Who was this figure, and what was he supposed to have done? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Gasparilla 2023: The pirate party master list. So, a real figure or a tall tale told by Floridians? Jose was also an officer of high standing in the naval affairs of the Spaniards. Once he was a few hundred meters away, the British flag came down and the American flag rose up the mast. Treasure Unknown is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. His death seems to come straight from Hollywood. Story continues below video. The ship contained $1,000,000 in assorted treasure, and should be there today. What we do know is that he is considered a hero to some and a villain to others. Just pick any island and start digging, because Gasparillas loot is buried on many of them, including Cayo Pelau. Rogers is said to have hidden huge amounts of gold and silver bars worth a fortune today. And that's what we've been chasing. John Gomez, also known as Juan Gomez and Panther John. 6 reviews of Jose Gaspar Treasure "This sweet little shell shop is nestled in along A1A and the beautiful Atlantic shoreline. But they know long-lost treasures and artifacts are out there. 2. But treasure hunters believe there is truth in his tall tale, and buried treasure is out there. Josh joins marine archaeologists and treasure hunters working to crack the mysteries of the pirate's life so they can find the riches he left behind. When Jose Gaspar died, he supposedly left an untold fortune in buried treasure somewhere along the Florida coast. We lived not far from Gasparella Island and Charlotte Harbour.where the legend supposedly ended. Keep me posted! This is extremely suspect as this is the same location rumored to hide the treasure of Billy Bowlegs Rogers. Useppa Island was a military outpost, resort, Confederate stronghold, and CIA site to train Cuban exiles for the Bay of Pigs invasion and was continuously inhabited for 10,000 years by the Calusa Indians. Lopez wasn't a fan of pirates when he was growing up. 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. 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However there is a salacious twist to this tale, in that when this lovely young girl declined his romantic proposition, he had her executed. The Search for Florida's Lost Pirate: With Josh Gates, Shamus Warren, Rodney Kite-Powell, Michael Gattuso. But treasure hunters believe there is truth in his tall tale, and buried treasure is out there. Or they were always togahter. . So it would seem that Gasparilla is a fiction, no more real a figure than Mickey Mouse. (story from treasurelore.com). RECOMMENDED: The legend of Jose Gaspar and the history of Gasparilla. Despite its long history, there is no definitive origin of the name. Do secret rooms conceal unknown treasures? Here is what we have been able to piece together about this controversial pirate. Gaspar caught wind of his coming doom, and escaped via ship to America. This activity is a great way to enjoy some peaceful quite time outdoors or can be a unique experience for 8 Super Fun Family Treasure Hunt Ideas: With Real Treasure. In all, he buried 13 casks and chests of treasure in the vicinity of his headquarters. Was there really a pirate named Jose Gaspar? (3) The Spanish kept meticulous records and there is no mention of Gasparilla in the archives. The most notorious and successful pirate was Jose Gaspar, better known as Gasparilla. Crystal and I greatly appreciate any support! When he finally realized that it was a warship, it was too late. Instead, he pursued a merchant ship and insisted that it convey Batista and Ann Jeffries to England and that its captain marry them on board after they were out of sight of his ship, the Jose Gasparilla II. They took the box to a few antique stores. Since 1904, pirates have invaded the City of Tampa to kick off the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. 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. For whatever reason, burial of chests laden with gold and jewels seems to be the norm, but is there any pirate treasure left? There have been many stories told of treasure Captain Kidd buried back in America. Gasparilla had fallen into a trap! $ 6 reviews. However, this treasure is also attributed to the infamous pirate Blackbeard. There is another treasure said to be buried on Kelly Island in Delaware by James Gillian, a member of Kidds crew. And to this day, Jose Gaspar returns on board his pirate ship every year to capture the city.". Despite his brutal reputation, Gasparilla was supposed to have a soft side as well. Leaving soon? Though that treasure has never been discovered, the story of the swashbuckling Gaspar was unearthed and his memory revived in 1904 when Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla was formed and adopted the pirate as patron rogue of their city . But Gasparilla himself did not survive the final battle. All of it is built around the story of Gaspar. Over and out from somewhere south, RumShopRyan. The team used metal detectors and shovels but didn't find anything. The San Jose, a Spanish treasure ship, was attacked and sunk by a British warship in June 1708. This particular lost treasure consists of a bunch of silver coins, ingots and even pieces of jewelry. History of Gasparilla: Jos Gaspar & his krewe. With Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses, How We Became Mr. and Mrs. Youll read about many that are hidden and a few that were found, so it can happen. http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/f2/ferret-iii.htm, Florida's Pirate Jose Gaspar and his Treasure Story. From seashells to lost treasure, this shop has it all. This was around the 1870s, after the Civil War. Rogers lost interest in the hunt after this and it is said he lived near his treasure to guard it for the remainder of his life. The final and perhaps most intriguing possibility is around the Spanish Fort San Carlos in Pensacola. Gaspar realized in this moment that he had found the treasure he was searching for. They bribed the owner with some of the treasure to not divulge their location. The pirate, whose full name is Jos Gaspar, is a legend from the 18th and 19th century. Around noon on the Gasparilla Day, members of YMKG set sail across Tampa Bay from near Ballast Point Park to downtown aboard the Jose Gasparilla, a 165' long flat . By clicking Accept Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Perhaps this suggested location is merely a case in mistaken identity. Rumors take on a life of their own and ultimately cause hurt or expense. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, no pirate was more feared in the southern United States than Jose Gaspar. Supposedly this fort had hidden tunnels leading under the fort. There is not much known about his adventures in Florida but there is rumors of him hiding a large treasure around Choctawatchee Bay. (386) 439-3061. Galleon of Gold. There are many differing versions about the pirates origins and life, but there is no real historical evidence that he ever existed. Once it was in print, people kept spreading it as absolute truth. Enjoy. When Maria and Mike were children, their grandfather would tell them stories about his father, Ernesto Lopez, finding Jose Gaspar's pirate treasure. Gasparilla began on horseback in 1904 as a way to add a little pirate-themed fun to the city's May Day festivities. This tale doesnt give the Lopezes a helping hand in solving the mystery of the finds from their grandparents attic. This is the spot for all of your seaside decorating needs. Michael Gattuso lends a hand to his wife Lauren as they dock on a wetland on the Peace River in Arcadia. Go find it, unbury it, take tons of pictures, bury it back again, and prove to the world that you found it. For one, there is no evidence of his pirate empire. He vowed revenge on those who had framed him and was forced to turn to a life of piracy. Pirate treasure rumors. Email him at elcompa29@gmail.com. Historic Mysteries is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. A fortune worth $1 million when it was hidden in 2010 is waiting to be picked up somewhere in the Rocky Mountains just a few miles from Santa Fe, New Mexico. You'll need a boat or kayak for this cache. Available at: https://ymkg.com/the-legend-of-jose-gasparilla/. We" more 2. 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. 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. When he was wrongfully arrested, he hijacked a ship and fled, promising to seek revenge on his homeland. wtfflorida.com/information/gaspars-lost-treasure/. Jose Gaspar has come in handy for parades and celebrations. My grandfather had a book on all these when I was younger. 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. Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia: Politician: Capricon: 06 January 1766 AD . It's light on history and heavy on action, suspense, and intrigue. The most famous Florida pirate was Jos Gaspar, known by his nickname Gasparilla. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This state also holds another possible location on the banks of Blackbird Creek. He told where the body would be found and a sketch was prepared under his direction, and in recent years in the exact location as described, the skeleton of a beheaded woman was found.". Where is the Body of the Legendary King Gorm of Denmark. The Choctawatchee Bay is an area of a lot of speculation of the location of some of Bowlegs hidden treasure. 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. Ancient Viking treasures found in England actually seems to be a thing, as many of relative value have been found throughout the years. Gasparilla not only granted Lopez permission but also bestowed his blessing on his long-time friend, providing a ship and several men to accompany him back to Spain. Also check state and local regulations before you begin any activities such as digging or metal detecting. 1. Most stories agree he was an aristocratic Spanish Navy Officer who later. Mysterious box containing a map, coins and a mummified hand found in Tampa Bay attic. Treasure hunter Erin Melcher. 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. As with any treasure hunting adventure, be sure and obtain permission from any applicable parties before your hunt begins. The San Jose galleon was believed to have been . Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Jos Gaspar allegedly lived between 1756 and 1821 and was based on southwest Florida, on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. 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. This location is said to be on the southern end at False Live Oak Point. When he was captured and offered the option of going to prison or joining the navy, he chose the latter, serving with distinction for several years before organizing a mutiny against a dictatorial captain and fleeing to Florida with a stolen ship. Later that fall, he captured a large French slave ship bound for some sugar plantations. 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. 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. Not being able to pass up this giant score, he pursed the ship that was flying a British flag. In different accounts, details of his early life, motivations, and activities varied. Just like most pirates, there is little known about his early life. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Toward the end of his pirate career, Bowlegs was being pursued by an English warship. So where did Blackbeard hide his treasures? A Net Inceptions project. link to A Beginners Guide to Magnet Fishing: 15 Sure Fire Tips. When it comes to spring cleaning, its always nice to have a spare hand to help. Captured ladies were not raped and murdered, but instead had the option of marrying one of his crew members or being transferred to Captiva Island in Florida. He successfully captured a few ships during his years long voyage. While doing some spring cleaning a few weeks ago, Maria Lopez made an unusual discovery in her grandfathers attic. 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. Debbie gave us a great tip to hide the tooth in the sand and make our son think he found it. This happened in the year 1782. What you don't expect to find is treasure. The Real Treasure Hunters have come a long way from social media in their hunt for the treasure of Jose Gaspar in the Peace River. The latter two locations being the most logical. Oak Island the Strange, the Bizarre, and Maybe the "Truth! There are at least 3 different locations said to hold his riches in Connecticut. Millions of dollars have been found literally lying in front of people's feet, the world's beaches. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Some historians say Caesar has between two-and-six million dollars of treasure stashed on Pine Island. 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. Our knowledge of Jean and his brother Pierre begins in the early 1800s. "But if you're gonna make up the myth, you know, go big, and so why not make him, you know, all pirates rolled into one and, you know, the baddest of them all," Rodney Kite-Powell, a historian at the Tampa Bay History Center and Director of the Touchstone Map Library said. 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. These wealthy civilizations flourished for hundreds of years spreading Some records give him the honor of being what we would call an admiral. The author of the pamphlet readily stated that the spectacular tale was a work of fiction with no genuine facts in it. Jose Gaspar (aka: Gasparilla) was a quasi-mythical Spanish pirate who roamed the waters of Tampa Bay, Florida. He was well-liked in court, but when he abandoned one lover for another, his spurned lover falsely accused him of stealing the crown jewels. (5) The first written version of Gasparilla appeared in an advertising brochure of the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad Co. printed in 1900. Some records give him the honor of being what we would call an admiral. 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. 1. A Florida family may have discovered some unusual treasure belonging to legendary pirate Jose "Gasparilla" Gaspar. What date is Gasparilla 2021? Find the treasure, don't report it, melt it down or sell it on the black market using a different name. Tampans have embraced Gasparilla for more than a century, whether or not the pirate Jose Gaspar ever came to town It's a huge juxtaposition from the quiet of the Touchton Map Library at the. He then tied himself to an anchor and jumped in the ocean disappearing for all time. The most famous Florida pirate was Jos Gaspar, known by his nickname Gasparilla. The 300,000 partiers who will swarm the streets Saturday in Tampa for the annual Gasparilla pirate parade wont care. 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. He supposedly buried large amounts of treasures on the islands around the bay. New Castle Island in Delaware is said to house treasure hidden by pirates from Madagascar in 1699. Jose Gaspar Treasure Co | Flagler Beach, FL 32136. "So, it's interesting how Tampa, in a sense, stole; we were pirates ourselves. 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. It's a Small size geocache, with difficulty of 3.5, terrain of 5. It's located on the north side of town, next door to the Turtle Shack cafe. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. A few years later, he fell out of favor with the government and turned to a life of piracy. "We go after Juan Gomez because everything, all the treasures and everything we've come through, is tied to him. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by, Jose Gaspar is not the only mythical pirate character that has. Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad Company are said to have distributed the brochures. It appears Philip Gosse got the story from Bradlee's book. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. A Tampa, Florida family going through their grandparent's attic made an interesting discovery: a treasure map, some coins, and an old human hand! We're back to the hotel brochure. He wished to return to America to retrieve this treasure after Kidds execution but he never made it back. . In fact, we dont even know for certain his real name. | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | DMCA Notice, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. When Maria and Mike were children, their grandfather would tell them stories about his father, Ernesto Lopez, finding Jose Gaspar's pirate treasure. The leaflet establishes Gaspars legend, claiming that he chose Gasparilla Island as the best of the islands in Charlotte Harbor to establish his base. His headquarters were at Boca Grande, on what is today known as Gasparilla Island. According to the sources we studied, Gaspar was probably born in Spain in 1756. If marriage was selected, there would be a ceremony, and the marriage promise would be strictly enforced. 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. "It's a bunch of heartbreak with little reward and a lot of imagination," said treasure hunter Erin Melcher. His theft discovered, he deserted his wife. The allures of Jose Gaspar's mythical treasure and Tampa's giant pirate parade have pulled strongly on producers of reality television lately. It does not store any personal data. Accept Read More. However, there is another story, that has some validity, of what happened to his treasure. They then buried the chests in numerous places along the river and its tributaries and swamps. "Maybe my great-grandparents were pirates," Mike Lopez said. The notorious pirate then committed suicide by wrapping a heavy chain around him and jumping over the side. At The Jose Gaspar Treasure Co. visitors and locals can find treasures of all kinds. 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. We've been chasing his treasures. The brochure relied heavily on the stories told by John Gomez. Evidently, though, the treasure is not. Show more. 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. Not much is known of his early life before his pirating career. With the help of the Prime Minster she was able to convincingly spread this rumor leading to Gaspars impending arrest by the king. "We are not sure what we're going to do with it," said Lopez. Available at: https://www.wfla.com/news/gasparilla/history-of-gasparilla-jose-gaspar-his-krewe/, ymkg, 2022. Sign up for our WTFF Newsletter to get weird Florida news delivered straight to your email: WTFF News: Because regular news is depressing. Barnes & Noble Booksellers 10 Bookstores Music & DVDs Toy Stores 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. Charlotte Harbor is an ideal spot to go treasure hunting. 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. Sarasota's Michael Gattuso and members of his . When Gasparilla requested that they accompany him and his crew on a raid, the two young lovers assumed they would be slaughtered. In his early pirate career, he teamed up with a few other pirates and eventually took over a ship named The Revenge. Although Gasparilla was a well-educated, well-dressed pirate and ladies man, things did not always go as planned. This hoard was allegedly buried by a group of pirates in the early 1800s. If you choose to embark on a hunt for any treasure do so at your own risk. He would even compensate for injuries if they were sustained while obtaining cargo from another ship. Florida at this time was in its Second Spanish Period which runs from 1783 to 1821. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. 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 . 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. All rights reserved. He told of the looting of ships, the massacre of innocents, and last of all, when his life had nearly passed, he told the story of 'The Little Spanish Princess,' whose name he did not remember. 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. From a four-mile long parade of pirates and period memorabilia on display, to specialty packages and a waterfront half . 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. Seeing the writing on the wall, he decided to scuttle his own ship and hide with his crew in the forrest. Pricing is not too high. History Gattuso will keep them busy on Useppa and across Florida. He continued the diving operation, but while they were working, his wife came down with a fever and died. Jose Gaspar Treasure Co. Is this your business? Another instance of his softer side can be found in the account of Ann Jeffries, an English girl traveling from New Orleans to Liverpool. Top Image: Real pirate or later fiction? As mentioned above one of the rumored locations for his treasure is on Woodland Beach in Delaware. In 1705 the group was killed by French traders who were tired of being robbed by these men. What Became of Anne Bonny, Irish Pirate of the Caribbean? Tales of pirate treasures are very difficult to substantiate due to many factors. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.