PEAKS ISLAND
The Island of Peaks is located in Casco Bay and is approximately three
miles due east from Portland. It only takes a fifteen minute boat ride
to arrive at Peaks.
There are several good locations here for the treasure seeker,
especially if he or she is armed with a good metal detector.
The first location that I shall mention is located on the northerly end
of the island. It is about three-quarters of a mile from the boat
landing.
A few years ago construction of an addition to the Island school house
was begun; during the excavating, two silver coins were dug up. These
coins were identified as pieces-of-eight, or Spanish silver dollars.
Where they came from or who buried them, or lost them there; still
remains a mystery. If one could secure permission to go over the
remaining part of the yard, there is no telling what might be
discovered.
Another spot worth checking out, is located on the back side of the
island at a place called "Picnic Rocks" or "Whaleback". Here, near the
roadway, stands; or stood; a huge elm tree. This tree was approximately
eight feet in diameter. A few years ago a fire broke out in this section
of the island, and nobody seems to know whether or not the lonely elm
was burned. If it was, the huge charred stump should still be there. The
Author has not checked this situation as yet; but intends to shortly.
On the ground surrounding this immense tree, there are several mounds,
believed to be Indian graves. A real good search of the area, might be
well worth one's time.
Last, but not least, the beaches on the back side of the island, (or
north-easterly side) should be gone over very carefully with the metal
detector.
Pirates were in this area around 1726, and most anything might be buried
along these sandy strips. Not only buried, but who knows what might have
been dropped or lost by these cutthroats of long ago. The Boston Pirate,
Edward Low, was said to have plied these waters, in and around Casco Bay
about 1726 or 1727.
Who knows what beach he might have landed on, in one of his longboats?
I most certainly would give this island a darn good check with my
detector, especially the beaches and the bankings leading up from them.