A mystery nugget from The Daily Morning Astorian, Oct. 2, 1887: “Last month, after 10 years’ search, Capt. Gee discovered the wreck of the paddle steamer Brother Jonathan, lost 22 years ago. The wreck lies 2 miles south of Northwest Seal rock … She struck on a rock not down on the chart.”

According to the Del Norte County Historical Society, the Brother Jonathan was overcome by a violent storm on July 30, 1865, after departing from Crescent City, California.

Overloaded with over 200 aboard, military supplies and animals, mining and railroad equipment, plus a gold coin Army payroll, the captain was unable to turn back and hit a jagged rock. The steamer sank in less than 30 minutes. Only eight passengers and 11 crew members survived in one lifeboat. Bodies washed ashore for weeks.

According to CoinWeek, salvage attempts were made immediately, but unsuccessfully. No mention was made of Capt. Gee’s claim. What is documented is that in 1993, Deep Sea Research found the ship with a minisub, but not without great difficulty, as the ship actually sank 2 miles from where it hit the rock (which, interestingly enough, Capt. Gee mentioned), and was found at a depth of 275 feet. It may well have moved since 1887, however.

Recovery efforts by divers eventually yielded 1,207 $20 double eagle gold coins, and legal battles ensued between the state of California and the salvors. The lawsuit made one trip to the U.S. Supreme Court, but with the threat of a second trip, they settled, giving the state 20% of the value of the find.

Even so, CoinWeek says “many estimate that 80% of the total value of the treasure still remains undiscovered.” (Artwork: Gene Olson/Courtesy of Del Norte County Historical Society)