CHAPTER IV

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.