Pirate treasure maps have never existed.

Though “treasure maps” are seen frequently in films and television, there is no evidence suggesting they have ever existed. Buried treasure has existed in a few cases, most notably with Sir Francis Drake, who twice buried gold and silver because his men could not carry all of it.

There is no record suggesting that he ever made a map when he came back and retrieved it, though. The pirate most responsible for the legends of pirate treasure maps is Captain William Kidd, who buried treasure on Gardiner’s Island (near New York ) before being executed.

Though most of his treasure had been given to close friends and family members, there was speculation that he had buried more. It was ultimately found and used as evidence against him.

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