Have you ever dreamed about finding lost treasure? There just might be some in the West Virginia mountains. West Virginia Explorer tells a story that’s been pieced together from old writings dating back to the Civil War era. Could there really be a lost treasure, or is it just a legend?
The story starts with three Confederate soldiers deserting their posts and robbing a Virginia bank on their journey.
WikiMedia Commons
The legend says that the amount stolen was about $40,000 in gold.
WikiMedia Commons/Portable Antiquities Scheme
The gold is said to be hidden in Branch Mountain.
WikiMedia Commons/Justin A. Wilcox
The soldiers found a small natural cave within the mountain, and hid the treasure there.
WikiMedia Commons/James St. John The opening is said to be just large enough for a man to squeeze in, but then the cave opens up to a bigger room on the inside.
The soldiers were caught by the law and died before ever seeing freedom again, but not before they told their secrets. However, the hiding place was never found.
WikiMedia Commons/Famartin Can you imagine stumbling across this treasure? The mountain is more developed now, and private property discourages trespassing. However, it’s fun to dream that the gold might some day be discovered once again.
Read more details about the missing gold here.
WikiMedia Commons
WikiMedia Commons/Portable Antiquities Scheme
WikiMedia Commons/Justin A. Wilcox
WikiMedia Commons/James St. John
The opening is said to be just large enough for a man to squeeze in, but then the cave opens up to a bigger room on the inside.
WikiMedia Commons/Famartin
Can you imagine stumbling across this treasure? The mountain is more developed now, and private property discourages trespassing. However, it’s fun to dream that the gold might some day be discovered once again.
For another fascinating legend from West Virginia, check out this story about a haunted road… and why the ghostly noises may have stopped.
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