Lot 8 Giant Boulder

About This Structure

Massive boulder feature on Lot 8 that has become one of the most significant investigative targets on Oak Island. The boulder was manipulated by human hands and held in place by smaller stones placed evenly around its perimeter, a construction technique reminiscent of megalithic sites in France and northern Spain where large stones were deliberately positioned and supported by smaller keystones. The formation conceals a large void underneath that extends into an extensive network of chambers described as a matrix that would not occur naturally. Dr. Ian Spooner conducted soil analysis of sediment extracted from directly beneath the boulder. Lead levels registered at 140 parts per million, more than eleven times the normal baseline of 12 parts per million measured elsewhere on the island. The lead is migrating through layers of ash and coal consistent with burning or smelting activity. Rick Lagina proposed the boulder may cover a ventilation shaft, citing the ancient practice dating to classical Greece of setting fires at the base of mine shafts to force air circulation while smoke rose through a separate channel. Spooner found the theory plausible and described the boulder as one of the most interesting rocks on the island.

A snake camera inserted beneath the boulder captured images of a possible iron stake, what appeared to be a pearl, and at greater depth, lumps with golden, yellowy veins that the team observed had the color and luster of gold. Rick called it potentially the most substantial discovery ever made on the island. The archaeologists, including Laird Niven, gave approval to proceed with lifting the boulder using a crane, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated operations in the history of the Oak Island treasure hunt. Artifacts recovered from the surrounding soil include a hand-forged iron chopping knife dated to the mid-1700s and a hand-forged iron pintle of a type dating as far back as 2000 BC, both found by Gary Drayton after Billy Gerhardt plowed the topsoil to allow metal detection.