The Mystery of the Green Mountain Boysâ€™ Hidden Cache

The Green Mountain Boys, a paramilitary group formed in the late 1760s, played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War, particularly in countering British authority in the New York and Vermont territories. Their guerrilla warfare tactics and spirited leadership under figures such as Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold contributed significantly to the revolution. However, as the conflict unfolded, stories emerged of a hidden cache of treasure supposedly amassed by this band of patriots, tantalizing adventurers and historians alike for centuries.

The Origins of the Green Mountain Boys

The Formation

The Green Mountain Boys were established to protect the land claims of Vermont settlers from New York authorities during the land disputes of the late 18th century. Amid growing tensions between American colonies and British forces, the Boys took on the responsibility of enforcing local laws and asserting possession of contested lands. By the spring of 1775, the group had expanded significantly, with approximately 200 fighting men under the leadership of Ethan Allen and his brother Ira Allen.

Key Events and Contributions

One of the defining moments in the early history of the Green Mountain Boys occurred on May 10, 1775, when they played a crucial role in the surprise capture of Fort Ticonderoga. This victory not only served to galvanize the colonial cause but also provided the Continental Army with much-needed artillery. Following this, the Boys took part in various operations in the Champlain Valley and alongside Benedict Arnold during the Saratoga campaign in

The Legend of the Hidden Cache

The Genesis of the Treasure Tale

Rumors of a hidden cache began circulating during and after the Revolutionary War, suggesting that the Green Mountain Boys had managed to accumulate wealth through plunder and provisions seized from British loyalists and enemy forces. According to local lore, before Allen and his men faced overwhelming odds, they secreted away their treasure in remote areas of the Vermont wilderness, ensuring that it would remain hidden from the British and future settlers alike.

The Description of the Cache

Legends surrounding the cache describe it as a hoard of gold coins, silver ingots, and other valuables, including priceless artifacts taken during raids. Specific accounts often mention that it included items such as:

Gold doubloons and British pounds
Silver bars and jewelry
A collection of maps and documents significant to the war effort

Some tales even suggest that the cache included personal belongings of high-ranking officers, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the legend.

The Speculated Locations of the Cache

Possible Hiding Places

As stories about the treasure have evolved, various supposed locations have emerged. Enthusiasts and treasure hunters over the centuries have pointed to specific regions where they believe the cache might be hidden. Notable areas of interest include:

Mount Independence
Lake Champlain shoreline
The forests of the Green Mountains, particularly around Bennington and Rutland
Islands in Lake Champlain, such as Valcour Island

Historical Artifacts and Clues

In the years since the Revolutionary War, various discoveries have fueled the myth of the treasure. Some explorers claim to have found artifacts such as British military equipment and old coins in locations rumored to be close to the cache. One notable example emerged in 1837 when a group of locals purportedly unearthed British military uniforms and equipment on the shores of Lake Champlain, which proponents of the treasure theory linked back to the Green Mountain Boys.

Treasure Hunters and Their Pursuits

19th Century Expeditions

The fervor surrounding the treasure of the Green Mountain Boys did not wane in the years following the Revolutionary War. Instead, it took on a life of its own, prompting treasure hunters to brave the wilds of Vermont in search of the hidden cache. The 19th century saw a rise in written accounts and expeditions, with accounts detailing searches undertaken by local men and enthusiasts from nearby states. Many claimed to have encountered markers and symbols left by the Boys to delineate the treasure’s location.

Modern Searches

In recent decades, the historic cache has attracted renewed interest, both from amateur and professional treasure hunters. Groups and individuals have organized elaborate searches, often equipped with advanced technology such as metal detectors, drones, and ground-penetrating radar. Online forums and social media have provided platforms for sharing tips and findings, turning the search for the Green Mountain Boys’ treasure into a collaborative effort among treasure enthusiasts.

Historical Context and Importance

The Role of the Green Mountain Boys in U.S. History

The contributions of the Green Mountain Boys extend far beyond their legendary cache. Their resistance against British tyranny symbolized a fight for the rights of individuals and local autonomy, themes that resonate in American history to this day. As early revolutionaries, they laid the groundwork for the principles that would later be enshrined in the Constitution.

Preservation of History

Amid the ongoing hunt for treasure, efforts have also been made to preserve the historical landmarks associated with the Green Mountain Boys. Sites such as Fort Ticonderoga, Mount Independence, and various historical homes and museums have been established to educate the public about the contributions of these early American patriots while sustaining the legacy of Vermont’s tumultuous revolutionary past.

Conclusions and the Ongoing Mystery

The Elusiveness of the Cache

Despite numerous searches and advancements in technology, the treasure of the Green Mountain Boys remains unfound, preserving an air of mystery around it. Each year, new treasure seekers emerge, spurred by stories past and the hope of discovering a piece of American history buried beneath the soil of Vermont.

The Allure of Treasure Hunting

The legend of the hidden cache not only highlights the ingenuity and bravery of the Green Mountain Boys but also captures the imaginations of treasure hunters, history buffs, and the general public alike. The blend of history and adventure continues to inspire interest in this captivating tale, making it an enduring piece of American folklore.