Imagine stumbling across a rusty old chest filled with gold coins or uncovering a hidden stash of jewelry buried long ago. Pennsylvania, with its rolling hills, dense forests, and winding rivers, is said to be home to treasures like these.
Stories of lost fortunes and hidden riches have been whispered across the state for generations.
From the Appalachian Mountains to the Delaware River, legends tell of loot left behind by bandits, buried gold from long-forgotten settlers, and even missing military payrolls.
Some say millions of dollars in valuables might still be out there, waiting to be discovered. It’s a thrill that has drawn treasure hunters from every corner of the state.
Learning about these treasures is like stepping into a time machine. You uncover pieces of history while imagining the lives of those who hid them.
And who knows? You might just strike it lucky and unearth something incredible.
17 Hidden Treasures In Pennsylvania Waiting To Be Discovered
Here are a few of the most fascinating and sought-after treasures that remain undiscovered:
Dent’s Run Lost Gold – $60,000,000+
During the Civil War, a Union Army detachment was tasked with transporting a large shipment of gold bars. The gold was intended to fund Union troops but mysteriously vanished during its journey.
The treasure is believed to be a shipment of 52 gold bars, each weighing about 50 pounds. Its total weight is estimated to be over 2,600 pounds.
Captain James Castleton, the leader of the Union detail, is often connected to the story. He and his men were reportedly assigned to escort the gold from Wheeling, West Virginia, to the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. Dent’s Run, located in Elk County, Pennsylvania, is where the gold is thought to have disappeared.
The gold was hidden in the summer of 1863. Some say it was buried in a remote forest area to avoid Confederate forces. Others believe it may have been stolen by thieves or even the soldiers themselves.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The estimated value of the lost gold has grown over the years. At current gold prices, the treasure would be worth over $60 million.
David “Robber” Lewis’s Buried Loot – $2,000,000+
David “Robber” Lewis, often called the Robin Hood of Pennsylvania, is said to have buried treasure across the state. In the early 19th century, Lewis was a notorious highwayman who robbed wealthy travelers and stagecoaches. Stories suggest he hid his loot in remote locations to avoid capture by authorities.
The treasure is believed to include gold coins, jewelry, and other valuable items stolen during his robberies. Some accounts describe the loot as being worth thousands of dollars in his time.
David Lewis was captured multiple times but escaped from prison twice. He was eventually caught again and died in 1820, leaving behind rumors of his hidden riches.
Many believe he buried the treasure in the mountains and forests of central Pennsylvania, including areas near Centre County and Bald Eagle Valley.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If discovered, David Lewis’s treasure would be valued at over $2 million.
The Lost Silver Cave – $10,000,000+
The Lost Silver Cave is one of Pennsylvania’s most tantalizing mysteries. In the late 1700s, a pioneer claimed to stumble upon a cave whose walls shimmered with rich veins of silver. Excited by his discovery, he left to gather tools and assistance but was never able to find the site again.
This cave is said to contain untouched veins of pure silver embedded deep in the rock. Unlike ordinary treasure chests or coins, this is raw, natural wealth waiting to be mined.
The potential fortune hidden underground has inspired treasure hunters to search for over two centuries.
The name of the original settler has been lost to history, but his story has endured. He reportedly marked the location, yet dense forests and shifting landmarks thwarted his return.
The Allegheny National Forest, with its vast and rugged terrain, is where the cave is thought to be hidden.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The silver in the Lost Silver Cave could be worth over $10 million.
Kinzua Bridge Treasure – $1,000,000+
A group of bandits buried their stolen loot near the Kinzua Bridge in the late 19th century. The hidden treasure is said to consist of gold coins and other valuables stolen during a daring heist. These items were allegedly buried in a remote area to avoid detection.
Over time, the exact location of the treasure was lost, leaving only fragments of the story behind.
The bandits responsible for hiding the treasure remain unnamed in historical records. The treasure is thought to have been hidden when the Kinzua Viaduct was still new and the area was bustling with activity.
Stories suggest the bandits never returned to recover their loot, possibly because they were captured or met untimely ends. This left their stolen wealth untouched and waiting to be discovered.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The value of the Kinzua Bridge Treasure is estimated to exceed $1 million.
Ole Bull’s Diamond-Encrusted Violin – $5,000,000+
Ole Bull, a world-renowned Norwegian violinist, is at the center of one of Pennsylvania’s most intriguing treasure tales.
In the 1850s, he established a settlement in Potter County, hoping to create a utopia for Norwegian immigrants. After the settlement failed, legend has it that Ole Bull, in despair, tossed his diamond-encrusted violin into the surrounding woods.
The violin is described as a masterpiece, crafted with exquisite skill and adorned with diamonds. It symbolized Ole Bull’s passion for music and his dream of building a new community.
Ole Bull’s Castle, now a historic site, is located in the wilderness of Potter County. The violin is believed to be hidden somewhere in this rugged area.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The diamond-encrusted violin could be worth over $5 million today. Its artistic and cultural importance could drive its value even higher if it were ever found.
Doan Outlaws’ Hidden Cache: $2,000,000+
The Doan Outlaws were a notorious family of criminals who operated in Pennsylvania. They were infamous for robbing tax collectors, wealthy settlers, and even Continental Army payroll shipments. It is believed that the gang hid their stolen riches in secret caches across Bucks County.
The Doan brothers, particularly Moses and Levi, were the leaders of the gang. Known for their daring exploits, they were hunted by authorities for years.
The treasure is thought to be hidden in areas near New Hope, Pennsylvania, possibly in caves or under landmarks known to the gang.
The cache is believed to have been hidden in the 1780s, during the gang’s most active years. After Moses was killed and Levi was captured, the exact locations of their hoards were lost.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Doan Outlaws’ hidden cache is estimated to be worth over $2 million.
Frontenac’s Buried Fortune – $10,000,000+
Comte de Frontenac was a French colonial governor in the late 17th century. During his time in New France, Frontenac was rumored to have hidden a significant fortune in Pennsylvania to safeguard it from enemies or future conflicts.
Some accounts suggest Frontenac buried the treasure to secure it during turbulent times, while others believe it was intended to fund a secret mission. The treasure has never been found, adding to its mystique.
Frontenac is believed to have hidden the fortune somewhere along the Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania. Historical clues point to areas near modern-day Harrisburg, but no definitive evidence has surfaced.
Frontenac was known for his strategic thinking and ambitious plans, which lends credibility to the idea of a secret hoard.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Frontenac’s buried fortune is estimated to be worth over $10 million. The exact amount depends on the contents and their condition, but it would undoubtedly attract global attention.
The Silver Mine of French Creek – $10,000,000+
The Silver Mine of French Creek traces back to stories from the early 1700s when French explorers discovered a rich vein of silver near present-day Chester County, Pennsylvania.
The explorers mined and refined silver in secrecy, fearing it would attract attention from rival nations or settlers. Before they could extract much of the ore, the site was abandoned and its location forgotten.
The treasure is believed to be a hidden silver vein, along with tools and possibly refined silver left behind by the French. Some accounts suggest the site also contains artifacts from the explorers, making it valuable historically as well as financially.
The mine is thought to have been hidden or lost when French forces retreated during the 1730s due to increasing conflicts with the British. Local stories place the site near French Creek, a winding waterway.
The French explorers involved are not named in historical records, but their activities are supported by evidence of French settlements in the region.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The value of the Silver Mine of French Creek is estimated to be over $10 million. If found, its unique history could make it even more valuable to collectors and museums.
General Braddock’s Gold – $6,000,000+
During the French and Indian War, General Edward Braddock led British and colonial troops against the French at Fort Duquesne. After suffering a devastating defeat, it is said that Braddock’s forces buried a chest of gold coins and other valuables to prevent it from being captured.
The treasure is believed to consist of gold coins meant to pay soldiers and purchase supplies. Some stories suggest it may also include valuable documents or personal items of officers.
General Braddock, who was mortally wounded in the battle, likely ordered the treasure to be hidden. His second-in-command, George Washington, helped organize the retreat, but there are no records of the gold being recovered.
The treasure is thought to be buried near Braddock’s Road, close to the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.
The gold was hidden in July 1755, shortly after Braddock’s defeat. The rugged terrain and dense forests provided natural cover, making the exact location difficult to find.
How much the treasure would be worth today
General Braddock’s gold is estimated to be worth over $6 million.
The Lost Treasure of Hopson’s Diamonds – $720,000+
William C. Hopson, known as “Wild Bill,” was a seasoned airmail pilot renowned for his daring flights. On October 18, 1928, while flying a mail route from New York to Cleveland, his plane went down near Polk, Pennsylvania.
The exact cause of the crash remains unclear, but it resulted in the loss of both Hopson’s life and his precious cargo.
He was actually transporting a valuable shipment of diamonds worth over $50,000. Following the crash, local residents recovered more than 300 diamonds from the wreckage.
However, it is believed that nearly 100 diamonds remain unaccounted for, sparking ongoing interest among treasure hunters.
The diamonds are believed to be scattered in the wooded area surrounding the crash site near Polk.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The missing diamonds from Hopson’s crash are estimated to be worth nearly $720,000 in today’s currency. This valuation considers the original worth of over $50,000 in 1928, adjusted for inflation and current market values for uncut diamonds.
The Cornwall Iron Furnace Gold – $1,000,000+
The Cornwall Iron Furnace, established in 1742 by Peter Grubb, was a significant iron production site in Pennsylvania. Over time, legends have emerged about hidden gold associated with the furnace, though concrete evidence remains elusive.
The treasure is believed to consist of gold coins or bullion, possibly profits from the iron operations or personal wealth concealed during times of unrest.
Some stories suggest that the furnace’s owners hid their wealth to protect it from theft or during periods of economic instability.
Peter Grubb, the founder, and later the Coleman family, who acquired the furnace in the late 18th century, are often linked to these tales. The treasure is thought to be hidden somewhere on the furnace property or in the surrounding areas of Cornwall, Pennsylvania.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If the Cornwall Iron Furnace gold were found today, its value could be estimated at over $1 million.
The Lost Treasure of General John Sullivan – $100,000+
General John Sullivan was a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War. He led the Sullivan Expedition in 1779, aiming to neutralize the threat posed by the Iroquois Confederacy, who were allied with the British.
During this campaign, it’s rumored that Sullivan’s troops buried a cache of military supplies, possibly including weapons, ammunition, and other valuables, to lighten their load or safeguard resources.
The exact contents of this hidden cache remain a mystery, as no definitive records detail what was concealed.
The treasure is believed to be buried somewhere along the route of the Sullivan Expedition, which traversed parts of Pennsylvania and New York. Specific locations often mentioned include areas near the Finger Lakes, such as the vicinity of Honeoye Lake or Canadice Lake in New York.
The exact timing and reasons for concealing the supplies are subjects of speculation among historians and treasure hunters.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If the cache includes military artifacts, weapons, and ammunition from the Revolutionary War era, its worth could be significant to collectors and historians. A conservative estimate might place its value at over $100,000.
The Belsano Train Robbery Loot – $450,000+
On October 11, 1924, a train carrying a $33,000 payroll for the Ebensburg Coal Company was ambushed near Belsano, Pennsylvania.
The robbers, Michelo Bassi and Anthony Pezzi boarded the train at Concrete Bridge Crossing, fatally shot guard James Garman, and escaped with the money.
Despite a manhunt, Bassi and Pezzi were apprehended two weeks later in Terre Haute, Indiana, each carrying a gun and $3,000 in cash. However, the remaining $27,000 was never recovered.
Bassi and Pezzi were convicted of first-degree murder and executed in February 1925. The unrecovered portion of the loot is believed to be hidden near the robbery site in Belsano, possibly buried or concealed in the surrounding area.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The unrecovered $27,000 from 1924 would be equivalent to approximately $450,000 today.
The Lost Treasure of Blue Mountain – $100,000,000+
The Lost Treasure of Blue Mountain is a legendary hoard said to be hidden deep within the rugged Blue Mountain range. According to local tales, it was hidden by a notorious pirate named Captain Elias Thorn during the early 18th century.
Thorn was known for raiding merchant ships and amassing a fortune in gold, jewels, and priceless artifacts.
It is said to have been concealed to protect it from rival pirates and British authorities. Some versions of the story suggest that Thorn left behind cryptic maps and clues for his most trusted crew members.
Blue Mountain, known for its dense forests and dangerous terrain, is thought to hold the treasure in one of its many hidden caves. Legends suggest it was hidden around 1723, shortly before Thorn vanished under mysterious circumstances.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If the treasure of Blue Mountain exists, it would be worth an estimated $100 million in today’s money.
General Anthony Wayne’s Lost Payroll – $5,000,000+
General Anthony Wayne was a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War, known for his military skill and daring strategies. Nicknamed “Mad Anthony” for his boldness, he led many successful campaigns.
The lost payroll is believed to consist of gold and silver coins meant to pay Continental Army troops. It is said to have disappeared in 1780 while being transported through the Pennsylvania wilderness.
The coins were likely hidden to protect them from British forces or bandits, but their exact location was never recorded.
The treasure is thought to be hidden near the Allegheny River in western Pennsylvania. Historical accounts suggest that Wayne or his men concealed the payroll in a hurry, possibly burying it in an unmarked spot.
How much the treasure would be worth today
General Anthony Wayne’s lost payroll would be worth an estimated $5 million today.
Molly Maguires’ Hidden Cache – $15,000,000+
The Molly Maguires were a secretive group of Irish coal miners active in Pennsylvania during the 19th century. They were known for fighting against unfair labor practices and harsh working conditions in the coal industry.
According to local legend, they hid a cache of stolen gold and valuables during their resistance efforts. It is said the treasure was accumulated through robberies and secret contributions to fund their cause.
Some stories suggest James McParland, a Pinkerton detective who infiltrated the group, may have uncovered hints about its location.
The treasure is thought to be buried in the coal-rich regions of northeastern Pennsylvania, possibly in or near abandoned mines. The group allegedly hid the cache in the 1860s to protect it from law enforcement and rival factions.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Molly Maguires’ hidden cache would be worth an estimated $15 million today. This estimate is based on the value of the gold coins, rare jewelry, and potential historical significance. Collectors and historians would likely pay a premium for items tied to the legendary labor movement.
French Azilum Treasure – $20,000,000+
The French Azilum treasure is linked to a settlement established in Pennsylvania in 1793 by French aristocrats fleeing the French Revolution. The settlement, known as French Azilum, was meant to be a safe haven for those escaping the turmoil.
Among the settlers were wealthy families who brought valuables with them, including gold, jewels, and fine silver.
Some legends claim that Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, may have been expected to seek refuge there, adding to the mystery of what the treasure might include.
The treasure is thought to be buried near the site of French Azilum along the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. Historical accounts suggest it was hidden around the late 1790s as the settlement declined and many residents left the area.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The French Azilum treasure could be worth an estimated $20 million today.
