Legendary Lagina Crew Unearths Evidence That Could Rewrite North American History
The world’s most perplexing treasure hunt just took a stunning turn. This week, the Lagina brothers and their dedicated team behind The Curse of Oak Island have confirmed three ancient discoveries so remarkable that historians say they could force a rethinking of early Atlantic history — and bring the legendary Money Pit closer than ever to being solved.
1. The Millennia-Old Well on Lot 26
First on the list: a man-made well discovered on Lot 26. At first glance, it seemed like an ordinary relic. But carbon dating of organic material at its base has shattered expectations: twigs and debris buried inside were dated between 1028 and 1172 AD, making this the oldest known structure ever unearthed on Oak Island — centuries older than the earliest colonial settlements.
Equally baffling, the well remains unfrozen even in the harshest winters, a peculiar trait that has led some to speculate about hidden connections to underground channels — or even the elusive Money Pit network.
Water samples and core tests have revealed surprising signs of silver deep within the shaft, suggesting that the well may be more than just a source of fresh water — it could be a concealed part of the island’s ancient treasure infrastructure.
“Finding something this old pushes the island’s timeline back by at least 500 years,” said historian Emma Culligan. “It changes everything we thought we knew about who was here and why.”
2. The Enigmatic Circular Stone Depression on Lot 5
Meanwhile, a new chapter unfolded on Lot 5, land once owned by legendary treasure hunter Robert Young. The team has uncovered a perfectly symmetrical circular stone depression, eerily similar in size and layout to descriptions of the original Money Pit discovered in 1795.
Drilling and excavations around the depression have revealed evidence of human habitation as far back as the mid-1700s — and even older artifacts possibly dating to the 700s. Among the astonishing finds: a 2,000-year-old Roman coin, a 1730s stone foundation, and a lead barter token bearing uncanny resemblance to a 14th-century Templar cross.
The new team believes these relics could link Oak Island to long-whispered legends of the Knights Templar — and Zena Halpern’s controversial 14th-century map of the island adds fuel to the fire.
“When you stand over that circle and see the precision of the stones, you can feel the history under your boots,” said Marty Lagina. “It’s like Robert Young is still leading us forward.”
3. The Garden Shaft’s Golden Secret
And finally — the Garden Shaft. Long thought to be a simple searcher shaft, this 82-foot deep tunnel is now proving to be anything but ordinary. Recent carbon dating suggests it predates the Money Pit’s recorded discovery by at least 50 years.
In a dramatic twist, water samples drawn by geoscientist Dr. Ian Spooner and hydrogeologist Dr. Fred Michael revealed measurable traces of gold — along with the discovery of an adjacent 95-foot tunnel channeling the highest gold concentrations ever recorded on the island.
Reconstruction efforts, carried out by Dumas Contracting Ltd., have allowed the team to safely investigate deeper than ever before — but the harsh Nova Scotia winter forced them to pause operations at 82 feet. Even so, the crew believes they are on the brink of connecting this shaft to the legendary vault that has confounded treasure hunters for over two centuries.
Where Does Oak Island Go From Here?
With the well on Lot 26, the stone circle on Lot 5, and the gold-laced Garden Shaft, the Lagina brothers and their team stand at the edge of Oak Island’s greatest secrets.
“These finds have changed the stakes,” Rick Lagina told The Herald. “They prove we’re not just chasing legends. There’s something real here — and we’re closer than ever.”
As summer work resumes, the world will be watching. Is the 230-year-old riddle of Oak Island finally about to reveal its buried truth?
Stay tuned.