The history of the Cape shoreline goes back to the year 1604, when Champlain, the great explorer, was in this neighborhood. He landed first on Richmond’s Island, then explored quite a bit of the mainland. He could have landed or walked from Richmond’s to the mainland. Maybe some of his belongings lie buried in this historical locality. Treasure seeking demands that you don’t give up too easily, keep trying, and remember these hidden objects will not let you know where they are, you have to find them. Faint heart ne’er won fair lady, so get in there and really search.
CHAPTER XIII
MACKWORTH’S ISLAND
Mackworth’s Island has an unusual and interesting background. According to historians, the Indian Sagamore of Casco, known as Cocawesco, made his home here. On an old English chart it is called Macken’s Island. The island was named for Arthur Mackworth, who came to this country in 1631. He died in 1657 and was buried on the island.
The State of Maine School for the Deaf is located on this island, which may be reached from the mainland via a causeway. Please get permission before trespassing on this property. Go to the administration building and ask if they mind if you search along the outer shoreline. An area such as this could reveal many nice finds because of the fact that both our Indian chief and the first white settler here, lived on the island a good many years. There seems as though there must be artifacts lying around hidden from view just waiting to be discovered.
To reach Mackworth’s Island take Route 1 north from Portland, cross Martin Point Bridge, and you will see the island to your right as you are crossing this bridge. The first road to the right after leaving the bridge should take you to the causeway leading over to the island. You could also row over to the island from the mainland as it is a very short trip.
CHAPTER XIV
JEWELL’S ISLAND
Now here is an island that fairly reeks with legend and treasure lore. Certainly no island in the Bay so ideally lends itself to piratical practices with its deep landlocked harbor, hidden coves and thick woods that even today shelter all observation from the sea. All of which lends credence to staunch belief that at one time in its history it was the favorite haunt of smugglers and pirates. Jewell is only a little island of but two hundred and twenty-one acres, one of the outer islands that fringe the boundaries of Casco Bay. Being out of the beaten path of tourist travel, it has not received the attention that its natural beauties merit.
George Jewell, from whom the island is said to have taken its name, came from Saco, Maine, and is presumed to have purchased the island from the Indians in 1637.
From earliest times it has been traditional in the history of Jewell Island that a pirate’s treasure lies hidden somewhere on its shores.
Jewell Island has several so-called “treasure markers.” These “markers” are a pile of flat stones lain one on the other, until the marker reaches a height of about four or five feet. It is near these markers that treasure was supposed to have been buried. How near, or just where, is a question that might be answered by your metal detector. I most certainly would give the shore and beaches a good going over.