Hidden Treasure at First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park is a sprawling 2,888-acre natural sanctuary that offers everything you’d expect from a state park—fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, and camping. Nestled in North Virginia Beach on Cape Henry, the park is a place where history and nature intertwine, attracting visitors with both its outdoor beauty and its intriguing mysteries.
What is the History of First Landing State Park?
First Landing State Park gets its name from being the spot where English colonists first landed in 1607. Its strategic location off the Atlantic Ocean, with numerous coves and inlets, made it an ideal hiding spot for pirates in the past and a freshwater haven for merchant mariners. It also served as a well-patrolled area during wartime. Today, the park is recognized as a National Natural Landmark and stands as the most-visited park in Virginia.
The park offers plenty to explore, with 20 miles of walking and biking trails, 1.5 miles of beach along the Chesapeake Bay, and a diverse landscape of forests, lagoons, and swamps teeming with flora and fauna. Whether you’re looking to spend a few hours or an entire day, there’s always something to discover in this beautiful natural haven.
But First Landing State Park is more than just a scenic getaway—it’s also steeped in legend. Before it became the peaceful park it is today, the area was one of the favorite hideouts of the notorious pirate Blackbeard, who is rumored to have hidden his treasure somewhere in the Narrows area of the park.
The Death of Blackbeard the Pirate
Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach, is one of history’s most infamous pirates. Although his reign of terror on the high seas was brief, he left a lasting legacy of fear and legend. Known for plundering ships and blockading Charleston for nearly a week, Blackbeard’s most famous tale is of his death.
In November 1718, Lieutenant Robert Maynard of the British Navy, under orders from Virginia’s Governor Alexander Spotswood, set out to capture Blackbeard. The British forces, traveling in two small sloops better suited for navigating the shallow waters of the Pamlico Sound, managed to find Blackbeard’s ship, Adventure, off Ocracoke Island.
After a night of revelry aboard his ship, Blackbeard and his men were caught off guard the next morning as Maynard’s forces closed in. Despite being outgunned and outmanned, Maynard cleverly hid his men below decks, luring Blackbeard and his crew into a trap. When Blackbeard and his men boarded Maynard’s ship, the hidden soldiers launched a surprise attack, leading to a brutal six-minute battle. Blackbeard was killed, and his remaining crew was either slain or captured.
Blackbeard’s Ghost and Hidden Treasure at First Landing State Park
Before Blackbeard met his end, he is rumored to have buried his treasure in what is now First Landing State Park. With the British Navy hot on his trail, it’s believed that he chose the park’s dunes along the Chesapeake Bay as the perfect hiding spot for his plunder. While countless treasure hunters have searched the area over the years, the elusive treasure remains undiscovered.
However, visitors to First Landing State Park may encounter something even more chilling than buried treasure—the ghost of Blackbeard himself. According to legend, his ghost still roams the shores of Chesapeake Bay, headless and searching for his lost fortune. Sightings are most commonly reported after dusk, so if you’re brave enough to venture out at night, you might just catch a glimpse of the infamous pirate’s specter. If you’re lucky enough to spot him, perhaps digging where he lingers will finally reveal his hidden treasure. Just remember, any treasure hunting in the park requires a special permit.
The Native American Burial Ground
Adding to the park’s haunted atmosphere is the presence of a Native American burial ground, where 64 members of the Chesapeake Indian Tribe are laid to rest. This small, 20-foot-wide circle is a poignant reminder of the area’s indigenous history, but it wasn’t the tribe’s original burial site. The remains were moved to make way for housing developments, and many were stored in local museums before being reburied in the park. Some remains are still housed in museums, yet to be returned to their final resting place.
Visitors to the burial ground have reported eerie feelings and paranormal encounters, particularly at night. The grave is located near one of the park’s parking lots and is marked by a sign. While exploring the area, it’s important to show respect for the resting place of the Chesapeake Tribe, whose spirits may still be unsettled by the disruption of their eternal sleep.
Haunted Virginia Beach
Whether you’re drawn to First Landing State Park for its sandy beaches, dense forests, or mysterious history, it’s a place full of wonders. If you’re lucky enough to stay in the park after dark, keep an eye out for Blackbeard’s ghost or listen for the distant sounds of drumming and chanting—perhaps the spirits of the Chesapeake Tribe reminding the world of their presence.
Check out our blog for more haunted tales of Virginia Beach, and to see some of these locations in person, book a ghost tour with Neptune Ghosts!
Sources:
https://neptuneghosts.com/top-10-haunted-places-in-virginia-beach/
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/first-landing
https://time.com/5457008/blackbeard-death/
https://virginiatraveltips.com/first-landing-state-park/
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/rules-and-regulations
