Did you know there’s a long-standing legend about a lost shipment of Civil War gold somewhere in the wilds of Pennsylvania?
According to the story, a Union wagon train left Wheeling, West Virginia in 1863 with a load of gold bars—possibly as much as $50 million in today’s value—intended to help fund the Union war effort. The route was supposed to lead them through the dense forests near Elk County, but the shipment never arrived. Some say the group was ambushed, others say they got lost, and a few believe the gold was secretly buried and never recovered.
The tale has gained traction in recent years because of a 2018 FBI excavation at Dents Run, where treasure hunters believed the gold was buried. The FBI says they found nothing. The treasure hunters say otherwise.
Is it just folklore? A government cover-up? Or is that treasure still buried somewhere beneath the hemlocks and pines?
Anyone ever explored around Dents Run or heard your own version of the story?
That is fascinating. I'll have to buy a metal detector and search around Dents Run. I might also search YouTube for more information about this mysterious lore. PA is a gorgeous place to hike. If anyone on the forum hasn't been there, I highly recommend it.
@pjrnoa64 I grew up in the PA Wilds- totally underrated place! I'd love to hear some of the places you love to hike in the area!
I've driven to the southern tier of New York for hiking expeditions. The entirety of Ithaca, NY is also a hiker's paradise. I like ski country trails that are less than an hour north of the PA state line.
I've driven through PA several times but haven't stopped to hike. I remember seeing signs for Jim Thorpe Forest, I think it was called, and regretted not stopping to check it out. Maybe I'll go back some time soon.