Posted in Connecticut History, State Pride March 13, 2023 by Lisa Sammons

Few People Know About The Missing Spanish Treasure Supposedly Hiding In Connecticut

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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Address: New London, CT, USA