Ep 4. The Legend of Jesse James

In this episode of Expedition Unknown, treasure hunter Josh Gates explores the legend behind one of the most infamous outlaws in American history: Jesse James. With a reputation for robbing banks and trains, Jesse James became a notorious figure during the late 1800s. Some historians believe that he buried a fortune in treasure before his death, and Gates sets out to uncover the truth behind these rumors.

Gates begins his investigation in Missouri, where Jesse James was born and raised. He meets with local historians who share stories about James and his gang of bandits. Some of the tales involve daring heists and narrow escapes from the law, while others depict James as a Robin Hood-like figure who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Gates is intrigued by these conflicting accounts and hopes to sort out the fact from fiction.

One key piece of evidence in the Jesse James treasure mystery is a coded message that James allegedly left for his gang to decipher after his death. Gates visits a museum in Kansas City that houses the original message and meets with a code-breaking expert to see if they can crack it. The message contains a series of symbols and cryptic phrases, and Gates and the expert work to decipher its meaning.

Another lead in the treasure hunt comes from a letter that James wrote to his wife, Zee, while he was in hiding. The letter mentions a secret location where he supposedly stashed a large amount of gold and silver. Gates tracks down the descendants of Zee James and asks if they have any knowledge of the treasure. However, the family is tight-lipped about the subject and Gates must rely on other sources to continue his search.

Gates also dives into the history of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, which was hired to capture James and bring him to justice. The agency was known for its aggressive tactics and became involved in several shootouts with James and his associates. Gates visits the site of one of these shootouts and examines the bullet-ridden walls of the building where James once hid.

As the investigation unfolds, Gates learns more about the life and times of Jesse James. He visits the places where James grew up, where he committed his crimes, and where he ultimately met his demise. Along the way, he meets with experts and historians who share their insights into James' personality and motivations. Through it all, Gates remains determined to uncover the truth behind the legend of Jesse James and the mystery of his treasure.