America: Facts vs. Fiction Season 2 Episode 1 Fool's Gold

In the second season premiere of America: Facts vs. Fiction, titled "Fool's Gold," the series sets out to debunk some of the most enduring myths surrounding American treasure hunting. Host Jamie Kaler focuses on three of the most popular tales of lost treasure, starting with the infamous "Oak Island Money Pit" off the coast of Nova Scotia.

Kaler begins by examining the origins of the Oak Island legend, which dates back to the late 18th century. The story goes that a group of young men happened upon a strange pit on the island and, after digging several feet down, discovered a layer of flagstones with strange symbols etched into them. As they continued to dig, they allegedly found layers of charcoal, putty, and coconut fibers, leading many to speculate that the pit held an immense trove of pirate treasure.

Despite numerous attempts over the years, no one has ever successfully uncovered the supposed treasure, and some have even died trying. Kaler sets out to determine whether the Oak Island Money Pit is indeed a genuine mystery or simply a wild goose chase.

Next, Kaler tackles another classic tale of gold fever, the legend of Jesse James' missing loot. According to the myth, the infamous outlaw stashed away a fortune in gold in a secret location shortly before his death in 1882. As the story goes, James never revealed the location of the loot, leading generations of treasure hunters to scour Missouri and surrounding states in search of the elusive gold.

Kaler delves into the history of Jesse James and the origins of the loot myth to determine whether there is any truth to the legend. He also explores the various theories surrounding the fate of the treasure and examines the many individuals who have claimed to have found it over the years.

Finally, Kaler turns his attention to the lost gold of the Confederacy, a tale that has captivated treasure hunters and conspiracy theorists for decades. The legend goes that, in the waning days of the Civil War, the Confederate army hatched a plan to smuggle their remaining gold reserves out of the country. The gold was supposedly transported to Georgia and then buried somewhere in the countryside, where it remained hidden ever since.

Kaler sifts through the often-conflicting accounts of the lost confederate gold and attempts to determine whether there is any evidence to support the theory. He also speaks with various experts on treasure hunting and historical artifacts in order to separate fact from fiction.

Overall, "Fool's Gold" is an intriguing and informative look at some of America's most enduring tales of treasure and wealth. Through careful research and firsthand investigation, Kaler and his team seek to uncover the truth about these myths and legends, providing viewers with a fascinating glimpse into the many mysteries that continue to captivate our imaginations.