The Pirates of Lynn Woods

For those of you who have never heard of it, the Lynn Woods has long been synonymous with mysteries. While any large, wooded area might account for such detail, this particular stretch of woods is wrought with many mysteries.

One of the most interesting stories of this legendary area is about pirates who may - or may not have - frequented the shores. In colonial days, because the land was well mapped and dotted with coves and crags in the coastline, it was common for pirates to visit the region (New England would eventually pass harsh laws that sent most of them packing).

Well, according to many sources, in 1658, one such pirate ship appeared on the horizon off the coast of Lynn. The ship was probably worried because British naval ships were in the area, or in fact, it may have been chased by them. So, four men lowered a rowboat with treasure in town, and rowed to shore.

They found a small river in present day Saugus and rowed up the river. According to legend, the pirates docked close to the site of the Saugus Iron Works and looked for a person with supplies. They left a "no questions asked" note, seeking a person to drop supplies off in a secluded region with the promise for silver.

One resident agreed - and most legends say he was paid - and the pirates made a camp at a spot that is known to this day as Pirates Glen. They buried the treasure temporarily - as many pirates did in those days - with plans to come back and properly hide it. The foursome most likely went in separate directions to meet at the boat. However, three of the pirates were capture by British soldiers who were in hot pursuit.

However, tale tells of a fourth pirate named Thomas Veal. who eluded the noose and escaped. He eventually was forced to live in Lynn, where local residents accepted him, and he became a cobbler of sorts. It is believed that Tom made his home near a cave in the Lynn Woods and reburied his treasure there. Undoubtedly, this is the type of story that has been retold and embellished over the years.

In time, an earthquake rocked the region. More than likely this occurred in 1663, when local histories of Plymouth, Lynn, and Salem speak of an earthquake that hit the region and toppled chimneys. The cave, the treasure, and perhaps Thomas Veal himself were trapped in the cave, because he and his treasure were never heard of again.

Multiple attempts have been made to find that treasure in the past at the site known as Dungeon Rock. In the mid 1800s, a man named Hiram Marble invested much time and energy into the site. According to Marble, in an era of spirtualism, the ghost of Veal himself told Marble where to look. However, Veal may have been mistaken or Marble confused....because the treasure was never found. In time, the site became the property of Lynn...which is what Marble wished.

To learn more visit these two sites:

Friends of the Lynn Woods: Dungeon Rock
USGS Earthquakes in Masssachusetts