Frankly, we don’t know if the curse is real, but plenty of people believe it to be true. The curse, which is said to have originated more than a century ago, states that seven men will die in pursuit of the Oak Island treasure before it is found. So far, six men have perished in their search to find the fabled riches.

The earliest known account of treasure-related activity on the island appeared in print in 1856, though tales of the land’s hidden wealth began spreading via word of mouth in the late 1700s. 

In 1909, future president of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, began following developments related to the Oak Island mystery and even planned a visit in the ‘30s, but ultimately never made the trip. 

Actors John Wayne and Errol Flynn (who was most famous for his swashbuckler roles) were also fascinated with the story and each invested in a treasure dig.