CSS Phantom Blockade Runner Gold — New Topsail Inlet

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CSS Phantom Blockade Runner Gold — New Topsail Inlet

Lost Treasure NC • Pender County County
Description
Civil War legend of $2.4 million in gold scuttled with the blockade runner CSS Phantom near New Topsail Inlet in 1863 — crew escaped as USS Connecticut closed in.
Historical Notes
The 500-ton Phantom made two successful Bermuda-to-Wilmington runs before USS Connecticut chased her ashore south of Serenity Point in October 1863. The Wilmington Journal recorded the crew scuttling the vessel to deny Union forces her valuable cargo. Modern speculation places gold bullion in the inlet sands at roughly 34°22′23″ N, 77°39′29″ W. Topsail wreck divers and metal detectorists still search the inlet for Phantom payroll specie.
Status / Verification legend — Legendary or approximate

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