When Jose Gaspar died, he supposedly left an untold fortune in buried treasure somewhere along the Florida coast. The story goes that Lafitte and his men used an old barn on LeBleau Plantation as a gathering location and perhaps buried treasure here. But treasure hunters believe there is truth in his tall tale, and buried treasure is out there. The treasure on Money Island is said to hidden in the crevice of a large rock that is only visible during low tide. Save. And she actually had maps, and she had stories that were passed down to the family about these treasures. Magnet fishing is a hobby that is quickly increasing in popularity with good reason. Indian River Shores, Florida A trove of Spanish coins dating back to a 1715 shipwreck during a storm have been found along a beach in Florida. There are also inherent dangers involved with any of these types of adventures. Buumi . Before deciding to pursue this ship, Gaspar left some of his men behind with the treasure. ", Pirate treasure in grandpa's attic includes human hand. Available at: https://ymkg.com/the-legend-of-jose-gasparilla/. They took the box to a few antique stores around Tampa and the contents were described as "gruesome and authentic.". Other possible locations of Kidds treasure include Maryland in Druid Park, and Money Island off the coast of Connecticut is also claimed to be used by Kidd. Retail store with the following - shells, shellcraft, wood carvings, shark teeth and jaws,. What date is Gasparilla 2021? Once it was in print, people kept spreading it as absolute truth. The rest of the treasure remains hidden, waiting to be found. This Plantation is said to be roughly 5 miles West of the town of Iowa. Do you think there's buried treasure out there? New Castle Island in Delaware is said to house treasure hidden by pirates from Madagascar in 1699. 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. Cleaning the dreaded attic turned up a darling wedding photo of the Lopezes grandparents, but it also uncovered some interesting but creepy finds. He relocated to Galveston Island around 1817 where he set up a pirate empire. When he finally realized that it was a warship, it was too late. There are at least 3 different locations said to hold his riches in Connecticut. Contributing columnist Jose Gaspar is a news anchor/reporter for Telemundo Bakersfield and KGET. The most famous Florida pirate was Jos Gaspar, known by his nickname Gasparilla. Jos Gaspar, also known by his nickname Gasparilla (supposedly lived c. 1756 - 1821), is an apocryphal Spanish pirate who terrorized the Gulf of Mexico from his base in southwest Florida during Florida's second Spanish period (1783 to 1821). If there is one thing pirates are known for it is treasure. In all, he buried 13 casks and chests of treasure in the vicinity of his headquarters. Or at least thats what Florida folklore would have you believe. Marias brother Mike believes the couple in the photo may be their great grandparents, Eve and Ernesto Lopez. His ship soon followed him to the watery depths. Box allegedly containing Gaspars hand and related items Photo Credit. Our knowledge of Jean and his brother Pierre begins in the early 1800s. The Story of Gasparilla by ABC Action News on Scribd. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Many believe it is Edward Teach, but some claim it is Edward Thatch. They took the box to a few antique stores. However his name and supposed deeds are still celebrated to this day, not least with the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival, which began in 1904 in Tampa, Florida, which honors his tale. 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. A band of pirates in Wisconsin operated out of a cave on Hermit island. First of all there was a Spanish Catholic missionary named Gasparillo that had a mission on the island that bears his name. "The Gasparilla Day Parade, the big parade, is the third largest parade in this country after only the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Bowl parade. 2009-2021 Historic Mysteries. . In 1705 the group was killed by French traders who were tired of being robbed by these men. How did the legend of Gaspar begin? However, even from the first we run into different versions of the story. These recommended links below will help you save money and book your trip: We use all the companies listed here or on the resource page. His death seems to come straight from Hollywood. Lafitte was wanted by the US government for they deemed his acts as piracy, not privateering. 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. He supposedly buried large amounts of treasures on the islands around the bay. 1. But Gasparilla himself did not survive the final battle. The Choctawatchee Bay is an area of a lot of speculation of the location of some of Bowlegs hidden treasure. 3. Gaspar is presented as dignified, noble in heart and rich and titled in some versions. The 300,000 partiers who will swarm the streets Saturday in Tampa for the annual Gasparilla pirate parade wont care. The parade that follows is one of the largest in the country, drawing hundreds of thousands of people to Tampa Bay. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. However there is a salacious twist to this tale, in that when this lovely young girl declined his romantic proposition, he had her executed. Jose Gaspar has come in handy for parades and celebrations. Canceled2021 Gasparilla Pirate Festival / Date Jose Gaspar Treasure Co. 2119 N Oceanshore Blvd. 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. He would then sell these items to local customers in east Texas. 128 were here. This happened in the year 1782. Rogers is said to have hidden huge amounts of gold and silver bars worth a fortune today. Gasparilla 2023: The pirate party master list. There are numerous legends and tales of buried treasure on this island. A Net Inceptions project. Lacking experience in seamanship, he and his crew of escaped slaves limited their raids to smaller ships and coastal villages but managed to amass a large amount of treasure, which was hidden in several caches on the . Jos Gaspar. They gave him a first name, Jose Gaspar, and they really gave him the full backstory to create that in 1904. During the final combat, the majority of Gasparillas crew was killed, but there were 12 survivors 11 men and a cabin boy called Juan Gomez. Although Gasparilla was a well-educated, well-dressed pirate and ladies man, things did not always go as planned. Who has not heard the rumor which has been going on in St. Augustine that Six Flags is coming to St. Johns County and will be constructed off of State Road 206? The parade that follows is one of the largest in the country, drawing hundreds of thousands of people to Tampa Bay. Ye be walkin the plank if ye so think. While Gaspar chained the anchor of his ship to his waist and dove into the water to avoid giving the enemy the satisfaction of killing him, Gmez lived to tell the tale. The Search For The Real Captain Morgan. May 4, 1904Gasparilla Pirate Festival / First event date. History Gattuso will keep them busy on Useppa and across Florida. The race of the old buccaneer was nearly run, but all through that night, he told a story of piracy that could scarce be believed, yet it was a dying man that was clearing his soul before his Maker. The 300,000 partiers who will swarm the streets Saturday in Tampa for the annual Gasparilla pirate parade won't care. This action helped turn opinion of Lafitte from villain to hero. The eerie discovery of a mysterious wooden box bearing a disembodied mummified hand with a ring on the wedding ring finger, an old map of the Tampa area and several coins has stirred up memories of pirate Jose Gaspar. During his 38 year career as a pirate, Gaspar attacked over four hundred ships in the Gulf waters of Florida, including supposedly the vessel carrying $11.75 million in gold bullion that the United States had paid Napoleon for the Louisiana Purchase. In or around 1806 the brothers arrived in New Orleans Louisiana and were licensed privateers operating in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gasparilla Inn was a hotel on the island. Gasparilla had fallen into a trap! https://www.cultofweird.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/pirate-treasure-hand.jpg, https://www.cultofweird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cultofweird-new-logo.png, Mysterious Pirate Treasure Box Found in Tampa Bay Attic, February 17, 2023 - 9:45 pm by dEBRINA bLACKMOON. Leaving Spain at an early age, he sailed to the West Coast of Florida. His methods were black and bloody, and he stands out among all the pirates who used Florida to bury their wealth. 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 . The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". What Became of Anne Bonny, Irish Pirate of the Caribbean? Jose was also an officer of high standing in the naval affairs of the Spaniards. So, we stole Jose Gaspar. The battle raged and the story goes that as Jose Gaspar realized the inevitable, he stood on the bow of the ship and stated something like Gaspar dies by his own hands. Mike Lopez tells WFLA that his sister was. What year did Jose Gaspar invade Tampa? Inside was a tattered map of the Hillsborough River, century-old coins, a family picture and a hand wearing a ring. The team, known as the "Temple Twelve," have been . We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Gaspar, Sachs, S, 2022. And that's what we've been chasing. . Source: Theartofphoto / Adobe Stock. And indeed there are serious problems with the stories of Gasparilla. Treasure hunter Erin Melcher drives his boat as Michael Gattuso navigates directions to a wetland believed to have lost treasure on the Peace River in Arcadia on Sunday, January 13, 2019. His work appears here every third Monday; the views expressed. At The Jose Gaspar Treasure Co. visitors and locals can find treasures of all kinds. John Gomez, also known as Juan Gomez and Panther John. He did what all retired people do in Florida he fell ill one day and died. I love this place built around 1640 . Here are some Metal Detectors for you to start your quest. In fact, we dont even know for certain his real name. This state also holds another possible location on the banks of Blackbird Creek. Jose Gaspar, the legendary buccaneer who inspired Tampas Gasparilla Pirate Festival, as well as fantastic tales of lost treasure, most likely never really existed. The men were executed but Gomez was to be the final survivor of this piratical outfit. Spain and Great Britain were adversaries in the complex tangle of European politics . Ill post one a week Treasure Tuesdaysthis that lame? . Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. 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. During his 38 year career as a pirate, Gaspar attacked over four hundred ships in the Gulf waters of Florida, including supposedly the vessel carrying $11.75 million in gold bullion that the United States had paid Napoleon for the Louisiana Purchase. He quickly worked his way up the ranks of the Spanish Navy and became an officer. These stories and locations presented are based on our research but should be taken with some skepticism. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. His flagship was eventually ran aground and he was ultimately killed by English warships off the East Coast of America. However there are several problems with the story which have led many to question whether Gasparilla as he was known was a real historical figure. . In the late 1600s a Scottish sailor named William Kidd came to America. Kidd set sail for England and was commissioned as a privateer by the English government. The story of the famed pirate may have been the tall tale of a U.S. naval officer. Email him at elcompa29@gmail.com. "So, it's interesting how Tampa, in a sense, stole; we were pirates ourselves. However, there is another story, that has some validity, of what happened to his treasure. Toward the end of his pirate career, Bowlegs was being pursued by an English warship. Gaspar did not exist, but never mind that. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Some say that as this disguised ship was sailing by, the aging pirate and his crew were in the process of dividing up the spoils as an act of retirement. | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | DMCA Notice, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Gasparilla began on horseback in 1904 as a way to add a little pirate-themed fun to the city's May Day festivities. Gaspar did not exist, but never mind that. ", "Jose Gaspar, from my understanding, was a name that was made up by Ye Mystic Krewe, which they tied to Gasparilla, which was tied to the railroad pamphlet that you're talking about, which that is not real. While in Florida, Caesar palled up with Jose Gaspar, better known as "Gasparilla.". You are using an out of date browser. Definitely try, Find our recommended Caribbean hotels, restaurants, charters, & tours. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. Go find it, unbury it, take tons of pictures, bury it back again, and prove to the world that you found it. The gold coins were too thin and too old to pass as authentic Spanish treasure. He apparently helped repeal a British Invasion on New Orleans. His methods were black and bloody, and he stands out among all the pirates who used Florida to bury their wealth. "Either my great-grandfather made the best, most elaborate pirate hoax ever and never shared it with anyone or he really did find some treasure on the Hillsborough River. On the Hawaiian island of Oahu there is said to be six chests buried along a stone wall somewhere around Kaena Point. He vowed revenge on those who had framed him and was forced to turn to a life of piracy. Jos Gaspar, known by his nickname Gasparilla (supposedly lived c. 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. Tales of pirate treasures are very difficult to substantiate due to many factors. Historic Mysteries is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. This story seems to border on the outer limits, but a local historian doesnt believe that the hand belongs to the famed pirate. Since the 1870s, treasure hunters have been trying unsuccessfully to crack this code you see below: Some say its Spanish. 1 Review #9 of 11 Shopping in Flagler Beach. He successfully captured a few ships during his years long voyage. Aged Rum. link to A Beginners Guide to Magnet Fishing: 15 Sure Fire Tips. Once he was a few hundred meters away, the British flag came down and the American flag rose up the mast. Josh Gates sets sail for Florida chasing the long-lost treasure of bloodthirsty pirate Jose Gaspar. The vessel was said to be transporting gold, silver and precious gems collected in the South . I love searching for all types of "treasures" with my family. His piratical career always starts with an injustice and he is seen as a lovable rogue rather than a murderous monster. Answer: True This is an area where the stories of Gaspar are for once consistent. His sister found a box in their grandfather's attic in Tampa, Fla., a few weeks ago while doing some spring cleaning. The Legend of Jose Gaspar. It was done for tourism purposes," Gattuso said. Chasing Treasure: The myth of Gasparilla and the real-life man Juan Gomez. He wished to return to America to retrieve this treasure after Kidds execution but he never made it back. It seems the mythical pirate was a tall tale concocted by a man named Juan Gmez. He would even compensate for injuries if they were sustained while obtaining cargo from another ship. This particular lost treasure consists of a bunch of silver coins, ingots and even pieces of jewelry. Gaspar apparently did not share this attraction and instead gave his attention to other women of the court. He continued the diving operation, but while they were working, his wife came down with a fever and died. As with any tale of vast hidden riches, these stories can not be 100 percent verified to even exist. And he's fueled a cottage industry of treasure-hunting books, guides and metal . We thought that was awesome. You are using an out of date browser. "We do have some treasure maps, and we're working on them," Gattuso said. A Tampa, Florida family going through their grandparent's attic made an interesting discovery: a treasure map, some coins, and an old human hand! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You must log in or register to reply here. Therefore hiding treasure might have seemed like a logical choice. ", According to the railroad brochure, the "narrative was compiled by the writer from incidents told by John Gomez, better known as Panther Key John, a brother-in-law of Gasparilla and a member of his crew, who died at the age of 120 years, at Panther Key, Florida, 12 miles below Marco, in the year 1900; also from records left by John Gomez, Jr., the cabin-boy on Gasparilla's ship, who was kidnapped by Gasparilla and who witnessed the death of this pirate and all on board his vessel. Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia: Politician: Capricon: 06 January 1766 AD . Tampa family finds pirate treasure in grandpa's attic Box found in Tampa attic has coins, a map, a hand and a mystery - WFLA News Channel 8 Share or comment on this article: Tampa family finds. 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. Debbie gave us a great tip to hide the tooth in the sand and make our son think he found it. Much of his treasure was carried to him up the Peace River. What year did Gasparilla start? The legend states that Gaspar terrorized the western coastal waters of Florida in the late 18th to early 19th century. If we find that buried treasure together, we can split the booty among all of our readers and we never have to work again. We're back to the hotel brochure. 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. 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. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Most of the suspected locations are in and around the state of Florida. The legend of Gaspar began making its way into other writings after that, without any other historical evidence to back it up. Location & Hours 2119 N Oceanshore Blvd Flagler Beach, FL 32136 Get directions Edit business info You Might Also Consider Sponsored Purple Haze 22 23.4 miles away from Jose Gaspar Treasure Marcus E. said "Hand crafted glass smoking utensils. Rumor has it, that the stolen goods are still hidden somewhere on the island. ", The story of Gaspar begins in 1782; the brochure states, "he stood high in the graces of the Spanish Court, so high indeed that he niched the crown jewels. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. When Maria and Mike were children, their grandfather would tell them stories about his father, Ernesto Lopez, finding Jose Gaspar's pirate treasure. From real buried treasure, to massive pearl finds, these . The Legend of Gasparilla and His Treasure is a gripping, heart-pounding action adventure that's akin to a modern-day Indiana Jones story. 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. We actually located the great great, great, great-granddaughter of Juan Gomez. When his attempts to capture Joseffa's heart were met with contempt, Gaspar used Useppa Island to imprison the proud princess, and the isle came to be known as "Joseffa's Island." Barron G. Collier Just a salty pirate looking to explore and document the wonders of the Caribbean. (5) The first written version of Gasparilla appeared in an advertising brochure of the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad Co. printed in 1900. Treasure hunter Todd Stager holds a machete on a wetland where him and a small group of treasure hunters believe lies lost treasure on the Peace River in Arcadia. To add more to the story, the treasure map contained the name of the infamous mythical pirate Gaspar. He even set up a blockade of the port of Charleston in South Carolina for 6 days. Supposedly this fort had hidden tunnels leading under the fort. Many ship captains and pirates alike came to Lafitte and could sign articles to become a part of his pirate fleet. We also participate in programs from eBay, CJ, Bluehost, Clickbank, ShareASale, and other sites. They bribed the owner with some of the treasure to not divulge their location. Flagler Beach, FL 32136. The notorious pirate then committed suicide by wrapping a heavy chain around him and jumping over the side. Millions of dollars have been found literally lying in front of people's feet, the world's beaches. The choice of the navy career wasn't courage and thirst for adventure on the part of Jose but an expediency of the moment. 6 reviews of Jose Gaspar Treasure "This sweet little shell shop is nestled in along A1A and the beautiful Atlantic shoreline. We" more 2. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. No contemporaneous mention of his existence or achievements has ever been found in Spanish or American ship logs, court documents, newspapers, or other archives, and no tangible items associated with Gaspar have been unearthed in the area where he is said to have operated. Available at: https://www.wfla.com/news/gasparilla/history-of-gasparilla-jose-gaspar-his-krewe/, ymkg, 2022. Jose Gaspar Treasure 6 Jewelry Gift Shops Bookstores $ "We went in looking for a lite shark tooth for our son. " Mar 2021 We really enjoyed shopping here! We lived not far from Gasparella Island and Charlotte Harbour.where the legend supposedly ended. His headquarters were at Boca Grande, on what is today known as Gasparilla Island. Website. Jose Gaspar (aka: Gasparilla) was a quasi-mythical Spanish pirate who roamed the waters of Tampa Bay, Florida. 2 chests are also rumored to be buried on Clarkes Island on the Connecticut River. Just pick any island and start digging, because Gasparillas loot is buried on many of them, including Cayo Pelau. Oak Island the Strange, the Bizarre, and Maybe the "Truth! Treasure hunter Erin Melcher. By Geoff Dobson. They will be focused on the Florida coastline, right in my back yard. The rest of the treasure remains hidden, waiting to be found. These tunnels converged into a large chamber underground. We will discuss a few of them here. But Rodney Kite-Powell, a Tampa-Bay curator, doesn't believe that the legendary figure was even real. There are many differing versions about the pirates origins and life, but there is no real historical evidence that he ever existed. The items found by his sister were neatly packed inside a wooden box. Powell showed us museum exhibits full of gold coins recovered from shipwrecks and explained how the legend of Jose Gaspar launched the Gasparilla Pirate Festival we know and love today. Interesting history topics are just a click away. 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 . Though details about his early life, motivations, and piratical exploits differ in various tellings, they agree that the 'Last of the Buccaneers" was a remarkably active pirate who amassed a huge . Legends tell how he amassed a huge fortune, and hid an enormous treasure before dying a hero facing the might of the US Navy. Oak Island: Legends of Pirates and Treasure, Barbarossa the Pirate: Scourge of the Mediterranean, Flying Dutchman: Phantom Ship, Legend and Sightings, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Gaspar, https://www.wfla.com/news/gasparilla/history-of-gasparilla-jose-gaspar-his-krewe/, https://ymkg.com/the-legend-of-jose-gasparilla/. There is another treasure said to be buried on Kelly Island in Delaware by James Gillian, a member of Kidds crew. One of the most popular pirates in Florida folklore is Jose' Gaspar. Born in 1756 in Spain, Gaspar served in the Spanish Navy until a mutiny in 1783. Many took the deal. Groups gather in St. Petersburg park to shed light on local violence, Tampas St. Josephs Childrens Hospital holds prom for pediatric patients, Photos: Rays back at Trop in spring game against Twins, Photos: Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic, Photos: New York's Naked Cowboy makes brief appearance in Tampa, Photos: Opening day for the Florida Strawberry Festival, Photos: IndyCar Series takes over streets of St. Petersburg, Hundreds of USF students join statewide walkout to protest DeSantis education policies, Photos: Lightning return home to take on Ducks, Photo Gallery: Family mourns Josiah Pinner during a candlelight vigil. Maybe you can find one and claim the fame and wealth that will ultimilty accompany your successful efforts. Caesar was forced to push his pirate pack north to the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Lesser and Greater Antilles / Windward and Leeward Islands What is What? Most stories agree he was an aristocratic Spanish Navy Officer who later. Michael Gattuso and his crew got a cable debut Wednesday night in an episode of Discovery Channel's show "Expedition Unknown." When you go in the attic you expect to find something old. Tyrons Landing located between the towns of Wethersfield and Naubuc. 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.". 5 Popular Mai Tai Recipes and How To Make Them, Mango Tango Cocktail Recipe Boat Drinks, Taste the New St. John Brewers Love City Hard Seltzer, A Day With Stormy Pirates Charters US Virgin Islands, An Island Interview With Caribbean Adventure Author, John H. Cunningham, Love Pets and a Free Place To Stay? The first recorded reference of Jos Gaspar was in fact over 100 years after his supposed career, in a short biography included in an early 1900s promotional brochure for the Gasparilla Inn on Gasparilla Island in Charlotte Harbor. However, he spotted a British merchant ship and could not resist one final prize. He confirmed that indeed the Lopezes have found a real human hand, but as for Gasparilla, that was a myth. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. "I'm considering it," he said with a big smile. He then sailed back across the world, landing on what we now know as our home of Tampa Bay. After that, they searched his cabin and found a jar of gold coins and a small sheet of copper engraved with a code indicating the location of buried treasure. Was there really a pirate named Jose Gaspar? The team found a few nails, a beer can, and a screw during this hunt. Leading a group of escaped convicts, Gaspar with his stolen ship established a home base in 1783 in the area of Charlotte Harbor, north of the present day Fort Myers on an Island he named "Gasparilla." He is said to have also taken that name for himself as it means "Gaspar the outlaw." The legend of Gaspar was first recorded in promotional materials for this Boca Grande Hotel. The San Jose, a Spanish treasure ship, was attacked and sunk by a British warship in June 1708. JavaScript is disabled. 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.
