Here at Only In Connecticut, we frequently discuss hidden gems in the Nutmeg State. Not many people know that there’s allegedly a literal hidden treasure in Connecticut, though! There are rumored spots of the lost treasure of Captain Kidd all over the state’s shoreline. Some potential hiding spots are even haunted by pirate ghosts, if you believe the legends. One spot that not many people know about is the area around New London, which is reportedly home to a buried treasure taken from a damaged Spanish galleon. Read on to find out more about the lost Spanish treasure in Connecticut.

New London is a charming city with a lot of history. The city has a maritime museum and wonderful beaches. It's home to around 27,000 people, but even many of the residents are unfamiliar with the treasures that supposedly lie somewhere in the area.
Hhouschton/Wikimedia Commons
In 1752, a Spanish galleon named Santa Elena y Senor San Joseph was in the area, damaged during a storm, and attempted to dock at New London to be repaired. Unfortunately, it ran aground on Bartlett Reef, a nearby shoal.
Cornelis Verbeeck/Wikimedia Commons
A boat was sent out to rescue the crew, plus the dozens of chests of gold doubloons that were aboard. Records from the time show that the chest was taken to an area and guards were posted.
Bjwebb/Wikimedia Commons

Related Stories

These 8 Photos Of Connecticut From Around The Early 1900s Are Beyond Fascinating

These 8 Photos Of Connecticut From Around The Early 1900s Are Beyond Fascinating

 Few People Know Connecticut Was Home To The First Modern Submarine In The World

Few People Know Connecticut Was Home To The First Modern Submarine In The World

 These Then-And-Now Pics Of Yale University In Connecticut Show Just How Much It Has Changed

These Then-And-Now Pics Of Yale University In Connecticut Show Just How Much It Has Changed
The galleon was towed inland for repairs, and the rest of the items on board were taken to a warehouse. Allegedly, the value of the treasures onboard the ship was around $3.75 million in today's money.
leigh49137/Flickr
The Spanish crew was stranded in New London while their ship was repaired. Several guards allegedly ran off with some of the gold, and one claimed that doubloons were buried throughout the town for safe-keeping through the winter.
Bret Harte/Wikimedia Commons
Much of the records have been lost to history, but it's not clear that the entire treasure was collected by the time the ship was repaired and left the area. Over the years, there have been rumors of gold doubloons turning up in the area.
JJBers/Flickr

Have you ever heard of the story of the lost Spanish treasure in New London, Connecticut? Do you believe the legends? Let us know in the comments section!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Connecticut

Featured Addresses
New London, CT, USA