BYFIELD — Pirates and buried treasure are not always just in the movies. On Kent Island in Byfield, the possibility of buried treasure still exists.
According to local legend, in the late 1700s a lawyer and his friend stole a pirate’s treasure and buried it around an oddly positioned boulder nicknamed Balancing Rock, located on an island in the marsh. To remember where the treasure was buried, the thieves carved an “A” into the side of the rock and planned to return in five years to reclaim their hidden fortune.
Legend has it they never returned, but the “A” is still visible today.
As the story spread in the early 1800s, people began digging for the treasure, and to this day there is no proof that is has been found. One chest is rumored to have been discovered in the 1930s, but that discovery has never been confirmed.
The treasure buried around balancing rock may or may not be long gone, but the legend lives on. Tomorrow, Newbury’s 375th Anniversary Committee will host a walking tour through Byfield’s historic farm district — ending at Balancing Rock.
“The story has been around for years, and people know about it but have never had the opportunity to see the rock,” committee member Ward Westhafer said.
The legend of the buried Byfield treasure at Balancing Rock is part of the sixth annual Trails and Sails events taking place across Essex County this weekend. Trails and Sails hopes to raise historical awareness in Essex County by hosting more than 150 free events along the coast from Gloucester to Amesbury.
“Each year, we try to find something historic that’s forgotten,” Westhafer said.
Two guides will lead participants through the historic farm district. The tour will offer the choice to either walk around or over Blue Hill, then across the marsh to Kent Island. The hike over the hill is more challenging.
Once on Kent Island, participants will get a rare glimpse at the unique rock and the “A.”
Tours begin at 99 Orchard St. in Byfield and are a little more than a mile total. Participants are asked to wear appropriate footwear and clothing. The event is pet friendly and also offers free parking.
“You can see Parker River, Kent Island, the marsh and Cart Creek from the top of Blue Hill,” Westhafer said.
Westhafer, who cut the paths himself, is hoping for a strong turn out. He said the legend of the rock is almost as popular as the legend of the treasure.
“Rumor is if you push the rock really hard it wobbles,” Westhafer said.
Local News
Is there buried treasure in Byfield?
-
-
After 10 days on the run, dog is home
AMESBURY — After days of wandering, the Italian greyhound Merlin reappeared yesterday morning just like mystical figure he's named after.
Continued ...
Merlin was found in a trap set by his owner. The dog was cold, had lost some weight, had a few cuts and scrapes, and was dirty after his 10-day journey, but otherwise in good health. -
Petitions won't stop nuke plant relicensing
NEWBURYPORT — The chorus of local communities and elected leaders trying to temporarily halt the relicensing of the Seabrook nuclear station is growing, but their petitions alone will not stop it.
Continued ... -
Newbury man sentenced in marina crimes
NEWBURYPORT — A Newbury man has been convicted for his part in last year's wave of thefts that resulted in almost $100,000 in copper wiring being stolen from the docks at city marinas.
Continued ...
Timothy R. Noonan, 35, of 248 High Road, Newbury, was found guilty in Newburyport District Court on one count of larceny of merchandise worth more than $250 in a theft traced back to Jan. 26, 2011, with a worth estimated at between $50,000 to $60,000. Judge Peter Doyle sentenced Noonan to one year's probation. He was also sentenced to a year in jail, though that was suspended — meaning, he will not be jailed initially, but if he violates the terms of his probation, he could be jailed. -
NHS booting up 'From Home' technology program
NEWBURYPORT — Until now, they were almost considered contraband in Newburyport schools.
Continued ...
But a philosophy that had students leaving their smartphones and mobile devices in their locker or backpack for fear they would distract from learning is about to change. -
Memories of Horton Home have lingered vividly throughout years
Back in the late 1920s and early 1930s, there was a facility, the Horton Home, named after the Rev. William Horton, who was well-known for his kindness and benevolence. He was concerned with the poor and elderly because, as they got older and lost their families, many had no place to go.
Continued ... - Trooper at fault in cruiser crash
- Police logs
- District Court
- What it means to truly love in light of Valentine's Day
- Fewer birds at local feeders this winter
- Programs at Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats
- Parker River wildlife refuge offers free programs
- Elder menus
- Church notes
- Church directory
- Bird watch
- West Newbury news in brief
- Heard Around Town
- February 10, 2012
- cat of the week
- Salisbury police officer fired
-
After 10 days on the run, dog is home
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
