1970s L. Frank Hudson Set of Pictorial Treasure Maps of the Florida Keys

A set fascinating maps illustrating the sites of discovered and suspected pirate treasure in and around the Florida Keys. The maps were drawn and published by the well-known and controversial Florida treasure Hunter L. Frank Hudson. Collectively the maps illustrate some 65 sites covering from Key Largo to Key West. Sites are numerically keyed explanations around the maps. In addition, there is a key to 'Pirate Tre Markings'. While the scholarship is dubious and unsupported, these maps provide a fascinating look at the Keys 'Treasure Scene'.

Treasure in the Florida Keys

For several hundred years the Florida Keys were a treacherous passage for the Spanish Treasure Fleet on their way to Spain. Not only was the area prone to freak storms, the seas around south Florida are known for their treacherous shoals and other underwater dangers. Moreover, this area, with its countless coves and hiding spots, was a haven for pirates and privateers eager to capitalize on hapless merchantmen and treasure ships alike. Multiple major treasures have been discovered off the keys, including the most famous, the wreck of the treasure galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha, lost in 1622 and rediscovered in 1985 by legendary treasure hunter Mel Fischer. Not all the treasures believed to be lost at sea. The Calusa Indians received tribute from other tribes in the form of whatever treasure was collected from shipwrecks throughout south Florida. Much of this treasure, it is believed, was buried with high-ranking Calusa chiefs. In addition, Pirate kings, like Jose ' Gasparilla' Gaspar, reportedly burred their ill-gotten treasure in hidden locations throughout southwestern Florida. While most tales of treasure in South Florida are speculation at best, the fact remains that there is treasure to be found, despite that the finding is extraordinarily difficult.

L. Frank Hudson

The map's author L. Frank Hudson (May 22, 1918 - October 9, 1997) was a long-time treasure hunter and armature archeologist in southern Florida and along the Gulf Coast. Hudson not only participated in treasure hunts, but also research and sold 'treasure hunting leads' to other prospective hunters. Hudson published six books on treasuring hunting and a regular newsletter called 'Hidden Wealth'. In 1992 he was arrested, along with several other treasure hunters for illegally excavating Calusa American Indian burial mounds near Punta Gorda. He plead guilty and likely believe he was acting legally.

Publication History and Census

These maps were drawn by L. Frank Hudson and published by Great Outdoors Publishing, of St. Petersburg, likely in the 1970s. While we presume other examples exist, we see no record of their publication, they bear no copyright, and are held in no institutional collections.