Captain Kidd’s Quick Stash
Pirate lore has always been a source of fascination for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. One of the most intriguing legends in the world of piracy revolves around Captain William Kidd and his hidden treasure. While many believe that Captain Kidd buried his loot on an obscure island in the Indian Ocean, there’s an equally compelling theory that a small remote island in Sawdy Pond, located in Westport, Massachusetts was the ideal place for him to swiftly stash his bounty before facing imprisonment in nearby Boston. In this post, we’ll explore the captivating story of Captain Kidd and the surprising connection to the Westport area, particularly Sawdy Pond.
painted by the Baroque painter James Thornhill.
Captain Kidd: The Pirate Turned Privateer
Captain William Kidd was a pirate-turned-privateer, who roamed the seas during the late 17th century. Born in Dundee, Scotland prior to 15 October 1654, he sailed under various flags and even received a royal commission from the British government to hunt down pirates. However, his career took a dark turn when he turned to piracy, earning him a notorious reputation.
The Treasure Hunt
Captain Kidd’s treasure hunt began when he captured the Quedagh Merchant, a ship laden with valuable cargo. The loot was said to be worth a fortune, comprising gold, silver, and precious gems. Soon after, Captain Kidd found himself a wanted man and decided to bury his treasure before facing capture and imprisonment in Boston.
The Mysterious Island On Sawdy Pond
According to local legends, Captain Kidd chose an unassuming island in Sawdy Pond, Westport, as the hiding place for his treasure. This theory is believable for several reasons:
- Geographic Advantage: Sawdy Pond is located along the coast of what is present day Westport, Massachusetts, and it provided easy access for Captain Kidd’s ship and crew. The island’s relative obscurity at the time would have made it an ideal hiding place. The center of the island is approximately 7.5 miles (12 km) from the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean (as the crow flies). The local legend says that Captain Kidd briefly resided in the area with his crew before his arrest and prisonment in Boston on July 7, 1699.
- Navigational Knowledge: Kidd was a seasoned mariner, and he would have known the waters and landscape well. This knowledge would have enabled him to select this unlikely hidden spot where his treasure would remain concealed.
- Nearby Prisons: The proximity of Sawdy Pond to Boston, which had a prison called the Boston Goal, would have been beneficial for Captain Kidd. He would have been able to quickly bury the treasure with his crew near an area that was familiar to him. It is well documented that Captain Kidd spent time in present day Massachusetts and Rhode Island during that time period.
The End of the Treasure Hunt
Captain Kidd’s treasure, most likely buried somewhere on the southernmost island of Sawdy Pond, remains shrouded in mystery. Some say that he left behind cryptic clues to its location, while others believe it still lies hidden, waiting to be discovered. Over the centuries, countless treasure hunters have scoured the area, hoping to find the elusive loot, but it remains elusive to this day.
Conclusion
The legend of Captain Kidd’s treasure buried on an island in Sawdy Pond adds an air of mystique to the world of piracy. Whether or not Kidd truly buried his loot there, the story continues to captivate the imaginations of treasure hunters and history buffs alike. While many questions remain unanswered, the allure of hidden pirate treasure in this remote corner of Massachusetts keeps the legend of Captain Kidd alive.
