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August 1, 2023 12 mins

This episode explores the fascinating topic of buried treasure legends and stories in the Tri-State area, encompassing Southern Illinois, Southern Indiana, and Western Kentucky. 

Here are some of the key treasures and legends discussed:

  • Kentucky Cornfield Gold: The episode begins with the exciting recent discovery of over 700 rare US gold coins in a Kentucky cornfield, estimated to be worth more than $2 million, highlighting the real possibility of finding buried treasure. [00:08]
  • Why People Buried Treasure: The host provides historical context, explaining that before the establishment of the FDIC, people often chose to bury their valuable possessions as a safer alternative to banks. [01:45]
  • Farmersburg Gold (Indiana): This episode recounts a 1987 report detailing the alleged burial of gold by soldiers near Farmersburg, Indiana. [04:22]
  • Pirate Treasure at Cave-in-Rock (Illinois): Listeners are introduced to the enduring legends of pirate treasure supposedly hidden within the caves of Cave-in-Rock, Illinois. [07:04]
  • Riverboat Silver near Golconda (Illinois): The episode shares tales of silver dollars lost from a wrecked riverboat near the town of Golconda, Illinois. [08:17]
  • Harp Brothers' Gold near Dixon (Kentucky): The notorious Harp brothers, infamous outlaws, are linked to rumors of hidden gold coins near Dixon, Kentucky. [09:02]
  • The Possibility of More: The show concludes with Matt expressing a strong belief that more buried and sunken treasure awaits discovery in the Tri-State area, using the recent Kentucky find as compelling evidence. [11:36]
  • Important Reminder: The episode ends with a crucial reminder for anyone interested in treasure hunting to always obtain permission before searching on private property. [11:58]

Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/12

Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal.  https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord

https://indstate.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/folklore/id/3872/rec/10

https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/03/cave-in-rock-and-americas-river-pirates/146392#:~:text=From%20the%20late%201700s%20to,cave%20(although%20there%20is%20no

https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/12/millions-rare-gold-coins-unearthed-kentucky-cornfield/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Kentucky_Hoard#:~:text=The%20Great%20Kentucky%20Hoard%20is,the%20hoard%20has%20remained%20anonymous.&text=The%20coins%20found%20are%20U.S.%20Civil%20War%2Dera%20coins.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpe_brothers

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Matt Deig

Matt Deig

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