Hidden Treasure in Florida - Eight Places to Search

Florida has been known for Spanish shipwrecks offSt. George Island is located in the St. Johns River
its coast. Stories of pirates and hidden treasures arenear Jacksonville. The Spaniards built a fort and a
well documented in this State. However, FloridaMission here. Indians raided both places a number of
treasures are not just pirate booty. Below are eighttimes. Silver and gold coins have been found on local
areas to search for various treasures in Floridabeaches.
Amelia Island is located in St. Mary's River. SpanishThe Florida Keys area has been known as the most
plantations were erected on the island, and Spanishproductive treasure-hunting site in the northern
coins have been located on the beaches.hemisphere. For centuries, the Spaniards moved their
Dade Battlefield is located on State rte 476, west ofgoods along the Florida Keys between Spain and
U.S. 301 near Bunnell. In 1835, Seminole IndiansMexico. Many times their ships were lost at sea due
massacred Federal soldiers here. It has been reportedto violent storms.
that the soldiers buried their payroll before theTo this day, silver, Spanish coins, and gold coins, as
attack. No evidence of the treasure has beenwell as pieces of gold and silver jewelry, from these
reported.wrecks, wash up on the beaches of islands and the
Crystal River State Park is located two miles west ofcoastline of Florida.
Crystal River on U.S. 19. Sometime between 400 BCThe Florida Everglades has many tales of hidden
and 1200 AD Indians established this site. The park istreasures. Stories of confederate soldiers and pirates
off limits to treasure hunters. However, divers haveburying treasures have been told for years. One
recovered numerous artifacts in the river.famous treasure story of this area is the one about
Fort Caroline is located ten miles East of Jacksonville.Billy Bowlegs. Bowlegs was a very bad pirate who
Although now gone, the French Huguenots built thismany called a "cutthroat." Apparently, Billy Bowlegs
site in the 1500's. The Spaniards attacked and killedburied treasures near Franklin, Fort San Carlos, and at
the inhabitants shortly after the fort was erected. IfSanta Rosa Island.
the site can be located there may be relics from thatIt is important that you always ask for permission
era.when entering private property. If you are going on
Indian Key is located a few hundred yards from theto State or Federal Land, in search for lost treasure,
west end of Upper Matacumbe Key. The Calusa andbe sure to check with your State laws about any
Matacumbe Indians, as well as the Spaniards used thisdigging.
site. Many shipwrecks that date back to the 1600'sThe link below will provide you with more information
are known to be in the waters off Indian Key. Forregarding Sate Laws.
years, treasure hunters have found gold and silverGood luck in your search for hidden treasure.
coins, as well as old bottles in this area.