Stuff They Don't Want You To Know CLASSIC: Did John Astor steal Captain Kidd's treasure?
Oct 15, 2024
Discover the intriguing life of John Jacob Astor, America's first multimillionaire, and the shadowy origins of his fortune. Was he a legitimate businessman or involved in nefarious activities? Dive into the captivating legend of Captain Kidd's hidden treasure and the myths surrounding it. The hosts blend history with humor, exposing the complexities of wealth and morality. Engage with whimsical tales that challenge the line between truth and fiction, all while uncovering the mysteries of lost treasures and community stories.
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Captain Kidd's Piracy
- Captain William Kidd, initially a privateer, became a notorious pirate.
- He was eventually caught and hanged for his crimes.
The Fictional Lawsuit
- Franklin Harvey Head, a lawyer and writer, fabricated a tale about Astor acquiring his wealth from Kidd's treasure.
- This story, initially intended as humorous fiction, was later misconstrued as fact.
Fact vs. Fiction
- The spread of the false Astor-Kidd connection highlights the challenges of separating fact from fiction, especially with historical narratives.
- A magazine's misinterpretation and a historian's misrepresentation solidified the fictional story as a historical conspiracy.