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America Unearthed: Captain Kidd's Pirate Treasure (S3, E6) | Full Episode

HISTORY・27 minutes read

Forensic geologist Scott Wolter aims to uncover historical artifacts in the country, linking Captain Kidd's treasure to the Astor family through rumored connections and potential coordinates, ultimately seeking the truth behind the legendary pirate's legacy.

Insights

  • Scott Wolter aims to challenge conventional historical narratives by searching for hidden artifacts, such as Captain Kidd's treasure, believed to connect to America's first millionaire, John Jacob Astor, potentially revealing unexpected ties between historical figures.
  • Alexandra Aldrich, a descendant of the Astor family, sheds light on the family's complex history, including financial struggles, musical heritage, and generational challenges, highlighting the intricate personal stories behind the grandiose wealth associated with figures like John Jacob Astor and the potential mysteries surrounding Captain Kidd's elusive treasure.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Scott Wolter?

    A forensic geologist challenging historical narratives.

  • What is Captain Kidd known for?

    A privateer turned pirate during the golden age.

  • What is the significance of Kidd's treasure?

    Rumored to have ties to America's first millionaire.

  • Where is Kidd's treasure believed to be located?

    Speculated to be off the coast of Maine.

  • What is the legacy of the Astor family?

    A wealthy lineage with musical and tragic ties.

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Summary

00:00

"Uncovering Captain Kidd's Lost Treasure Secrets"

  • Scott Wolter, a forensic geologist, believes that the history taught to us is incorrect and aims to uncover hidden historical artifacts in the country.
  • Captain Kidd, a legendary pirate, started as a privateer before turning to piracy during the golden age of piracy from 1690 to 1730.
  • Kidd's treasure, amassed through piracy, was never recovered, leading to rumors of curses surrounding it.
  • John Jacob Astor, America's first millionaire, is rumored to have acquired some of his wealth from Captain Kidd's treasure.
  • A sequence of numbers linked to Kidd's treasure is believed to connect him to Astor, suggesting Astor may have found the treasure.
  • The numbers on a paper given by Kidd to his wife are speculated to be coordinates leading to the treasure's location.
  • The potential location of Kidd's treasure is thought to be off the coast of Maine, where Astor had business interests.
  • Scott Wolter and a descendant of the Astor family visit a historic estate to uncover potential family secrets related to Kidd's treasure.
  • The estate, Rokeby, was built in 1815 and has ties to both the Astor and Livingston families.
  • Alexandra Aldrich, a descendant of the Astor family, reveals her connection to John Jacob Astor and discusses the history of Rokeby estate.

16:03

Astor Family Legacy: Music, Wealth, and Tragedy

  • Alexandra Aldrich's family has a strong musical background, with her great grandparents playing duets on Steinway grands, and her great grandfather being a music critic for The New York Times.
  • John Jacob Astor, despite lacking formal education, had a deep love for music and owned a prominent theater in New York City in the early 1800s.
  • The Astor family is rumored to have acquired some of their wealth through Captain Kidd's treasure, although Alexandra denies any knowledge of such treasure.
  • Alexandra Aldrich grew up in the Astor family estate, living a dual life where she resided in the old servant's quarters due to financial constraints on maintaining the property.
  • The Astor family fortune, built by John Jacob Astor in the fur trade, was carefully managed by his son William, who inherited a massive fortune and became the richest man in America.
  • Alexandra's great grandmother, inheriting a significant portion of the Astor fortune, lived off her wealth, depleting it by the time she passed away in 1963.
  • The next generation of the Astor family faced neglect and financial struggles, with a strong attachment to the family estate despite the lack of resources to maintain it.
  • Tragedy has struck the Astor family multiple times, with John Jacob Astor III perishing on the Titanic and another relative suffering from dementia after a fall.
  • Scott Wolter, on a quest for Captain Kidd's treasure, explores various locations in Maine, including Deer Isle, where the treasure is rumored to be buried.
  • Walt Reed, a charter captain, reveals the myth surrounding Captain Kidd's treasure on Deer Isle, connecting it to the Astor family and hinting at its relocation to St. Augustine, Florida.

32:09

Captain Kidd's Ancient Treasure: A Historical Mystery

  • Captain Kidd's personal treasure chest is over 300 years old and is usually kept under tight security.
  • The chest is identified as Captain Kidd's due to his name on the front and a King Charles II coin inside, dating back to 1660-1685.
  • The authenticity of the chest is further confirmed by a fake false bottom and the construction of the wood.
  • A journal by Lieutenant Longish dated October 24, 1699, mentions Captain Kidd, providing insight into his last voyage.
  • Documents from Captain Kidd's trial reveal he had six indictments, including five for piracy and one for murder.
  • Captain Kidd was hanged three times in 1701, with the last hanging meant as a warning to other pirates.
  • The investigation into Captain Kidd's treasure leads to the conclusion that the real treasure may be uncovering the truth about who he truly was.
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