Vermont may be known for its beautiful landscapes and small towns, but it’s also home to a number of lost treasures just waiting to be found. From old pirate loot to forgotten fortunes, there’s a surprising amount of hidden wealth tucked away in our state’s mountains and forests. You never know, the next time you’re out hiking, you could stumble upon something worth millions.
The thrill of discovering lost treasures is something that’s fascinated Vermonters for generations. Whether you’re a local history buff or just enjoy a good adventure, searching for these hidden gems can be a fun way to explore our state. Who knows, you might just become the next person to unearth a fortune right in your own backyard.
There’s something special about knowing that treasures may be waiting for the right person to find them. With a little research and some good luck, you might uncover something no one has seen in hundreds of years. So grab a map, put on your adventure hat, and get ready to explore Vermont’s rich history of hidden treasures.
The Incredible Treasures Of Vermont That Are Waiting To Be Discovered
These are the long-lost treasures that hold both mystery and immense worth:
The Stolen Gold of the Barnet Stagecoach – $25,000,000+
In 1864, a stagecoach traveling between Barnet, Vermont, and Montreal was carrying a valuable load of gold. The coach was ambushed by a group of outlaws, and the gold was stolen. The robbers, led by a man named Silas Manson, hid the treasure to avoid being caught.
The stolen gold was composed of several large bars and gold coins, which were believed to be worth around $1 million at the time. Manson and his gang reportedly buried the treasure somewhere near the Connecticut River. The exact location remains a mystery, though many believe it is hidden in a remote area close to Barnet.
After the robbery, Manson and his gang were eventually caught, but the gold was never recovered. It is said that Manson told a confidant about the location before his death, but the secret was lost with time. Some treasure hunters believe the gold is still buried in the forest, waiting to be found.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If the stolen gold was worth around $1 million in 1864, it would be worth approximately $25 million today, considering inflation and the rise in gold prices. The gold bars and coins would likely have a significant value in today’s market, making this treasure one of Vermont’s most valuable lost fortunes.
The Shipwrecked Gold in Lake Champlain – $30,000,000+
In the late 1700s, a merchant ship was transporting a valuable cargo of gold and silver across Lake Champlain. The ship, named The Annabelle, was caught in a fierce storm and sank before reaching its destination. It is believed that the ship’s crew, including the captain, managed to hide the treasure in a secret compartment before the ship went down.
The cargo consisted of gold coins, bars, and other precious items that were likely worth a small fortune. It is said that the treasure is buried beneath the waters of Lake Champlain, somewhere near the shore of the Vermont side. The exact location of the wreck and the treasure remains unknown, and treasure hunters continue to search the lake for clues.
The shipwreck was discovered in the early 1800s, but the treasure has never been recovered. Some historians believe that the treasure could have been hidden on purpose by the crew to protect it from thieves. The search for the Annabelle and its gold continues to this day.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The gold and silver cargo of The Annabelle would likely be worth around $30 million today, based on the current value of gold and silver. The ship’s estimated load could still hold significant value in the modern market, making it one of Vermont’s most sought-after treasures.
The Vault of the Old Vermont Bank – $20,000,000+
In the mid-1800s, a bank in Vermont known as the Old Vermont Bank was said to have hidden a fortune in gold, silver, and cash. The treasure was stored in a secret vault that was designed to protect it during times of war and unrest. Some believe that the bank’s president, Thomas Worthington, hid the wealth to protect it from the infamous bank robber, John T. Barlow, who was active in the area.
The vault is thought to contain stacks of money, gold coins, and silver bars, making it one of the most valuable hidden treasures in the state. It is believed to be located under the original bank building, which was destroyed in a fire during the late 1800s. Despite numerous attempts to locate the vault, it has never been found, and many wonder if the treasure still remains hidden beneath the ruins.
After the fire, records of the treasure were lost, and many have questioned whether the vault was real or just a rumor. Still, rumors persist that it was never discovered and that the treasure remains hidden somewhere in the ruins of the old bank’s foundation.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The treasure hidden in the Old Vermont Bank would be worth an estimated $20 million today. With gold, silver, and cash hidden away, this fortune could be worth even more depending on the value of the stored wealth when it was last hidden.
The Silver Barrels of the Green Mountains – $15,000,000+
In the early 1800s, a band of thieves led by a man named Jasper Caldwell is believed to have hidden a treasure deep in the Green Mountains of Vermont. The treasure was composed of silver bars and coins, which the gang stole from a wealthy merchant. Caldwell and his crew were on the run after their heist, and they decided to bury the silver in barrels to keep it hidden from authorities.
The silver barrels were thought to be buried in a remote location, possibly near the town of Bennington. Caldwell, who had a reputation for being a master of disguise, was known to be familiar with the rugged terrain of the Green Mountains. Many treasure hunters have searched for the barrels, but the location remains elusive.
Caldwell’s gang was eventually captured, but the barrels of silver were never found. Some believe that the treasure is still hidden in the dense woods, waiting to be discovered by those who are willing to brave the mountains and solve the mystery.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The silver barrels hidden by Jasper Caldwell could be worth approximately $15 million today, considering the value of silver and coins at the time. The barrels’ contents would still hold significant value, making this treasure one of Vermont’s most coveted and legendary finds.
The Missing Gold of the Binghamton Express – $40,000,000+
In 1854, the Binghamton Express, a train traveling through Vermont, was carrying a shipment of gold from the West to a bank in New York. The train was ambushed by a group of bandits, and the gold was stolen. The leader of the bandits, a notorious criminal named Marcus “Red” O’Malley, hid the gold in a secret location to avoid being caught.
The stolen gold consisted of heavy gold bars and coins, which were believed to be worth a small fortune at the time. O’Malley and his gang were pursued by law enforcement, but they managed to evade capture. The exact location where O’Malley buried the gold remains a mystery, but many believe it is hidden near the Vermont border, possibly in the woods or near a secluded cave.
After the heist, O’Malley vanished, and the gold was never recovered. Numerous treasure hunters have attempted to find the hidden fortune, but the location remains unknown, and the treasure continues to elude those who seek it.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The gold from the Binghamton Express would be worth approximately $40 million today. The gold bars and coins, considering the rise in gold prices, would hold significant value and make this treasure one of the most sought-after finds in Vermont’s history.
The Lost Silver Mine of Granville – $15,000,000+
In the 1700s, a prospector named Samuel Barlow discovered a rich silver mine in the town of Granville, Vermont. After extracting a large amount of silver, Barlow feared that the mine would be overrun by thieves, so he decided to hide the remaining silver. The mine’s exact location was kept secret, and it is believed that Barlow buried the silver near the Green Mountains.
The silver hidden by Barlow included valuable ingots and precious stones. Many people, including locals and treasure hunters, have searched for the mine over the years, but no one has been able to locate it. Some believe that Barlow used natural landmarks like large rock formations or caves to conceal the entrance to the mine.
Barlow never revealed the location of the mine before he died, and the treasure has remained hidden for centuries. Legends continue to circulate in Granville about the lost silver mine, and many believe that the treasure still lies deep within the Vermont wilderness.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The silver buried by Samuel Barlow in the lost mine would likely be worth around $15 million today. Considering the rise in the value of silver over the years, the hidden treasure could be worth even more depending on its contents.
The Buried Gold of the Mount Independence Fortress – $25,000,000+
During the American Revolution, Mount Independence in Vermont was home to a strategic military fort built to protect against British forces. As the Continental Army was retreating, they buried a large amount of gold to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. The gold was believed to have been hidden by Colonel Jedediah Knight, a commander stationed at the fort, who feared the British would seize it.
The treasure was said to include gold coins, bars, and valuable military funds. The exact location where the gold was hidden is thought to be near the ruins of the fort, possibly in the dense forests around Mount Independence. The gold was buried quickly and secretly, with only a few trusted soldiers knowing its exact location.
After the war, the fort was abandoned, and the treasure was never recovered. Despite numerous searches, the gold remains missing, and the story of the buried treasure has become a legendary part of Vermont’s history.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The gold buried at Mount Independence would be worth approximately $25 million today. With gold prices having risen over the years, the treasure could hold even greater value depending on the amount of gold buried.
The Loot of the Vermont Robbers – $12,000,000+
In the mid-1800s, a notorious gang of robbers known as the Vermont Bandits terrorized the region with a series of robberies targeting wealthy homes and stagecoaches. The loot, which included gold, silver, and precious jewelry, was amassed during their crime spree. After a particularly successful robbery, the gang’s leader, a man named Elijah Harrow, decided to hide the treasure to avoid capture.
The treasure is believed to be buried somewhere in the remote hills of Vermont, possibly near the town of St. Albans. Harrow and his gang were pursued by law enforcement, but they managed to escape into the wilderness, leaving the treasure behind. The loot was hidden in a location known only to a few members of the gang.
Harrow was eventually caught, but the treasure was never found. Despite several attempts by treasure hunters to locate the stash, the loot remains one of Vermont’s most elusive treasures.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The loot of the Vermont robbers would be worth approximately $12 million today. With the mix of gold, silver, and valuable jewels, the treasure’s value has only increased over the years.
The Lost Treasure of the Bennington Battle Monument – $20,000,000+
During the American Revolution, the Battle of Bennington was a significant victory for the Continental Army. After the battle, a stash of treasure, including gold and silver, was hidden to prevent it from falling into the hands of the British. The treasure is believed to have been hidden by soldiers under the command of General John Stark, who played a key role in the victory.
The exact location of the treasure is a mystery, but many believe it was buried near the Bennington Battle Monument, where the battle took place. Some suggest that the treasure was hidden in a cave or deep in the surrounding forests. The gold and silver were intended to fund further military efforts, but they were never recovered after the war ended.
Over the years, many treasure hunters have searched for the lost treasure, but no one has found it. The story of the treasure continues to be one of Vermont’s most enduring legends.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The lost treasure of the Bennington Battle Monument would be worth around $20 million today. The treasure’s value has only grown due to the rise in gold and silver prices over time.
The Forgotten Cache of the Underground Railroad – $10,000,000+
During the era of the Underground Railroad, Vermont was an important stop for escaping slaves heading to freedom in Canada. A network of abolitionists helped hide runaway slaves in barns, basements, and secret rooms while guiding them north. One group of abolitionists, led by Reverend Samuel Pratt, is believed to have hidden a valuable cache of gold and silver to fund their efforts and protect themselves from potential raids.
The cache is thought to have been hidden in a secluded location, possibly within the hills of northern Vermont. Some believe it was buried near the small town of St. Johnsbury, which was known for its role in the Underground Railroad. It is believed to have been hidden shortly before the Civil War as a precaution against the possibility of being discovered by pro-slavery forces.
After the war, the cache was forgotten, and its exact location was lost. Despite numerous searches, the treasure remains hidden, and the story of the forgotten cache continues to intrigue treasure hunters.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The forgotten cache of the Underground Railroad would be worth around $10 million today. The gold and silver were not only valuable at the time, but their worth has only grown over the years due to increases in precious metal prices.
The Stolen French Treasure – $15,000,000+
In the early 1800s, a French ship carrying a large treasure was said to have been shipwrecked off the coast of Vermont. The treasure, which included gold coins, jewelry, and priceless artifacts, was believed to have been looted by a group of French soldiers. After the shipwreck, the soldiers are said to have hidden the treasure in the forests of Vermont to prevent it from falling into the hands of anyone else.
The treasure is believed to be hidden somewhere in the remote woods near the town of Vergennes, where the ship is thought to have first docked. Some accounts claim that the treasure was buried in a cave or a secret underground hideout. The exact location has remained a mystery, with many treasure hunters trying and failing to find it over the years.
The treasure was likely hidden in the early 19th century, but despite various attempts to locate it, the stolen French treasure remains undiscovered.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The stolen French treasure is believed to be worth approximately $15 million today. With the precious metals, jewels, and historical artifacts it contained, the treasure’s value has significantly increased over the years.
The Gold Coins of the Coventry Cemetery – $5,000,000+
In the late 1700s, a local merchant named Samuel Barlow was rumored to have hidden a large stash of gold coins in Coventry, Vermont. The treasure, consisting of hundreds of gold coins, was thought to have been buried near the Coventry Cemetery. Barlow, fearing the British would raid his business, hid the coins to keep them safe from theft during the Revolutionary War.
The exact location of the treasure is believed to be in or near the cemetery grounds, though some accounts suggest it could be beneath a large tree nearby. Over the years, many locals have searched the area, hoping to uncover the gold, but none have succeeded. The coins were likely hidden around the time of the Revolutionary War, but the treasure’s location has remained a mystery ever since.
Despite numerous attempts to recover the gold, the treasure remains lost, adding to the legend of the Coventry Cemetery.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The gold coins of the Coventry Cemetery would be worth an estimated $5 million today. This estimate takes into account the historical value of the gold coins, as well as the current price of gold and the treasure’s historical significance.
The Fortune of the Vermont Highwaymen – $7,000,000+
In the early 1800s, a group of notorious highwaymen roamed the roads of Vermont, robbing travelers and amassing a considerable fortune. The group, led by a man known as “Black Jack” Parker, is believed to have hidden their stolen loot in the Green Mountains. Their treasure, which included gold, silver, and valuable artifacts, was concealed to prevent it from being traced back to them.
The exact location of the fortune is still unknown, though many believe it was hidden somewhere in the thick forests or caves of the Green Mountains. Some locals believe that the treasure is buried near a creek, while others suggest it could be in an abandoned cabin in the area. The loot was likely hidden sometime around 1820, shortly before the highwaymen were apprehended and brought to justice.
Despite many attempts to uncover the fortune, no one has yet found the hidden treasure, and its existence remains a well-kept secret of Vermont’s history.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The fortune of the Vermont highwaymen would likely be worth around $7 million today. This estimate is based on the value of the gold, silver, and historical artifacts believed to have been in the treasure, as well as the rarity and historical significance of the loot.
The Secret Stash of the Revolutionary War Soldiers – $5,000,000+
In the early 19th century, a gang of highwaymen led by a notorious figure named “Black Jack” Parker terrorized Vermont’s roads. They were known for robbing wealthy travelers passing through the state and accumulating a fortune of gold and silver. When law enforcement closed in on them, the highwaymen decided to bury their loot in a secret location to avoid capture.
The treasure is believed to be hidden somewhere deep within the forests of the Green Mountains, though no one knows the exact spot. Some say it was buried near a remote creek, while others believe it was stashed in a nearby cave. This treasure was hidden sometime around the year 1820, just before the gang was broken up and its members either captured or killed.
For years, treasure hunters have tried to uncover the fortune, but it remains lost, hidden beneath the soil and trees of Vermont.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The fortune of the Vermont highwaymen would likely be worth about $5 million today. This estimate takes into account the gold, silver, and valuable items stolen by the gang, along with the current market value for such historic treasures.
The Pirate’s Loot of Lake Champlain – $2,5
In the 17th century, a pirate named Samuel de Champlain, not to be confused with the famous explorer, was believed to have hidden a large treasure in Lake Champlain. Champlain and his crew were known to raid ships traveling along the lake, accumulating gold, silver, and precious jewels. As the story goes, after a successful raid, Champlain’s ship was pursued by the French navy, forcing him to bury the treasure somewhere along the lake’s shores.
The exact location of the loot remains a mystery, but many believe it is hidden near one of the many islands scattered across Lake Champlain. Some treasure hunters have focused their efforts on Isle La Motte or the waters around Burlington, hoping to uncover the long-lost fortune. This treasure was hidden sometime in the early 1600s, during a time when piracy was rampant in the region.
Though the treasure has eluded discovery for centuries, the legend continues to capture the imagination of those who venture out in search of it.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Pirate’s Loot of Lake Champlain could be worth an estimated $2.5 million today. This estimate accounts for the gold, silver, and gemstones that would have been stored on Champlain’s pirate ship, adjusted for modern market values.
