Oak Island: Unearthing the Past on Lot 5

Discovery Begins with a Depression

In the enigmatic terrain of Oak Island, a new chapter unfolded at Lot 5. A circular depression discovered in the area drew immediate attention from long-time searchers Rick Lagina and metal-detecting expert Gary Drayton. The anomaly stirred speculation—could it mark yet another piece in the enduring Oak Island puzzle?

Armed with experience and high hopes, Rick and Gary commenced an intensive scan of the disturbed ground. As Gary’s metal detector beeped to life, it quickly became clear that the site held more than natural formations. Markers were set, tools deployed, and the ground began to give up its secrets.

Revealing Artifacts from the 17th and 18th Centuries

The excavation yielded a variety of artifacts that hinted at occupation or activity dating back to the 1600s and 1700s. Among the items retrieved was a small piece of lead—possibly a musket ball—and an unfamiliar metallic fragment that bore the shape of a gun component. This find deepened the intrigue and warranted closer inspection.

Later analysis identified one artifact as a ramrod guide from a musket, a component used to load powder and shot into early firearms. This confirmed not only the site’s historical timeframe but also suggested the presence of military or paramilitary activity on the island at some point in its past.

CT Scans Reveal Hidden Markings

The artifact was taken to the interpretive center for further non-destructive analysis using a high-resolution CT scan. The scan revealed internal construction details and, most notably, Roman numerals etched inside the piece—a highly unusual and previously undocumented feature in Oak Island artifact history.

The revelation drew immediate connections to a much earlier discovery at Smith’s Cove in the 1970s, where a large U-shaped wooden structure had also contained Roman numerals. That structure was believed to be part of a flood tunnel system associated with the island’s buried treasure legends.

Historical Echoes and Military Context

The presence of a ramrod guide and shell casing further supports theories that parts of Oak Island may have once hosted military operations—or perhaps secretive maritime activity. While there is no confirmed connection to the long-rumored Duke d’Anville expedition or other known campaigns, the timeline and clues suggest a military or colonial context that aligns with 17th–18th century operations.

Resident archaeologists Emma Culligan and Laird Niven noted the artifact’s peculiar features, including an anomalous hole and the unmistakable patina of centuries. While questions remain about the origin of the musket and the cultural identity of its owner—be it Francophone or Anglophone—the evidence clearly places the artifact within a significant historical framework.

A Link to the Island’s Deeper Mystery

The discovery has reinvigorated the team’s efforts at Lot 5. The Roman numerals, in particular, offer a potential link to a 1746 ship’s log that once described the burial of treasure in a deep pit on a wooded island—believed by some to be a direct reference to Oak Island.

The team is hopeful that further discoveries on Lot 5 could illuminate connections between these artifacts and the broader mystery that has captivated explorers for over two centuries. According to Rick Lagina, “There have never been Roman numerals on any other artifact up to date.”

Moving Forward with Renewed Purpose

The Oak Island team, led by Rick and his brother Marty Lagina, continues to pursue the evolving clues with a blend of scientific precision and historical curiosity. Armed with CT imagery, expert insights, and a growing catalog of artifacts, they now look to Lot 5 as a focal point in their quest for answers.

Whether these pieces are remnants of colonial presence, covert activity, or something more extraordinary remains to be seen. For now, the search continues—driven by artifacts that whisper of hidden chapters in history, waiting to be told.