jose gaspar treasure found jose gaspar treasure found

Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. By Geoff Dobson. Gattuso leads a a small group called the The Treasure Hunters who spend their weekends hiking the wilderness near the Peace River in search of lost treasure believed to have been left behind by Jose Gaspar. You must log in or register to reply here. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by, Jose Gaspar is not the only mythical pirate character that has. According to the story, Gaspar had underestimated the USS Enterprise as an easy target. Pirate Blackbeard entered the history books in the early 1700s. Just a salty pirate looking to explore and document the wonders of the Caribbean. ", "Jose Gaspar, from my understanding, was a name that was made up by Ye Mystic Krewe, which they tied to Gasparilla, which was tied to the railroad pamphlet that you're talking about, which that is not real. He then sailed back across the world, landing on what we now know as our home of Tampa Bay. There's really no way to know which is the case," Maria wrote, in an email to WTSP-TV. (story from treasurelore.com). Treasure hunting can be a fun and exciting activity. The map is estimated to be from the 1930s and shows the Tampa area. Gasparilla had fallen into a trap! "The reason I believe in Gasparilla is because I believe in Juan Gomez," Mike Gattuso, a member of The Real Treasure Hunters, told Paluska. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. Icelanders and the Huldufolk: A Nation Gripped by Farinis Great Discovery: Is there a Lost City Top Ten Knights of King Arthurs Round Table. He then tied himself to an anchor and jumped in the ocean disappearing for all time. Some records give him the honor of being what we would call an admiral. His methods were black and bloody, and he stands out among all the pirates who used Florida to bury their wealth. Tales of pirate treasures are very difficult to substantiate due to many factors. Michael Gattuso and his crew got a cable debut Wednesday night in an episode of Discovery Channel's show "Expedition Unknown." But Rodney Kite-Powell, a Tampa-Bay curator, doesn't believe that the legendary figure was even real. Not being able to pass up this giant score, he pursed the ship that was flying a British flag. The story of the famed pirate may have been the tall tale of a U.S. naval officer. It appears Philip Gosse got the story from Bradlee's book. He supposedly buried 3 chests under a palm tree somewhere in the vicinity. 1. link to A Beginners Guide to Magnet Fishing: 15 Sure Fire Tips. Supposedly a group of pirates traveled from the gulf inland via river to a spot in Indiana where they hid a bunch of gold coins east of the town of Freedom. We have one with Gomez's name on it. Later that fall, he captured a large French slave ship bound for some sugar plantations. By booking through these links, the small commission we earn helps us bring you more Caribbean content so that you can save money and have a better island vacation. During this time a woman of the royal family, rumored to be the kings daughter-in-law sought the attention of this young naval officer. . Interesting history topics are just a click away. With Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses, How We Became Mr. and Mrs. So where did Blackbeard hide his treasures? So are you juiced up and just caught the gold fever? His ship soon followed him to the watery depths. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Gaspar, Sachs, S, 2022. This happened in the year 1782. He vowed revenge on those who had framed him and was forced to turn to a life of piracy. For whatever reason, burial of chests laden with gold and jewels seems to be the norm, but is there any pirate treasure left? There are numerous tales and stories of pirate treasures hidden thought the world, some of which are not attributed to any particular pirate. Chasing Treasure: The myth of Gasparilla and the real-life man Juan Gomez. But Gasparilla himself did not survive the final battle. The battle raged and the story goes that as Jose Gaspar realized the inevitable, he stood on the bow of the ship and stated something like Gaspar dies by his own hands. These recommended links below will help you save money and book your trip: We use all the companies listed here or on the resource page. Many say he buried treasure here during this time. Show more. . The legend of Gaspar was first recorded in promotional materials for this Boca Grande Hotel. Decipher the code, and you might find some of Gaspars lost treasure but as fast as Florida changes, dont be surprised if you find a new shopping mall sitting square on top of it. As the story goes, the pirate Jose Gaspar was hunting for the USS Enterprise in 1821; onboard was Juan Gmez, the man who lived to tell the tale. RECOMMENDED: The legend of Jose Gaspar and the history of Gasparilla. Before we get to the treasure hunt, let's touch on the historical background of Jose Gaspar and how a now infamous fictitious pirate became a Tampa legend. He found a hillside where he buried 2 pirate chests filled with valuable metals and jewels. While in Florida, Caesar palled up with Jose Gaspar, better known as "Gasparilla.". So that's why we believe that it was Juan Gomez. Here is what we have been able to piece together about this controversial pirate. Jose Gaspar commandeered the 'Floridablanca', the ship upon which he was serving, to commence his life of piracy. He met and married his wife in New York and had 2 daughters. USEPPA ISLAND, Fla. Most, if not all, historians agree the pirate named Jose Gaspar never existed. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, no pirate was more feared in the southern United States than Jose Gaspar. My grandfather had a book on all these when I was younger. Youll read about many that are hidden and a few that were found, so it can happen. The story of Juan Gomez is also published in the Library of Congress. Email him at elcompa29@gmail.com. He's rumored to have had a secret base in Charlotte Harbor and would sail back and forth to Spain as well as roam around the Gulf of Mexico until his death in 1821, at the hands of the U.S. Navy. "It's a bunch of heartbreak with little reward and a lot of imagination," said treasure hunter Erin Melcher. Whilst swimming in Key West, he and a team of specialists find a huge anchor that may have been from Gaspar's vessel. In 1705 the group was killed by French traders who were tired of being robbed by these men. We" more 2. He successfully captured a few ships during his years long voyage. Some records give him the honor of being what we would call an admiral. "But, what we believe is that Juan Gomez had ties to him. Marias brother Mike believes the couple in the photo may be their great grandparents, Eve and Ernesto Lopez. This was around the 1870s, after the Civil War. He subsequently set fire to all his buildings before sailing out to sea, never to be heard from again. "We go after Juan Gomez because everything, all the treasures and everything we've come through, is tied to him. Bald Point is another hotspot but for rumors of pirate treasure. Subsequent retellings of the Gaspar tale are based on this imaginative account, including the unintentional inclusion of Jos Gaspar in a 1923 book on genuine pirates, which has created ongoing debate regarding his historical veracity. A few months ago, Gattuso found a Calusa bone tool that is now part of the Useppa Island museum's collection. Finding a real human hand is probably not what the Lopezes had in mind, but thats exactly what this family from Florida found in their grandparents attic. We thought that was awesome. Find the treasure, report it, and go to jail for committing a 3rd Degree Felony. They will be focused on the Florida coastline, right in my back yard. There have been many stories told of treasure Captain Kidd buried back in America. Although Gasparilla was a well-educated, well-dressed pirate and ladies man, things did not always go as planned. Treasure hunter Michael Gattuso paddles a boat toward the dock where part of his crew Stacey Hunt, Erin Melcher and Lauren Gattuso wait for him near Nav-A-Gators Bar and Grill. So, we stole Jose Gaspar. Kidd set sail for England and was commissioned as a privateer by the English government. The story was included in a brochure in 1900 for a hotel on Gasparilla Island, where the pirate supposedly stored his vast treasures in a hidden den that had never been found. He was most likely a sailor for the English Navy who became unemployed and turned to a life of piracy. Lopez wasn't a fan of pirates when he was growing up. He apparently helped repeal a British Invasion on New Orleans. Another report states that he hid several chests in a small river somewhere in the vicinity of the Bay. The Story of Jose Gaspar Jos Gaspar allegedly lived between 1756 and 1821 and was based on southwest Florida, on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. He is even said to have buried treasure somewhere on the island near where the lighthouse now stands. Gasparilla 2023: The pirate party master list. I'm Clint, the guy behind Treasureunknown. History of Gasparilla: Jos Gaspar & his krewe. It's light on history and heavy on action, suspense, and intrigue. Flagler Beach, FL 32136. Gaspar's legend is one of a murderous, bloodthirsty swashbuckler who stole money from Spain, stole a ship, kidnapped a Spanish Princess, and left a trail of death and gold throughout the high seas. Or they were always togahter. He would even compensate for injuries if they were sustained while obtaining cargo from another ship. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. "Maria came across it and once she told me she found a hand in a box. After sustaining heavy damage, the famed Spanish pirate tied himself to his anchor and leaped to his watery death apparently not wanting to be killed at the hands of the enemy. It is said that he and his brother buried all of his money on the islands in and around Charlotte Harbor. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But treasure hunters believe there is truth in his tall tale, and buried treasure is out there. Leading a group of escaped convicts, Gaspar with his stolen ship established a home base in 1783 in the area of Charlotte Harbor, north of the present day Fort Myers on an Island he named "Gasparilla." He is said to have also taken that name for himself as it means "Gaspar the outlaw." This state also holds another possible location on the banks of Blackbird Creek. According to archives, the island community was created by Albert W. Gilchrist, Floridas 20th governor. You are using an out of date browser. One of the most popular pirates in Florida folklore is Jose' Gaspar. 6 reviews of Jose Gaspar Treasure "This sweet little shell shop is nestled in along A1A and the beautiful Atlantic shoreline. Canny readers will already recognize a certain romantic streak in these stories. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". He spent nearly 30 years plundering ships in and around the gulf coast. The Search for Florida's Lost Pirate: With Josh Gates, Shamus Warren, Rodney Kite-Powell, Michael Gattuso. He confirmed that indeed the Lopezes have found a real human hand, but as for Gasparilla, that was a myth. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In different accounts, details of his early life, motivations, and activities varied. He even set up a blockade of the port of Charleston in South Carolina for 6 days. Name of The Day. Lafitte was wanted by the US government for they deemed his acts as piracy, not privateering. To learn more, visit our. Lots of shells and jewelry and other gifts. During the final combat, the majority of Gasparillas crew was killed, but there were 12 survivors 11 men and a cabin boy called Juan Gomez. The team, known as the "Temple Twelve," have been . Sarasota's Michael Gattuso and members of his . He has taken his place in local folklore and culture and has an annual festival in his honor. The men were executed but Gomez was to be the final survivor of this piratical outfit. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Search For The Real Captain Morgan. Whether the coins are authentic or not, Mike thinks the hand is real, and may belong to Jose Gaspar himself. Once it was in print, people kept spreading it as absolute truth. Available at: https://ymkg.com/the-legend-of-jose-gasparilla/. Charlotte Harbor is an ideal spot to go treasure hunting. Jos Gaspar allegedly lived between 1756 and 1821 and was based on southwest Florida, on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Do you think there's buried treasure out there? This endeavor lasted only about 5 years when the us army came to visit Lafitte, asking him to leave. But they know long-lost treasures and artifacts are out there. Whether he was his cabin boy, like it states in the story, or maybe he might have been Gasparilla himself because of all the treasure maps that we have found. We've been chasing his treasures. again not sure of the thought process of choosing a tree as a landmark for millions of dollars in treasure, but that is how the story goes. "Either my great-grandfather made the best, most elaborate pirate hoax ever and never shared it with anyone or he really did find some treasure on the Hillsborough River. It was a simple wooden box, but inside were fascinating (and macabre) clues to a family mystery. These tunnels converged into a large chamber underground. Jos Gaspar, also known by his nickname Gasparilla , is an apocryphal Spanish pirate who terrorized the Gulf of Mexico from his base in southwest Florida during Florida's second Spanish period . Tyrons Landing located between the towns of Wethersfield and Naubuc. Historic Mysteries provides captivating articles on archaeology, history, and unexplained mysteries. From a four-mile long parade of pirates and period memorabilia on display, to specialty packages and a waterfront half . Gasparilla began on horseback in 1904 as a way to add a little pirate-themed fun to the city's May Day festivities. When Jose Gaspar died, he supposedly left an untold fortune in buried treasure somewhere along the Florida coast. There are multiple stories about his life that vary greatly depending upon the source of the information, leading some to conclude that he was not a real person. "You'll hear more of us, you know; we'll do this until we're old and, you know, can't do it anymore.". The legend of Gaspar began making its way into other writings after that, without any other historical evidence to back it up. The American Government then decided to get into the act and sent a Navy squadron to end his career. Gaspar realized in this moment that he had found the treasure he was searching for. Pricing is not too high. Gasparilla fell in love with Jeffries while on land, but she informed him that she had fallen in love with one of his crew, Batista Fuentes, a handsome and well-educated man from a famous family. Stingy Jack and the History of the Jack-o-Lantern, The Varangians: Viking Conquerors turned Byzantium Honor Guard, The Secret Necropolis of Ancient Varna and the First Goldsmiths. Jos Gaspar. You are using an out of date browser. The American Continents have a rich treasure history dating back to ancient civilizations of the Toltecs and Aztecs who understood the mining and smelting of gold and silver from which they made ornaments shields and household utensils. Treasure Unknown is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. But, now? Named for legendary pirate, Jose Gaspar, who terrorized the coastal waters of West Florida during the 18th and early 19th centuries, Tampa Bay's destination-wide annual Gasparilla celebration kicks off each January with a full schedule of exciting pirate-themed events. The family thinks the hand belongs to famous Tampa Bay pirate Jose Gaspar. You must log in or register to reply here. Inside, bound to the box by copper wire, she found a dessicated hand wearing a ring with the word "Gaspar" on . Spending most of his time here and running a larger business would provide ample opportunity and necessity to hide valuables. A unique legend of pirate treasure in Indiana is intriguing. Gaspar is presented as dignified, noble in heart and rich and titled in some versions. Inside was a tattered map of the Hillsborough River, century-old coins, a family picture and a hand wearing a ring. Or show us love by sharing articles and leaving great comments. There is a new book out "Pirates of Southwest Florida, Fact and Legend" by James F. and Sarah Jane Kaserman that debunks some of the stories of Gasparilla. With his crew of cut-throat mercenaries, the last of the buccaneers terrorized shipping in the Gulf of Mexico for years, striking from his secret Florida base. You'll need a boat or kayak for this cache. These men witnessed the battle and when the pirate ship began to sink, they loaded this vast treasure onto small boats and escaped unnoticed to a place called Spanish Homestead around the Peace River. 2119 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136-2802. His treasure might have been on the ship with him during this battle. The treasure on Money Island is said to hidden in the crevice of a large rock that is only visible during low tide. If we find that buried treasure together, we can split the booty among all of our readers and we never have to work again. Some more information on the cruise of the USS, I did not find a reference to Gaspar in Gardner Allen's, I was always Told Jose Gaspar, was also known as Juan Gomez. The experts dont believe that their find is a real treasure map or that the legend of Gaspar is anything more than children story or a folk tale that adds to the culture of the area. It's part of our family now.". " Mar 2021 We really enjoyed shopping here! The Gaspar myth in the very beginning was tied to the Charlotte Harbor area. A few years later, he fell out of favor with the government and turned to a life of piracy. This location is said to be on the southern end at False Live Oak Point. Old Hand Found In Florida Attic With Coins And Treasure Map. The prices seem lower, but not my thing. The legend states that Gaspar terrorized the western coastal waters of Florida in the late 18th to early 19th century. Gaspar apparently did not share this attraction and instead gave his attention to other women of the court. The rest of the treasure remains hidden, waiting to be found. Florida at this time was in its Second Spanish Period which runs from 1783 to 1821. There are numerous legends and tales of buried treasure on this island. Other than news articles, the first story ever published in print about the Story of Gasparilla was commissioned by the Charlotte Harbor & Northern Railroad. Most, if not all, historians agree the pirate named Jose Gaspar never existed. But treasure hunters believe there is truth in his tall tale, and buried treasure is out there. Texas is also a logical location for this pirate to bury treasure. However there are several problems with the story which have led many to question whether Gasparilla as he was known was a real historical figure. Enjoy. Photos show a centuries-old shipwreck found off Colombia's coast carrying lost treasure worth billions of dollars, including gold coins and emeralds. This was to prove his doom as the ship he had targeted was no harmless cargo ship but in fact the USS Enterprise, a heavily armed and very dangerous pirate hunter. His men, who numbered in the hundreds, also buried their smaller caches on these islands. Overview. As the legends go, the famed Spanish pirate Jose Gaspar, better known as Gasparilla, used the island as his home base of operations throughout the late 18th century and into the early 19th century. It does not store any personal data. John Gomez, also known as Juan Gomez and Panther John. Jose Lopez's sister, Maria, was cleaning out the attic of a home owned by her great-grandparents, Eve and Ernesto Lopez, in Tampa's historic Ybor City area, when she stumbled upon the box, WFLA-TV reports. This particular lost treasure consists of a bunch of silver coins, ingots and even pieces of jewelry. He weighed in on the treasure map as well and believes it was a blueprint for the area during the 1920s and 1930s, but nothing more. Many believe it is Edward Teach, but some claim it is Edward Thatch. "Possibly keep it forever. Who has not heard the rumor which has been going on in St. Augustine that Six Flags is coming to St. Johns County and will be constructed off of State Road 206? When you go in the attic you expect to find something old. In 1897, he purchased land at Boca Grande, an island outpost. So it is a huge, huge draw for people to come to Tampa.". Spain and Great Britain were adversaries in the complex tangle of European politics . His piratical career always starts with an injustice and he is seen as a lovable rogue rather than a murderous monster. New details have emerged about the San Jose, a Spanish galleon sunk by British ships 300 years ago. In his early pirate career, he teamed up with a few other pirates and eventually took over a ship named The Revenge. His theft discovered, he deserted his wife and children, gathered together a nice lot of cut-throats, stole the prize vessel of the Spanish Fleet, and escaped. All rights reserved. In the following years, he accumulated a board estimated at $30,000,000. As with any treasure hunting adventure, be sure and obtain permission from any applicable parties before your hunt begins. Hiding treasure under a well constructed fort is a much more logical thought than those previously mentioned. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Wikipedia, 2022. JavaScript is disabled. Rather than be captured by the United States Navy, he wrapped an anchor chain around his leg and jumped overboard, the heavy metal dragging him out of sight into the deep blue waters. Seeing the writing on the wall, he decided to scuttle his own ship and hide with his crew in the forrest. When he was wrongfully arrested, he hijacked a ship and fled, promising to seek revenge on his homeland. The tale of pirate captain Jos Gaspar who, according to the stories, ravaged the west coast of Spanish Florida for 40 years is the inspiration for a bombastic plundering that continues from 1905. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. In this time Spain controlled a huge swathe of the Americas and Gaspar grew rich. Santa Rosa Island has been sort of a local hotspot for finding bags of gold and silver coins. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Gasparilla had decided to retire following the sale of Florida to the United States, and was dividing his treasure (valued at six times the purchase price of the entire state of Florida) between his crew. The parade that follows is one of the largest in the country, drawing hundreds of thousands of people to Tampa Bay. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); If anybody wants to start a treasure seach team, WTF Florida? Always being on the run from mercenaries, armies, navies, and any and all other law enforcement agencies of the day, often resulted in the necessity to hide their riches. Keep me posted! This Plantation is said to be roughly 5 miles West of the town of Iowa. Who created the man who is now a legend? It's light on history and heavy on action, suspense, and intrigue. Toward the end of his pirate career, Bowlegs was being pursued by an English warship. He was said to have been extremely active for many years, attacking merchant ships and evading justice, and in this time he won himself a huge fortune. In fact, we dont even know for certain his real name. Jos Gaspar, known by his nickname Gasparilla (supposedly lived c. 1756 - 1821), was a purported Spanish pirate, the "last of the Buccaneer s," who is claimed to have raided the west coast of Florida during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Also check state and local regulations before you begin any activities such as digging or metal detecting. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This treasure as well as the tunnels remain lost. His fleet would capture vessels at sea, and take all the goods back to Galveston. Story continues below video. In or around 1806 the brothers arrived in New Orleans Louisiana and were licensed privateers operating in the Gulf of Mexico. Rumors take on a life of their own and ultimately cause hurt or expense. He claimed to be one of the few crew members to escape a fateful attack by American pirate hunting schooner USS Enterprise in 1821. Sometime later a large sum of gold coins was found near the Spanish Homestead. Millions of dollars have been found literally lying in front of people's feet, the world's beaches. Jose Gaspar Treasure Co. Is this your business? He supposedly buried large amounts of treasures on the islands around the bay. 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