Anutr Yossundara/Shutterstock: A treasure hunt started by Forrest Fenn
In 2010, Forrest Fenn, an author, announced that he had hidden a box containing emeralds, diamonds, gold coins, and other gems. The location was recently revealed to be the Rocky Mountains in the western part of North America. He had designed a ‘treasure hunt’ of sorts to aid anyone who chooses to look for it.
Cryptic clues in the form of a map and poem were in his self-published autobiography, The Thrill of the Chase.
People looking for the fortune had little to go on as very few details were divulged. As hinted by Forrest, it existed between the Canadian border and Santa Fe, above 5,000 feet of elevation.
Although Fenn never exposed the value of the riches hidden, according to CNBC, the estimated cost is between $1 million and $5 million.
Evtushkova Olga/Shutterstock: Hidden treasure was somewhere in the Rocky Mountains of North America
In mid-2020, the writer announced that someone had found the hidden wealth, and the chase has finally ended. At the behest of the person who found the box, Forrest did not reveal their identity.
He also shut down skeptics by clarifying that the container actually existed as he had received photos of the valuables that he buried. They have been released on the internet.
Now an art and antiquities dealer, living in New Mexico, he still refuses to share the exact location. The poem, in his book, ultimately aided the founder in discovering the box. He claims that he did not change the position since he first hid it. It was found in lush forested vegetation of the Rocky Mountains, under a canopy of stars.
Motive
Talking about his fascination for hidden things such as fossils, arrowheads, and mysterious items out in the forests or along the banks of a river, Fenn wanted to provide the same opportunity to others.
Vladimir Borozenets/Shutterstock: People from all over the country looking for the treasure
There was also an ulterior motive of getting people out of their homes and into the lap of nature. He wanted to give a working-class American a chance to change their lives, provided they were successful.
Criticism
Unfortunately, the hunt has been marred in some controversy over the years.
Five people have died looking for the mystic box. The latest person to succumb to his injuries was a 58-year old who was found dead on the border between Utah and Colorado, near Dinosaur National Monument.
Fer Gregory/Shutterstock: People got hurt during their treasure hunting journey
Addressing the tragedy, Fenn said it was never his intention to see people get hurt, and the news was heartbreaking for him. But, after being questioned whether he will consider removing the treasure, the author refused to do so. He explained that many people had spent their time, money, and energy on solving the puzzle, and it would be an injustice to them.
Thankfully, no more lives will be in danger as the treasure hunt has finally come to an end!