The Oak Island Story
More than 230 years of digging, discovery, and enduring mystery.
Since 1795, generation after generation has tried to solve the puzzle of Oak Island. Here’s a brief orientation to the major chapters of the search — perfect context before or after your tour.
- 1795
1795
The Discovery
According to the legend, teenager Daniel McGinnis discovered a circular depression on the eastern end of Oak Island. With friends John Smith and Anthony Vaughn, he began to dig — uncovering layers of logs at regular intervals. The Money Pit was born, and with it the world’s longest-running treasure hunt.
- 1804
1804–1866
Early Expeditions
A succession of companies took up the search: the Onslow Company, the Truro Company, the Oak Island Association, the Oak Island Eldorado Company, and the Oak Island Contract Company. Each dug deeper, battled flooding, and reported tantalizing finds — including the famous inscribed stone — but none reached a definitive answer.
- 1866
1866–1965
The Search Continues
The Halifax Company, Old Gold Salvage, the Chappell expeditions, Gilbert Hedden, Erwin Hamilton, and Robert Restall all pursued the mystery. In 1965, tragedy struck at Smith’s Cove when four members of the Restall team lost their lives — a sobering reminder of the island’s dangers. Robert Dunfield then brought heavy machinery to bear on the site.
- 1965
1965–2005
The Blankenship Era
Dan Blankenship partnered with David Tobias and later formed Triton Alliance. He sank the 10X shaft and captured intriguing borehole camera footage that fuelled decades of debate. Blankenship’s decades of dedication kept the search — and the legend — alive.
- 2006
2006–present
The Lagina Era
A Michigan group led by brothers Marty and Rick Lagina acquired a controlling interest in the island and formed Oak Island Tours Inc. The Curse of Oak Island premiered on History Channel in 2014, bringing the mystery to a global audience. The search continues today with modern science and technology.