It was a simple wooden box, but inside were fascinating (and macabre) clues to a family mystery. The legend of Gaspar was first recorded in promotional materials for this Boca Grande Hotel. Bipin Dimri is a writer from India with an educational background in Management Studies. JOSE GASPAR: 15 years later, Telemundo is still the only Spanish So that's why we believe that it was Juan Gomez. 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. Billy left the vast majority of his crew behind and sailed north to gather supplies to salvage his ship. Story continues below video. 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. Chasing Treasure: The myth of Gasparilla and the real-life man Juan Gomez Legends tell how he amassed a huge fortune, and hid an enormous treasure before dying a hero facing the might of the US Navy. Seeing the writing on the wall, he decided to scuttle his own ship and hide with his crew in the forrest. 6 reviews of Jose Gaspar Treasure "This sweet little shell shop is nestled in along A1A and the beautiful Atlantic shoreline. Old Hand Found In Florida Attic With Coins And Treasure Map. Interesting history topics are just a click away. 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 most notorious and successful pirate was Jose Gaspar, better known as Gasparilla. It is said that he and his brother buried all of his money on the islands in and around Charlotte Harbor. Jose Gaspar: More myth than man - baynews9.com Gaspar's Lost Treasure - WTF Florida? 2. Who created the man who is now a legend? 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. His men, who numbered in the hundreds, also buried their smaller caches on these islands. Save. But Rodney Kite-Powell, a Tampa-Bay curator, doesnt believe that the legendary figure was even real. Gasparilla 2023: The pirate party master list. Or show us love by sharing articles and leaving great comments. Jose Gaspar Treasure Co | Flagler Beach, FL 32136. 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. Strap yourself in for a wild ride and buy this international bestselling book today! The parade that follows is one of the largest in the country, drawing hundreds of thousands of people to Tampa Bay. "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. On the Trail of Gasparilla'S Treasure Haunted by The Ghost of Notorious Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Much of his treasure was carried to him up the Peace River. "They were the ones that profited from the story to attract visitors to their new train stop and hotel (Gasparilla Inn)," Crystal Diff, Executive Director of the Boca Grande Historical Society and History Center, wrote in an email. Historic Mysteries is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. 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. Show more. But Rodney Kite-Powell, a Tampa-Bay curator, doesn't believe that the legendary figure was even real. These tunnels converged into a large chamber underground. The latter two locations being the most logical. Ancient Viking treasures found in England actually seems to be a thing, as many of relative value have been found throughout the years. (5) The first written version of Gasparilla appeared in an advertising brochure of the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad Co. printed in 1900. When it comes to the legend of Jose Gaspar, Diff told us to "be cautious that the information you present as there are lots of versions of this story and everyone's version is 'true.' Sarasota's Michael Gattuso and members of his . May 4, 1904Gasparilla Pirate Festival / First event date. The History of Gasparilla - Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla "We do have some treasure maps, and we're working on them," Gattuso said. It is said that he buried a multitude of treasure along the Pamlico Sound and on Bluff Point. In 1705 the group was killed by French traders who were tired of being robbed by these men. Buumi . The Legend of Gasparilla and His Treasure - CAROLYN ARNOLD What date is Gasparilla 2021? Hand in Tampa Attic Stirs Up Memories of Dread Pirate Gaspar The ship at the center of it all: A history of the Jose Gasparilla II The story goes that Lafitte and his men used an old barn on LeBleau Plantation as a gathering location and perhaps buried treasure here. We're back to the hotel brochure. The 300,000 partiers who will swarm the streets Saturday in Tampa for the annual Gasparilla pirate parade wont care. All of it is built around the story of Gaspar. I was totally blown away," said Lopez. He found a hillside where he buried 2 pirate chests filled with valuable metals and jewels. http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/f2/ferret-iii.htm, Florida's Pirate Jose Gaspar and his Treasure Story. 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. Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia: Politician: Capricon: 06 January 1766 AD . He's rumored to have had a secret base in Charlotte Harbor and would sail back and forth to Spain as well as roam around the Gulf of Mexico until his death in 1821, at the hands of the U.S. Navy. Tyrons Landing located between the towns of Wethersfield and Naubuc. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The allures of Jose Gaspar's mythical treasure and Tampa's giant pirate parade have pulled strongly on producers of reality television lately. The items found by his sister were neatly packed inside a wooden box. Photos show a centuries-old shipwreck found off Colombia's coast carrying lost treasure worth billions of dollars, including gold coins and emeralds. Jose was also an officer of high standing in the naval affairs of the Spaniards. Gaspar was a rebel from an aristocratic upbringing. There is another treasure said to be buried on Kelly Island in Delaware by James Gillian, a member of Kidds crew. Over and out from somewhere south, RumShopRyan. This was around the 1870s, after the Civil War. It's part of our family now.". (386) 439-3061. It does not store any personal data. 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 . Inside was a tattered map of the Hillsborough River, century-old coins, a family picture and a hand wearing a ring. He eventually retired and settled down on Shell Creek near Lettuce Lake in DeSoto County, where he lived for many years. Ill post one a week Treasure Tuesdaysthis that lame? St. Vincent Island off the coast of Florida is said to have been an island frequented by early pirates. Some more information on the cruise of the USS, I did not find a reference to Gaspar in Gardner Allen's, I was always Told Jose Gaspar, was also known as Juan Gomez. The story of Juan Gomez is also published in the Library of Congress. When Jose Gaspar died, he supposedly left an untold fortune in buried treasure somewhere along the Florida coast. Jose Gaspar (aka: Gasparilla) was a quasi-mythical Spanish pirate who roamed the waters of Tampa Bay, Florida. Theresa's Haunted History of the Tri-State Aged Rum. Top 10 Best Bookstores in Palm Coast, FL - February 2023 - Yelp Before we get to the treasure hunt, let's touch on the historical background of Jose Gaspar and how a now infamous fictitious pirate became a Tampa legend. In this time Spain controlled a huge swathe of the Americas and Gaspar grew rich. Leaving soon? Gaspar - Meaning of Gaspar Name, Boy Gaspar Origin and Astrology The poem, maps, comments from other searchers, and other guides to finding the treasure are online and easy to find. Historic City Memories: Pirate treasure rumors So it would seem that Gasparilla is a fiction, no more real a figure than Mickey Mouse. Most confirm that the "Floridablanca" was the name of his pirate ship and the one that he served upon in the Navy. Treasure hunter Michael Gattuso digs a hole in front of treasure hunters Stacey Hunt and Erin Melcher in an area where metal detectors notify of gold on a wetland believed to have lost treasure on the Peace River in Arcadia on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Jose Gaspar, the legendary buccaneer who inspired Tampa's Gasparilla Pirate Festival, as well as fantastic tales of lost treasure, most likely never really existed. 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. Millions of dollars have been found literally lying in front of people's feet, the world's beaches. 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. 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. 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 Did Grandpa find pirate treasure? In all, he buried 13 casks and chests of treasure in the vicinity of his headquarters. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Afterwards, he sailed his ship, the Floridablanca, to the Gulf Coast and set up a pirate base on what is now known as Gasparilla Island in Southwest Florida. Jose Gaspar Treasure Co 5 1 #9 of 11 Shopping in Flagler Beach Speciality & Gift Shops Visit website Write a review What people are saying " Fun shop with good prices! He spoke to local TV news network WFLA about the discovery, and the story kept getting stranger. 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 . It's located on the north side of town, next door to the Turtle Shack cafe. There are many differing versions about the pirates origins and life, but there is no real historical evidence that he ever existed. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. For whatever reason, burial of chests laden with gold and jewels seems to be the norm, but is there any pirate treasure left? WFLA | What is Gasparilla? What year did Jose Gaspar invade Tampa? Several local antique stores described the contents of the box as authentic and gruesome, though a Tampa Bay historian says they do not appear to be genuine Spanish coins. Legend has it that Gasparilla spotted a huge ship sailing in the distance. What year did Gasparilla start? The legend of Gaspar began making its way into other writings after that, without any other historical evidence to back it up. His flagship was eventually ran aground and he was ultimately killed by English warships off the East Coast of America. Website. They then buried the chests in numerous places along the river and its tributaries and swamps. 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. Where is the Body of the Legendary King Gorm of Denmark. He then tied himself to an anchor and jumped in the ocean disappearing for all time. One of his ships has been discovered in the waters off of North Carolina and definitely proven to belong to Blackbeard. He successfully captured a few ships during his years long voyage. This allegedly infuriated the young lady who devised a plan to essentially frame Gaspar for stealing some jewels. This characterization continues through the stories of Gasparilla as a pirate. Just a salty pirate looking to explore and document the wonders of the Caribbean. On one occasion, his right-hand man Lopez had become tired of the pirate life and desired to return to Spain to see his love, Sanibel, after 13 long years. We've been chasing his treasures. "The reason I believe in Gasparilla is because I believe in Juan Gomez," Mike Gattuso, a member of The Real Treasure Hunters, told Paluska. Pirate Treasure on Goodland in Southwest Florida - LITTLE BAR Restaurant The Search For The Real Captain Morgan. Accept Read More. They took the box to a few antique stores around Tampa and the contents were described as "gruesome and authentic.". Gaspar realized in this moment that he had found the treasure he was searching for. When you go in the attic you expect to find something old. Pirate treasure rumors. 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. 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 . Gasparilla Season | Visit Tampa Bay The Pirates of Charlotte Harbor 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. 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. Jose Gaspar (GC3FZAF) was created by seabreezedrive on 4/1/2012. Jose Gaspar Treasure Co - Tripadvisor Definitely try, Find our recommended Caribbean hotels, restaurants, charters, & tours. His fleet would capture vessels at sea, and take all the goods back to Galveston. Since the 1870s, treasure hunters have been trying unsuccessfully to crack this code you see below: Some say its Spanish. I'm here writing on Treasureunknown to provide helpful resources so others can get out and enjoy the thrill of the hunt! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Inspired by the Legend of Pirate Jose Gaspar - Ye Mystic Krewe of We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website.