whether you’re exploring old ghost towns or searching the shores of its rivers, there’s always a chance you might stumble upon something amazing. The thrill of the hunt is a big part of the fun, and who knows what could be waiting to be uncovered?

Over the years, many legends and stories have been passed down about treasures that are still out there. Some say pirates hid their loot in the Chesapeake Bay, while others believe gold was buried in the mountains. Whatever the tale, these lost treasures are a huge part of Maryland’s rich history. Ready to start your search?

The Incredible Treasures Of Maryland That Are Waiting To Be Discovered

Explore the uncharted paths and search for treasures that remain hidden from view:

The Lost Treasure of the Patapsco River – $20,000,000+

The Lost Treasure of the Patapsco River is one of Maryland’s most famous hidden fortunes. In the early 1800s, a cargo ship carrying gold and silver bars sank during a violent storm while traveling along the Patapsco River. The treasure, believed to be worth millions today, was never recovered after the ship went down.

The treasure is thought to have been hidden by the ship’s captain or possibly a group of smugglers. Some believe that the ship was deliberately sunk to hide the valuable cargo from authorities. The ship’s wreckage was never found, leaving the treasure lost to time.

It is believed that the treasure is buried somewhere along the Patapsco River near the area of Elkridge. Over the years, many treasure hunters have searched for the lost riches, but no one has been able to locate the shipwreck or its precious cargo. The treasure is said to still be hidden deep in the river.

The treasure was likely hidden in the early 1800s, around 1812, when the ship went down. Since then, several expeditions have failed to recover the fortune, leaving it a mystery for treasure hunters today.

How much the treasure would be worth today

If recovered, the gold and silver bars from the Lost Treasure of the Patapsco River would be worth around $20 million today. This estimate includes the current value of gold and silver, along with the historical significance of the treasure. The value could be even higher depending on the rarity and condition of the precious metals found.

The Gold of the Revolutionary War – $30,000,000+

The Gold of the Revolutionary War is a well-known treasure believed to be hidden in Maryland. During the war, the Continental Army was in desperate need of funds. In 1781, it is believed that a shipment of gold was sent to Maryland to help fund the war effort, but it never arrived at its destination.

The gold is believed to have been hidden by none other than General George Washington’s trusted aide, Colonel John Smith. Fearing British capture, Smith allegedly buried the gold in a remote area near the Maryland shore. The exact location of the treasure has never been found.

Many believe the gold is hidden somewhere near the town of Ellicott City, Maryland, along the banks of the Patapsco River. Various treasure hunters have searched the area for years, but the gold remains elusive. Some even believe that it was moved from its original hiding spot during the years after the war.

The treasure was most likely hidden in the early 1780s, during the final years of the Revolutionary War. It is believed to have been buried as a precaution against British forces seizing it. The gold has never been recovered, leaving many to wonder if it still lies hidden in Maryland.

How much the treasure would be worth today

If the gold of the Revolutionary War were found today, it would be worth approximately $30 million. This estimate is based on the historical value of the gold, its weight, and the current market prices. The value could rise if any artifacts or historical items related to the treasure were discovered with it.

The Lost Fort at the Mouth of the Potomac – $25,000,000+

The Lost Fort at the Mouth of the Potomac is a mysterious treasure tied to early American history. In the 1600s, the first English settlers built a fort near the Potomac River to protect against Native American attacks. During a violent storm, the fort was reportedly destroyed, and its valuable supplies, including gold and silver, were buried nearby to prevent looting.

The treasure is believed to have been hidden by Captain Henry Fleet, the leader of the expedition. To keep the riches safe from both the elements and potential enemies, Fleet ordered the gold and silver to be buried in a secret location near the fort. The treasure has never been recovered, despite many efforts to locate it.

The lost treasure is thought to be hidden along the Maryland shore near the Potomac River’s mouth, not far from the area now known as Fort Washington. Over the years, treasure hunters have combed the area, but the fort’s exact location and the treasure remain a mystery. Many believe it’s buried under thick layers of earth, possibly in an area overgrown with trees and brush.

The treasure was likely buried sometime in the early 1600s, right after the fort was destroyed. Since then, the area has been subject to much speculation, but no one has found the treasure hidden by Captain Fleet. The remains of the fort were lost to time, leaving only the legend of the riches buried nearby.

How much the treasure would be worth today

If the Lost Fort treasure were found today, it would likely be worth around $25 million. This estimate includes the gold, silver, and other valuables believed to have been stored at the fort. The value of the treasure could increase depending on the historical artifacts discovered with it.

The Lost Diamond of Solomon’s Island – $15,000,000+

The Lost Diamond of Solomon’s Island is a hidden treasure tied to an intriguing story from the 1800s. According to local legend, a large diamond was stolen from a wealthy merchant in Baltimore and was being transported by ship. The ship was caught in a violent storm near Solomon’s Island, and the diamond was believed to be buried by the crew to prevent it from falling into the hands of pirates.

The treasure is thought to have been hidden by the ship’s captain, Captain John Parker, who was trying to protect the precious diamond from the pirates. Fearing that the thieves would board his ship, Parker ordered his crew to bury the diamond in a secret location along the island. Since then, no one has been able to uncover the treasure.

It is believed that the Lost Diamond is buried somewhere along Solomon’s Island, in the southern part of Maryland. Many treasure hunters have attempted to find the gem, but all efforts have failed. Some believe it lies deep in the forest, carefully hidden from view.

The diamond was likely hidden sometime around 1820, after the storm that sank the ship. Over the years, rumors have persisted that the treasure still waits to be discovered on the island. However, its exact location remains a mystery.

How much the treasure would be worth today

If the Lost Diamond of Solomon’s Island were found today, it could be worth over $15 million. This estimate takes into account the size and rarity of the diamond, along with the historical significance of the story behind it. The value could be even higher depending on its cut, quality, and market demand for such a rare gem.

The Tumbleweed Treasure of Baltimore – $10,000,000+

The Tumbleweed Treasure of Baltimore is a legendary hoard tied to a notorious criminal gang in the late 1800s. A group of thieves, led by a man named Jebediah “Tumbleweed” Thompson, was said to have stolen a large sum of money and precious items from wealthy merchants. Fearing they would be caught, Thompson and his gang decided to bury the loot in a hidden location within the city.

The treasure is believed to have been buried by Thompson himself, who was known for his cleverness in avoiding capture. It is said that the loot includes gold coins, jewelry, and other valuable artifacts. Thompson’s gang members allegedly died or were imprisoned before they could reveal the treasure’s location.

The treasure is thought to be hidden somewhere in Baltimore, likely in an area near the city’s waterfront. It is believed that Thompson buried the treasure among the old, abandoned buildings or under the street near where the gang operated. Despite many attempts, no one has been able to find it.

The Tumbleweed Treasure was likely hidden sometime around 1885, after the gang’s final heist. Over the years, treasure hunters have scoured the city, hoping to find the lost riches. However, its exact location remains a mystery to this day.

How much the treasure would be worth today

If the Tumbleweed Treasure were found today, it could be worth around $10 million. This estimate includes the value of the gold coins, jewelry, and other valuable items believed to have been stolen by the gang. The value could increase if rare or historically significant artifacts were uncovered with the treasure.

The Lost Treasure of Fort Frederick – $12,000,000+

The Lost Treasure of Fort Frederick is tied to the French and Indian War, which took place in the mid-1700s. During the war, a shipment of gold, silver, and other valuables was said to be sent to Fort Frederick to help support the soldiers. The treasure was allegedly hidden when the fort was attacked, and the valuable items were never recovered.

The treasure is believed to have been hidden by the fort’s commander, Colonel Thomas Cresap, who feared that the fort would be overrun. To prevent the treasure from falling into enemy hands, Cresap ordered his men to bury it somewhere near the fort. Despite numerous attempts by treasure hunters, the treasure has not been found.

It is thought that the treasure is buried near Fort Frederick, located in Western Maryland. The area around the fort is full of dense woods and hills, making it a challenging spot for treasure seekers. The treasure remains elusive, and many wonder if it still lies hidden beneath the soil.

The treasure was likely hidden around 1756, during the height of the French and Indian War. After the fort was attacked, the treasure was concealed to keep it from being stolen. The location of the treasure has remained a mystery ever since.

How much the treasure would be worth today

If the Lost Treasure of Fort Frederick were found today, it would likely be worth around $12 million. This estimate includes the gold, silver, and other valuables that were rumored to have been hidden at the fort. The value could be higher depending on the condition and rarity of the treasure discovered.

The Lost Gold of the Western Shore – $20,000,000+

The Lost Gold of the Western Shore is a legendary treasure that dates back to the War of 1812. During the war, a group of American soldiers was said to be transporting a large shipment of gold along Maryland’s Western Shore to help fund the war effort. The treasure was believed to have been lost when the ship carrying it was attacked and sunk by British forces.

The treasure is thought to have been hidden by the ship’s captain, Captain John Carver, who feared the gold would be seized by the British. To keep the gold safe, Captain Carver ordered his crew to bury it on an isolated stretch of land along the Western Shore. Despite many attempts to locate the treasure, it has yet to be found.

It is believed that the gold is buried somewhere near the shores of the Potomac River, along the Western Shore of Maryland. The area is known for its rugged terrain and thick forests, making it a difficult spot for treasure hunters to explore. Many believe the treasure is still hidden, waiting to be uncovered.

The gold was likely hidden in 1814, after the ship was lost to the British forces. Since then, numerous treasure hunters have searched for the gold, but it remains elusive. The treasure has become one of Maryland’s most famous lost fortunes.

How much the treasure would be worth today

If the Lost Gold of the Western Shore were found today, it would likely be worth around $20 million. This estimate includes the gold and other precious items believed to have been lost during the War of 1812. The value could increase based on the historical significance of the items found with the gold.

The Silver Bars of the Susquehanna River – $8,000,000+

The Silver Bars of the Susquehanna River are said to be hidden treasure from the American Revolution. During the war, a group of Continental soldiers was tasked with transporting a large amount of silver to fund the war effort. The silver was hidden by the soldiers when they were ambushed by British forces near the river and feared for their lives.

The treasure is believed to have been hidden by a soldier named Captain William Hart, who commanded the group transporting the silver. To protect the valuable silver bars, Hart ordered his men to bury them along the banks of the Susquehanna River. Despite many attempts to recover the treasure, it has not been found.

It is thought that the silver bars are buried near the river’s banks in an area with dense woods and rocky terrain. The treasure hunters who have searched for the silver have faced difficulties due to the thick vegetation and unpredictable weather in the area. For years, people have wondered if the silver still remains hidden along the river.

The treasure was likely hidden around 1777, during a time when the Revolutionary War was at its peak. After the ambush, the silver was buried quickly to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. The exact location of the silver bars remains unknown.

How much the treasure would be worth today

If the Silver Bars of the Susquehanna River were found today, they would likely be worth around $8 million. This estimate includes the value of the silver and the historical importance of the bars. The value could increase if other items from the time period are found alongside the silver.

The Fortune of Governor Thomas Johnson – $10,000,000+

The Fortune of Governor Thomas Johnson is a treasure linked to one of Maryland’s early leaders. Governor Thomas Johnson, who served as the first elected governor of Maryland in the late 1700s, is believed to have amassed a fortune during his time in office. After his death in 1819, rumors began circulating that he had hidden his wealth to protect it from theft and political enemies.

Governor Johnson is thought to have hidden his treasure near his estate in Frederick County, Maryland. The wealth is believed to include gold coins, silver, and valuable artifacts that he had collected over the years. Though Johnson was known to have been a private man, no records have been found that explain where he may have hidden the treasure.

Many believe that the fortune is hidden somewhere on his former estate, possibly near a large oak tree that stood on the property. Several treasure hunters have searched the area, but none have been successful in uncovering the hidden wealth. The treasure remains one of Maryland’s most intriguing mysteries.

Governor Johnson likely hid the treasure around the time of his death in 1819. The fortune may have been kept hidden due to his desire to protect it from the political turmoil of the era. Despite numerous attempts to find it, the treasure has not been recovered.

How much the treasure would be worth today

If the Fortune of Governor Thomas Johnson were found today, it would likely be worth around $10 million. This estimate takes into account the gold, silver, and artifacts that were believed to be part of his hidden wealth. The value could increase if rare historical items were found alongside the treasure.

The Lost Booty of the Royal Navy – $15,000,000+

The Lost Booty of the Royal Navy is a legendary treasure linked to a British naval vessel that sank off the coast of Maryland in the 18th century. In 1781, the HMS Defiance, a Royal Navy ship, was part of a British convoy transporting valuable loot, including gold and silver, from the Caribbean. The ship was hit by a powerful storm and sank while attempting to navigate the Chesapeake Bay, taking its cargo to the bottom of the bay.

It is believed that the crew of the Defiance, fearing the treasure would be lost forever, secretly buried part of the loot along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Some sources claim that a member of the crew, Lieutenant James Blackwell, buried the treasure on a secluded island in the bay before disappearing. The treasure has remained hidden ever since, despite numerous searches and claims to have discovered it.

The treasure is thought to be buried on one of the small islands near the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the area near Kent Island. The location is difficult to pinpoint, and many treasure hunters have failed to locate the treasure due to the shifting sands and changing tides of the bay. Still, the Lost Booty of the Royal Navy remains one of the most sought-after treasures in Maryland.

The treasure was likely hidden after the ship’s sinking in 1781. Lieutenant Blackwell’s disappearance adds to the mystery of the treasure’s location. Despite many attempts over the centuries, it has never been recovered.

How much the treasure would be worth today

If the Lost Booty of the Royal Navy were found today, it would likely be worth around $15 million. This estimate includes the value of the gold, silver, and other precious items that were believed to be aboard the Defiance. The historical significance of the treasure could also add to its value.

The Civil War Gold of Harpers Ferry – $20,000,000+

During the Civil War, Harpers Ferry, Maryland, was a site of strategic importance. In 1862, as Confederate forces advanced, Union troops were forced to abandon the town, leaving behind a significant amount of gold that was intended to fund the Union war effort. The gold, which was originally meant to pay for weapons and supplies, was believed to have been hidden to prevent it from falling into Confederate hands.

The gold is said to have been hidden by a group of Union soldiers who were assigned to protect the valuable shipment. It is believed that Captain James McGill, a Union officer, buried the gold near Harpers Ferry before he was killed in the ensuing battle. His detailed instructions on where to find the treasure were reportedly lost, leading to the mystery of its exact location.

The treasure is believed to be buried somewhere near the Shenandoah River, close to the remains of the abandoned railroad tracks. While there have been many searches over the years, none have succeeded in recovering the gold. The Civil War Gold of Harpers Ferry continues to attract treasure hunters and historians alike.

The treasure was likely hidden in the fall of 1862 during the retreat of Union forces. Despite numerous rumors and theories about its location, the gold has never been found.

How much the treasure would be worth today

If the Civil War Gold of Harpers Ferry were found today, it could be worth approximately $20 million. This estimate is based on the amount of gold thought to have been hidden, as well as its historical significance. The value could increase further if any related artifacts were discovered alongside the treasure.

The Hidden Treasure of the Lost Chapel – $10,000,000+

The Hidden Treasure of the Lost Chapel is a mystery that dates back to the 18th century in Maryland. Legend has it that a wealthy landowner, Reverend Thomas Mallory, buried a large stash of gold and jewels under the floorboards of a small chapel he built in the wilderness. Mallory was a man of great wealth and influence, and it is said he was worried about his treasure being stolen by pirates or thieves.

The treasure, which includes gold coins, silver chalices, and priceless gems, is believed to have been hidden in a remote chapel built near the town of Annapolis. Some stories suggest that Reverend Mallory may have had a falling out with his congregation, causing him to abandon the chapel and flee. The chapel itself disappeared over time, but the legend of the treasure has continued to fuel many treasure hunts in the area.

It is thought that the treasure is buried beneath the chapel’s original location, which is believed to have been near a small creek in the woods just outside Annapolis. Many searches have taken place over the years, but the chapel’s location has never been definitively confirmed, making it a continuing mystery. Some believe the treasure is still out there, waiting to be found by someone who can unlock the secrets of the Lost Chapel.

The treasure was likely hidden sometime in the late 1700s, around the time of Reverend Mallory’s departure. Despite many theories and searches, the treasure remains a secret.

How much the treasure would be worth today

The Hidden Treasure of the Lost Chapel could be worth around $10 million today. This estimate takes into account the gold, silver, and gemstones that were likely buried. Its rarity and historical value would add even more to the treasure’s worth.

The Vanished Wealth of the Claggett Family – $8,000,000+

The Vanished Wealth of the Claggett Family is one of Maryland’s most intriguing treasure legends. In the early 1800s, the Claggett family was a wealthy and influential landowning family living near the Patuxent River. The family’s fortune, believed to be in the form of gold coins, jewelry, and silver, mysteriously disappeared after a series of strange events.

The treasure is thought to have been hidden by the family during a time of political unrest. Some believe that John Claggett, the head of the family, was worried about his wealth being seized by rebels during the War of 1812. He allegedly hid his fortune somewhere on the family estate, possibly in the woods or near the river, before his family mysteriously vanished without a trace.

Despite extensive searches over the years, no one has ever found the hidden wealth. The Claggett estate is no longer standing, but local legends persist, claiming that the treasure lies buried somewhere in the woods near the Patuxent River. The exact location remains a mystery, with clues scattered throughout old family records and rumors.

The treasure was likely hidden sometime between 1812 and 1815, during the height of the War of 1812. The Claggett family’s disappearance added to the mystery, making this one of Maryland’s most sought-after lost treasures.

How much the treasure would be worth today

The Vanished Wealth of the Claggett Family could be worth around $8 million today. This estimate considers the value of the gold, silver, and jewelry that was likely buried. With the added historical significance, the treasure could be worth even more to collectors and historians.

The Lost Gold Bars of Fort Carroll – $12,000,000+

The Lost Gold Bars of Fort Carroll are part of one of Maryland’s most enduring treasure legends. Fort Carroll, a small island fortification in the middle of the Patapsco River near Baltimore, was originally constructed in the mid-1800s to protect the city from naval threats. During the Civil War, it is believed that Confederate sympathizers or Union soldiers secretly hid a stash of gold bars in the fort’s underground vaults.

The treasure is said to have been hidden during the chaos of the Civil War, with reports claiming that Union soldiers, who were in control of the fort at the time, secretly buried the gold to keep it safe from Confederate raiders. Some believe that the treasure was concealed in the vaults beneath the fort, while others argue that it could have been hidden elsewhere on the island. The gold bars are thought to have been worth a considerable sum at the time, including a mix of personal wealth and wartime supplies.

In the years following the war, Fort Carroll was abandoned, and the treasure was forgotten by most. Despite several attempts to locate the gold, no one has been successful in finding the hidden bars. The fort itself was eventually submerged when a new channel was created in the river, making it even harder to search the area.

The gold was likely hidden sometime in the early 1860s, possibly between 1861 and 1865. The treasure was buried during a period of great uncertainty and turmoil in American history.

How much the treasure would be worth today

The Lost Gold Bars of Fort Carroll could be worth around $12 million today. This estimate is based on the historical value of gold during the Civil War, and modern gold prices. The value could increase if the treasure includes rare coins or valuable artifacts linked to the war.

The Silver Ingots of the Potomac River – $3,000,000+

The Silver Ingots of the Potomac River is one of Maryland’s most fascinating treasure legends. The story dates back to the early 19th century, during a time when silver was being mined and shipped down the river. A shipment of silver ingots, which were meant for the United States Mint, was lost in a storm while traveling on the Potomac River.

It is believed that the silver ingots were hidden by a group of thieves who planned to steal the shipment. The thieves, fearing they were about to be caught, decided to bury the ingots along the riverbank to hide them. Some legends claim that the thieves were part of a local gang led by a man named Samuel Price, who was known for his criminal activities in the area.

The treasure is believed to be hidden somewhere along the banks of the Potomac River near the town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, which was a key point during the early days of the United States. The silver is thought to have been buried in the woods or along the river’s edge, where it could be easily concealed. It was most likely hidden sometime in the 1820s, just after the ill-fated journey.

How much the treasure would be worth today

The Silver Ingots of the Potomac River could be worth approximately $3 million today. This estimate is based on the amount of silver that was likely in the shipment and the current value of silver. The exact value would depend on the condition and purity of the silver that was hidden.

The Pirate’s Chest of Kent Island – $4,000,000+

The Pirate’s Chest of Kent Island is a legendary treasure hidden in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. The story dates back to the early 18th century when pirates roamed the bay and used Kent Island as a hiding spot. According to local lore, a pirate’s chest filled with gold coins, silver bars, and jewels was buried on the island to keep it safe from the law.

The treasure is thought to have been hidden by infamous pirates like Blackbeard or Charles Wilson. Wilson was known to sail the Chesapeake Bay, and some believe he buried his stolen goods on Kent Island. The chest is believed to be located somewhere near Love Point, but its exact location remains unknown.

The treasure is thought to have been hidden in the early 1700s when piracy was at its peak in the region. Pirates used the many coves and inlets around Kent Island to evade capture, making it a prime location for hiding treasure. Despite many attempts, no one has ever uncovered the chest, and its fate remains a mystery.

How much the treasure would be worth today

The Pirate’s Chest of Kent Island would be worth roughly $4 million today. This estimate is based on the value of gold, silver, and gems commonly found in pirate treasures. The exact value would depend on the amount and type of treasure buried, but it is clear that it would be worth a small fortune today.

About Keith Jackson - Geologist

Keith Jackson is an avid rockhound who is constantly exploring new sites to expand his collection. He is an active Geologist with a wealth of experience and information from across the country that he loves to share with the Rock Chasing crew.

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