The Pirate Ghost of Dungeon Rock

Posted: 04.16.2025 | Updated: 04.16.2025

According to legend, there is an old pirate treasure hidden deep within the tunnels of Dungeon Rock, located in Lynn, Massachusetts. The story has been shared for hundreds of years, and locals still believe it is true. They say if you can connect with the spirit of the pirate who placed the treasure there, he might even lead you to it- if you survive.

Salem, MA, and the surrounding areas are full of haunted history dating back to America’s colonial times. If you are interested in learning more about the infamous haunted landmarks as well as some of the most disturbing true tales of our country’s past, book your ghost tour with us today here at Salem Ghosts for a frighteningly good time.

What is Behind the Story of the Pirate Ghost of Dungeon Rock?

According to the legend of Dungeon Rock, there is a buried treasure that may still be safely hidden away inside the old cave. But the dark, creepy interior and the narrow path that’s difficult to navigate have stopped most people from venturing inside.

So, what exactly is lurking in the shadows of this cave tucked away inside a community park?

The History of Dungeon Rock in Lynn, MA

Dungeon Rock, which was originally known as Pirate’s Dungeon, is located on Pennybrook Road on the Lynn Woods Reservation in Lynn, MA. It is a man-made cave dug by one of the former owners of the land, Hiram Marble. According to the legend, Marble was convinced the spirit of a pirate from the 1600s instructed him to dig the cave so that he could retrieve a buried treasure.

Pirates Make Port in Lynn, MA

The story of Dungeon Rock dates back to the summer of 1658 when an ominous pirate ship arrived at Lynn Harbor. The black, flagless vessel sent a sense of unease throughout the city as word spread amongst the residents that pirates were in town.

The four pirates settled in an area now known as Pirate’s Glen, located near the Saugus River, but they weren’t safe at their hideout for long. British soldiers who were stationed nearby stormed their location as soon as they heard pirates were around. 

They captured and hanged three of the pirates; however, the fourth one, Thomas Veal, escaped into the woods. It is believed that he took a stolen treasure with him and hid inside a natural cave.

Veal lived in the cave for a while, and surprisingly, he even became a member of the Lynn community. According to the story, he worked to mend shoes for residents and lived peacefully among his neighbors. 

When an earthquake shook the area, it caused a large piece of rock inside the cave to move forward and permanently seal the opening. It is believed that Veal was either trapped inside or killed upon impact of the falling rocks. Along with Veal’s body being left in the cave forever, his treasure was stuck there with him.

The Marble Family Buys the Dungeon Rock Property

Centuries passed, and in 1852, a man named Hiram Marble purchased the land and built a house on it for himself, his wife, and their son, Edwin. Hiram was known to be a spiritualist and believed he could speak to the spirits of the dead.

Hiram believed that Thomas Veal was communicating with him from beyond the grave, letting him know where he hid the treasure. The exterior of Dungeon Rock appears to be in the shape of a skull, and according to the tale, that unique natural design of the rock was the sign that Hiram needed to assure him he could trust the voice of Veal’s spirit.

Hiram and his son began digging a 174-foot tunnel through the solid rock in an effort to find the treasure. It’s been said that the Marble family would hold seances inside the cave, summoning the ghost of Veal. The spirit would instruct Hiram and Edwin on which direction they should dig in to lead them to the treasure. 

That’s the reason why the cave has so many sharp turns as you maneuver your way through it. Hiram and Edwin would use dynamite and other tools, including hammers and large metal chisels, to dig their way through the tunnel.

Did Marble Find the Hidden Treasure?

Hiram once announced to the public that when he finally did locate the pirate treasure, he planned to take the money and buy all of the land surrounding his home to turn it into a public park for the city.

Unfortunately, Hiram Marble passed away in 1868. Edwin continued his father’s quest until he passed away in 1880. He is buried in an unmarked grave that is just a few steps away from the entrance of the cave.

The Marble family spent the majority of their lives digging through Dungeon Rock, searching for something that may have never existed in the first place.

Dungeon Rock Today

“A lot of people still believe what’s going on up here.” Dan Small, a park ranger at Dungeon Rock, spoke to local news reporters during a 2022 interview. He mentioned finding remnants of various types of rituals inside the cave, including weird shrines with candles, coconuts, and ritually killed chickens.

In 1881, the land was purchased by the city of Lynn, and it was converted into a city park, just as Hiram intended to do if fate had allowed him to find Veal’s treasure. The cave and the tunnel that Hiram and Edwin created are open a few days throughout the week, allowing visitors to walk through them, weather permitting. 

Be aware that, just like any natural cave, Dungeon Rock is dark, wet, and cold, and you will need a flashlight to navigate the tunnel safely. There are wooden steps that lead the way to the cavern floor, and then the erratic 135-foot tunnel begins. The space is too small to stand up in, and the path ends at a small pool containing stagnant water.

There are some remnants of Marble’s buildings that exist around the Dungeon Rock, including some cellar holes and a fragment of an old wall. Near the wall is a large pink rock that marks the grave of Edwin Marble. Hiram was buried nearby at the Bay Path Cemetery in Charlton.

Haunted Salem

Salem, Massachusetts, has a long, dark history that dates back to the 1600s and the cruel, tragic deaths of the Salem Witch Trials. It seems the witches burned at the stake have implemented vengeance on the town for eternity by ensuring several locations throughout Salem are haunted by some evil entity.

If you would like to learn more about the true facts of Salem’s haunted past or want to see some of the most popular spooky locations in New England, consider booking a ghost tour with us here at Salem Ghosts.

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Sources:

• https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/dungeon-rock-lynn-pirate-ghost-treasure-hunt/
• https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2022-10-26/the-history-and-mysteries-of-lynns-haunted-pirate-cave
• https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/dungeon-rock
• https://digitalheritage.noblenet.org/s/swampscott/item/14705