The Atlas Obscura Podcast The Portland Treasure Map (Classic)
Jul 16, 2025
A mysterious treasure map found in a Portland library sparks excitement and curiosity about its origins and authenticity. The map, dating back to 1933, ties into Civil War lore and past attempts at treasure hunting. Listeners learn about a 1960s family adventure connected to a church and the urban challenges faced during their search. Engaging stories about archival research and the thrill of uncovering secrets enhance the intrigue, while the buzz around inviting the public to partake in decoding the mystery adds to the overall adventure.
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Discovery of the Treasure Map
- April White found the treasure map labeled simply as "treasure map" in the Oregon Historical Society archives.
- It was discovered in 1933 by Irving Smith among his father's papers, with unclear origins but possibly linked to a legal case.
Historical Clues in the Map
- The treasure relates to "Sims money" tied to a man named Old Sims who died in the army in 1864.
- The map suggests two troves of $3,000 each were buried in Portland, Oregon, potentially during the Civil War era.
Challenging Map Clues
- The map's clues like "Pike Road" and "From Ram" don’t correspond neatly to present-day places in Portland.
- "Pike Road" might refer to a plank road made of logs and "From Ram" could reference a Roman Catholic church, making interpretation challenging.