April 10, 2025 • 13 mins
Ahoy, mateys! In this episode, we dive into the legendary tale of Captain William Kidd and his elusive treasure. Did this infamous privateer-turned-pirate really bury a fortune, or is it all just a myth fueled by centuries of speculation? We explore the history of Kidd’s life, his trial and execution, and the many treasure hunts inspired by his story.
From Gardiners Island to the mysterious Oak Island, we will discuss the places rumored to hold his lost riches and whether any of it has ever been found. Plus, we’ll separate the facts from the fiction and uncover how Kidd’s legend has influenced pop culture, inspiring books, movies, and even modern-day treasure hunters.
Love this episode? Subscribe to our podcast and leave a review (please)! Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @thegenxcouple for more. Don’t forget to share this episode with friends or family who might also like it.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hi, I'm Robin and I'm Chris together. We're the Gen X couple
(00:23):
Hey guys take one ahoy madeies
So remember last week I said we were batch recording and I was sick well guess what I'm still sick because it's only about a half hour after
We recorded last week's so if my voice sounds a little wonky. It's because I'm still a little sick, but
I'm gonna apologize and we're just gonna have to go with it because we got to get stuff done
(00:47):
We're gonna get these episodes recorded
So moving on welcome back to the Gen X couple today
We're gonna take a deep dive into the murky waters of one of the most legendary treasure hunts of all time
Captain kids treasure. Yes. This episode was a special request from a longtime listener our nephew
(01:09):
ASA so ASA this one's for you
Yeah, thank you ASA
This was actually a really fun story to research and it involves a real-life pirate
Very treasure secret maps and enough wild theories to fill Davey Jones's locker. So put on your best pirate accent or don't
We don't judge around here and prepare for a deep dive into one of history's most tantalizing unresolved mysteries
(01:33):
Now before we start hunting for gold, let's get to know the man behind the legend
So captain William Kidd wasn't your stereotypical pirate. He wasn't a pig leg
didn't have an eye patch didn't have a parrot on the shoulder and
At least not that we know of but he was an actual private here
Was it just a fancy way or legal way of saying pirate with a permission slip? Yeah
(02:00):
Born in Scotland around
1655
Kidd started off as a respectable sailor, but like most good stories
He took a turn he was hired by England to hunt down pirates, which is ironic, right you guys and capture enemy friendships
The problem being a rule following privateer was about as profitable as opening a lemonade stand in the Arctic
(02:24):
So somewhere along the way kids moral clumpus started spinning wildly wildly
And he became the very thing he was supposed to be fighting or did he because here's where the story gets murky
Was kid really a part or was he just an unlucky guy who made a few bad decisions and got in over his head?
(02:44):
Now the fun part
Legend has it that captain Kidd hit a massive did I say hit or hid hid? Okay?
I don't know in my head. It sounded like hit so captain Kidd hid a
Massive treasure somewhere before he was captured and executed in 1701, but where?
Well, that depends on which theory you believe some say it's buried along the east coast of the United States
(03:09):
While others swear it's hidden on a remote island and a few wild ones think it's been found and covered up
So let's break down the most famous locations where the treasure hunters have searched
There's Gardeners Island, New York
This is the one confirmed place where Kidd buried treasure but bad news for modern treasure hunters
(03:30):
The British government dug it up in 1699
Don't and also in 1699
Captain William Kidd anchored at Gardens Island gardeners Gardeners Island located off located off the eastern tip of Long Island
He entrusted the islands
Propertor proprietor John Gardner with a bunch of treasure including gold silver and jewels
(03:57):
Reportedly threatening gardeners life should the treasure be disturbed
However upon Kidd's arrest
Governor Lord Belmont ordered the retrieval of the treasure which was
Subsequently used as evidence against Kidd during his triumph Boston today a historical marker on Gardeners Island
Do you know it's spot where kids treasure was buried?
(04:19):
That's interesting
So the next one is Oak Island, Nova Scotia and before we even did this episode
Chris asked if we were gonna talk about Oak Island and I was like of course, we're gonna talk about Oak Island
Do I love that show? What's that show? Isn't it called the curse of Oak Island where two brothers are searching for
(04:42):
the lost treasure
template treasure or
Could be Captain Kidd or it could not be there at all, which is my guess. It's there
They've been they've spent millions of dollars digging and they found nothing. It's there. This guy dig deeper. Okay, so
Moving back to the point the infamous quote-unquote money pit on Oak Island has been linked to two
(05:07):
Captain Kidd's treasure, but so far all that's been found is a lot of frustration and a whole lot of digging
Oak Island's infamous money pit has long been rumored to conceal Captain Kidd's treasure
theory suggests that kid or possibly other pirates buried their loot deep within the islands labyrinth shafts and tunnels
(05:28):
despite
extensive
excavations and numerous expeditions over the past two centuries no definitive treasure has been unearthed
which leads to ongoing speculation and
fascination
Another location is Block Island Rhode Island. Some legends say kid buried
Chetbury treasure chests here before sailing back to New York
(05:50):
No gold has ever been found but still a popular theory
According to local legends
Captain Kidd visited Block Island around
1699 where he was supplied by Mrs. Mercy
Sanders
Raymond daughter of a
Mermur sailor James Sandin James Sands
(06:11):
Some tales suggest that during this visit Kidd buried chest of treasures on the island before sailing to New York
However, no substantial evidence or recovery treasure has confirmed these stories despite the lack of tangible findings
The legend persists and Block Island remains at point of interest for treasure hunters and
(06:32):
enthusiasts
interesting that's not too far from us and
the last one is Madagascar and
This was a well-known pirate hideout and some believe that Captain Kidd's treasure is still waiting there in the jungle
Captain William Kidd is closely associated with Isle Saint Marie
Which is a small island off of Madagascar's eastern coast the island served as a notorious pirate haven during his era and in
(07:01):
1698 after his ship the adventure galley became unseaworthy
Kidd reportedly abandoned his ship there in
2015 marine
Archaeologist Barry Clifford announced the discovery of a 50 kilogram metal bar at the shipwreck site near Isle Saint Marie
And he initially identified it as a silver ingot from the adventure galley
(07:23):
This find obviously got significant media attention with some people speculating it was part of kids fable treasure
However subsequent investigation revealed that the ingot was part of was composed of 95% lead
Not silver and likely to have served as a ballast
They also concluded that the supposed shipwreck was actually a broken part of
(07:47):
construction
Not the adventure galley so over the centuries people have gone to extreme lengths to find
Captain Kidd's treasure some of the best and weirdest theories include the curse of Captain Kidd
Some believe that anyone who searches for the treasure is doomed
The legend of Captain Kidd's treasure is often accompanied by tales of curse
(08:12):
We following those who seek it one notable example is the Charles Island in Connecticut
Rumored to be a burial site for Kidd's treasure local legends suggest that the iron is thrice cursed
With one of the curses attributed to Kidd himself to protect this hidden loot. I love the word thrice
I do start using that more in conversation over the years treasure hunters have reported
(08:36):
misfortunes and unexplained incurrences during their searchers fueling belief in this curse's existence and
Then there's the secret code theory a few treasure hunters claim that Kidd left behind cryptic maps or messages in old documents
Some treasure hunters and historians propose that Captain Kidd left behind
(08:57):
cryptic messages or codes indicating the location of his buried treasure
These theories often reference maps or documents purportedly containing the hidden clues for instance
Kidd's final letter before his execution mentioned a hidden treasure worth a hundred thousand dollars in a secret Caribbean location
This letter has inspired numerous treasure hunts and literary works such as Edgar Allen pose the gold bug and
(09:24):
Robert Louis Stevenson's treasure Island both of which explore themes of coded messages leading to hidden riches
And then there's the British government cover-up
Conspiracy alert some people believe kids treasure was found and quietly
Confiscated there is speculation that Captain Kidd was a scapegoat in a larger political maneuver
(09:47):
And that his trial and execution were influenced by powerful figures seeking to protect their interest
Some historians argue that crucial documents which might have an exonerated kid or shed light on his true activities
Were deliberate withheld during his trial
This has led to theories that the British government may have secretly recovered kids treasures and concealed it
(10:13):
Concealed its existence to avoid public scandal or to clean the riches for themselves
And of course we have to ask what if the treasure was found long ago
Maybe someone is sitting on millions in pirate gold quietly sipping a pina colada on the beach somewhere
We may never know yeah, so what happened to Captain Kidd?
(10:33):
Well, let's just say his retirement plan didn't work out
He was arrested in Boston sent to England and put on trial for piracy
Despite his claims that evidence since he was sentenced sentenced to hang in 1701. Are you okay?
This is not okay. I'm gonna say that might be the curse just talking about it made you lose your voice
(10:55):
Fun fact, okay? Well, maybe it's just a fact because it's not really very fun
The first time they tried to hang him the rope broke talk about bad luck the second time
Well, it worked and as a warning to other would-be pirates his body was left hanging over the Thames for years
But here's a question. What kids real treasure wasn't actually golden jewels
(11:20):
What if his greatest legacy is the mystery itself his legend has inspired countless books movies and treasure hunts in a way?
Kid did leave behind treasure, but it's just not the kind you can put in a chest if you thought is even though his treasure remains a mystery
Kid story has a massive impact on pop culture
(11:42):
Robert Louis Stevenson's treasure Island was likely inspired by the legend of Captain Kidd and
And then shaping our modern image of our pirates think Barry Cheser
Treasure maps and secret codes. Yeah, and like I said a few minutes ago
There's Edgar Allen pose the gold bug which I've actually never even read
But now I kind of want to read it and that revolves around a coded message leaving to keep leading to kids treasure
(12:07):
That story alone helped fuel real-life treasure hunts for decades and let's not forget Hollywood
Movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and countless adventure films borrow from kids legend even today
TV shows books and documentaries continue to ask the question. Could his treasure still be out there?
Yeah, so what do you think is Captain Kidd's treasure still out there waiting to be discovered?
(12:31):
Or was the real treasure their adventure of the hunt itself?
If you've got your own theories or want to share your favorite pirate stories reach out
You can email us at the Gen X couple podcast at gmail.com
You guys can find us on Instagram at the Gen X couple and if you enjoyed this episode make sure you subscribe
(12:52):
Please leave a review and maybe start drawing up your own treasure map just in case yeah until next time
Keep your eyes on the horizon and your doubloons in a safe place
Oh, see you later alligator in a wild crocodile
Hi, I'm Robin and I'm Chris together. We're the Gen X couple
(00:23):
Hey guys take one ahoy madeies
So remember last week I said we were batch recording and I was sick well guess what I'm still sick because it's only about a half hour after
We recorded last week's so if my voice sounds a little wonky. It's because I'm still a little sick, but
I'm gonna apologize and we're just gonna have to go with it because we got to get stuff done
(00:47):
We're gonna get these episodes recorded
So moving on welcome back to the Gen X couple today
We're gonna take a deep dive into the murky waters of one of the most legendary treasure hunts of all time
Captain kids treasure. Yes. This episode was a special request from a longtime listener our nephew
(01:09):
ASA so ASA this one's for you
Yeah, thank you ASA
This was actually a really fun story to research and it involves a real-life pirate
Very treasure secret maps and enough wild theories to fill Davey Jones's locker. So put on your best pirate accent or don't
We don't judge around here and prepare for a deep dive into one of history's most tantalizing unresolved mysteries
(01:33):
Now before we start hunting for gold, let's get to know the man behind the legend
So captain William Kidd wasn't your stereotypical pirate. He wasn't a pig leg
didn't have an eye patch didn't have a parrot on the shoulder and
At least not that we know of but he was an actual private here
Was it just a fancy way or legal way of saying pirate with a permission slip? Yeah
(02:00):
Born in Scotland around
1655
Kidd started off as a respectable sailor, but like most good stories
He took a turn he was hired by England to hunt down pirates, which is ironic, right you guys and capture enemy friendships
The problem being a rule following privateer was about as profitable as opening a lemonade stand in the Arctic
(02:24):
So somewhere along the way kids moral clumpus started spinning wildly wildly
And he became the very thing he was supposed to be fighting or did he because here's where the story gets murky
Was kid really a part or was he just an unlucky guy who made a few bad decisions and got in over his head?
(02:44):
Now the fun part
Legend has it that captain Kidd hit a massive did I say hit or hid hid? Okay?
I don't know in my head. It sounded like hit so captain Kidd hid a
Massive treasure somewhere before he was captured and executed in 1701, but where?
Well, that depends on which theory you believe some say it's buried along the east coast of the United States
(03:09):
While others swear it's hidden on a remote island and a few wild ones think it's been found and covered up
So let's break down the most famous locations where the treasure hunters have searched
There's Gardeners Island, New York
This is the one confirmed place where Kidd buried treasure but bad news for modern treasure hunters
(03:30):
The British government dug it up in 1699
Don't and also in 1699
Captain William Kidd anchored at Gardens Island gardeners Gardeners Island located off located off the eastern tip of Long Island
He entrusted the islands
Propertor proprietor John Gardner with a bunch of treasure including gold silver and jewels
(03:57):
Reportedly threatening gardeners life should the treasure be disturbed
However upon Kidd's arrest
Governor Lord Belmont ordered the retrieval of the treasure which was
Subsequently used as evidence against Kidd during his triumph Boston today a historical marker on Gardeners Island
Do you know it's spot where kids treasure was buried?
(04:19):
That's interesting
So the next one is Oak Island, Nova Scotia and before we even did this episode
Chris asked if we were gonna talk about Oak Island and I was like of course, we're gonna talk about Oak Island
Do I love that show? What's that show? Isn't it called the curse of Oak Island where two brothers are searching for
(04:42):
the lost treasure
template treasure or
Could be Captain Kidd or it could not be there at all, which is my guess. It's there
They've been they've spent millions of dollars digging and they found nothing. It's there. This guy dig deeper. Okay, so
Moving back to the point the infamous quote-unquote money pit on Oak Island has been linked to two
(05:07):
Captain Kidd's treasure, but so far all that's been found is a lot of frustration and a whole lot of digging
Oak Island's infamous money pit has long been rumored to conceal Captain Kidd's treasure
theory suggests that kid or possibly other pirates buried their loot deep within the islands labyrinth shafts and tunnels
(05:28):
despite
extensive
excavations and numerous expeditions over the past two centuries no definitive treasure has been unearthed
which leads to ongoing speculation and
fascination
Another location is Block Island Rhode Island. Some legends say kid buried
Chetbury treasure chests here before sailing back to New York
(05:50):
No gold has ever been found but still a popular theory
According to local legends
Captain Kidd visited Block Island around
1699 where he was supplied by Mrs. Mercy
Sanders
Raymond daughter of a
Mermur sailor James Sandin James Sands
(06:11):
Some tales suggest that during this visit Kidd buried chest of treasures on the island before sailing to New York
However, no substantial evidence or recovery treasure has confirmed these stories despite the lack of tangible findings
The legend persists and Block Island remains at point of interest for treasure hunters and
(06:32):
enthusiasts
interesting that's not too far from us and
the last one is Madagascar and
This was a well-known pirate hideout and some believe that Captain Kidd's treasure is still waiting there in the jungle
Captain William Kidd is closely associated with Isle Saint Marie
Which is a small island off of Madagascar's eastern coast the island served as a notorious pirate haven during his era and in
(07:01):
1698 after his ship the adventure galley became unseaworthy
Kidd reportedly abandoned his ship there in
2015 marine
Archaeologist Barry Clifford announced the discovery of a 50 kilogram metal bar at the shipwreck site near Isle Saint Marie
And he initially identified it as a silver ingot from the adventure galley
(07:23):
This find obviously got significant media attention with some people speculating it was part of kids fable treasure
However subsequent investigation revealed that the ingot was part of was composed of 95% lead
Not silver and likely to have served as a ballast
They also concluded that the supposed shipwreck was actually a broken part of
(07:47):
construction
Not the adventure galley so over the centuries people have gone to extreme lengths to find
Captain Kidd's treasure some of the best and weirdest theories include the curse of Captain Kidd
Some believe that anyone who searches for the treasure is doomed
The legend of Captain Kidd's treasure is often accompanied by tales of curse
(08:12):
We following those who seek it one notable example is the Charles Island in Connecticut
Rumored to be a burial site for Kidd's treasure local legends suggest that the iron is thrice cursed
With one of the curses attributed to Kidd himself to protect this hidden loot. I love the word thrice
I do start using that more in conversation over the years treasure hunters have reported
(08:36):
misfortunes and unexplained incurrences during their searchers fueling belief in this curse's existence and
Then there's the secret code theory a few treasure hunters claim that Kidd left behind cryptic maps or messages in old documents
Some treasure hunters and historians propose that Captain Kidd left behind
(08:57):
cryptic messages or codes indicating the location of his buried treasure
These theories often reference maps or documents purportedly containing the hidden clues for instance
Kidd's final letter before his execution mentioned a hidden treasure worth a hundred thousand dollars in a secret Caribbean location
This letter has inspired numerous treasure hunts and literary works such as Edgar Allen pose the gold bug and
(09:24):
Robert Louis Stevenson's treasure Island both of which explore themes of coded messages leading to hidden riches
And then there's the British government cover-up
Conspiracy alert some people believe kids treasure was found and quietly
Confiscated there is speculation that Captain Kidd was a scapegoat in a larger political maneuver
(09:47):
And that his trial and execution were influenced by powerful figures seeking to protect their interest
Some historians argue that crucial documents which might have an exonerated kid or shed light on his true activities
Were deliberate withheld during his trial
This has led to theories that the British government may have secretly recovered kids treasures and concealed it
(10:13):
Concealed its existence to avoid public scandal or to clean the riches for themselves
And of course we have to ask what if the treasure was found long ago
Maybe someone is sitting on millions in pirate gold quietly sipping a pina colada on the beach somewhere
We may never know yeah, so what happened to Captain Kidd?
(10:33):
Well, let's just say his retirement plan didn't work out
He was arrested in Boston sent to England and put on trial for piracy
Despite his claims that evidence since he was sentenced sentenced to hang in 1701. Are you okay?
This is not okay. I'm gonna say that might be the curse just talking about it made you lose your voice
(10:55):
Fun fact, okay? Well, maybe it's just a fact because it's not really very fun
The first time they tried to hang him the rope broke talk about bad luck the second time
Well, it worked and as a warning to other would-be pirates his body was left hanging over the Thames for years
But here's a question. What kids real treasure wasn't actually golden jewels
(11:20):
What if his greatest legacy is the mystery itself his legend has inspired countless books movies and treasure hunts in a way?
Kid did leave behind treasure, but it's just not the kind you can put in a chest if you thought is even though his treasure remains a mystery
Kid story has a massive impact on pop culture
(11:42):
Robert Louis Stevenson's treasure Island was likely inspired by the legend of Captain Kidd and
And then shaping our modern image of our pirates think Barry Cheser
Treasure maps and secret codes. Yeah, and like I said a few minutes ago
There's Edgar Allen pose the gold bug which I've actually never even read
But now I kind of want to read it and that revolves around a coded message leaving to keep leading to kids treasure
(12:07):
That story alone helped fuel real-life treasure hunts for decades and let's not forget Hollywood
Movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and countless adventure films borrow from kids legend even today
TV shows books and documentaries continue to ask the question. Could his treasure still be out there?
Yeah, so what do you think is Captain Kidd's treasure still out there waiting to be discovered?
(12:31):
Or was the real treasure their adventure of the hunt itself?
If you've got your own theories or want to share your favorite pirate stories reach out
You can email us at the Gen X couple podcast at gmail.com
You guys can find us on Instagram at the Gen X couple and if you enjoyed this episode make sure you subscribe
(12:52):
Please leave a review and maybe start drawing up your own treasure map just in case yeah until next time
Keep your eyes on the horizon and your doubloons in a safe place
Oh, see you later alligator in a wild crocodile
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!