Dan Blankenship: The Determined Oak Island Treasure Hunter Who Spent Over 50 Years Chasing Hidden Fortune

Dan Blankenship was a dedicated treasure hunter whose fascination with Oak Island’s mystery spanned over five decades. Born in 1923, his interest was sparked by a Reader’s Digest article in 1965, which introduced him to the island’s legendary treasure. Inspired, Blankenship left Florida and moved to Nova Scotia, devoting his life to uncovering the island’s secrets.

His tireless efforts made him a prominent figure in the search for Oak Island’s elusive treasure. Blankenship explored numerous tunnels and shafts, employing various drilling techniques and heavy machinery to probe the island’s intricate underground system. His commitment played a pivotal role in advancing the search, establishing him as one of the island’s most influential explorers.

Blankenship formed a key partnership with David Tobias, and together they led several major excavation projects. Over time, Blankenship’s expertise and insights became invaluable, and he became a familiar face on the History Channel’s reality series The Curse of Oak Island. Alongside his son, Dave, Blankenship co-owned part of the island with Rick and Marty Lagina, the show’s other key figures. The series followed their ongoing efforts to uncover the island’s hidden secrets, drawing viewers into the enduring mystery.

The so-called “curse” of Oak Island — which foretells that seven men must die before the island’s treasure is found — loomed large throughout Blankenship’s journey. Before his passing, there was uncertainty as to whether six or seven men had already perished in the quest.

Despite the challenges and unanswered questions, Blankenship’s determination never wavered. He passed away on March 17, 2019, at the age of 95. While he never found the treasure he had dedicated his life to uncovering, fans and fellow treasure hunters widely regarded Blankenship himself as Oak Island’s greatest treasure. His enduring spirit, unshakable belief, and commitment to discovery inspired generations of enthusiasts.

Early Involvement and the 10X Theory

Blankenship’s fascination with Oak Island began in the 1960s after reading Reader’s Digest articles about the legendary Money Pit. Inspired, he moved from Florida to Oak Island in 1967, purchasing land on the island and forming a partnership with fellow treasure hunter David Tobias.

One of Blankenship’s most notable contributions was his work on Borehole 10X — a shaft that reached 235 feet deep into the island’s terrain. In 1971, Blankenship claimed to have discovered a video image resembling a human body, a wooden chest, and tools in the murky depths of 10X. Despite multiple dives and camera attempts, no conclusive evidence of treasure was ever confirmed.

Critics often questioned Blankenship’s reliance on dowsing rods to identify key digging sites, particularly around the 10X location. While unconventional, Blankenship remained convinced that this method guided him to the island’s most promising leads. His belief in the chamber at 10X persisted for decades, despite no concrete discoveries.

The Discovery of Borehole 10X

Blankenship’s discovery of Borehole 10X was a significant chapter in his Oak Island journey. Initially guided by dowsing rods — a controversial method involving metal rods believed to detect underground objects — Blankenship began drilling exploratory holes on his property. After several unsuccessful attempts, his tenth borehole revealed a promising cavity deep underground, which he would later designate as Borehole 10X.

This discovery led to years of painstaking excavation. Blankenship reinforced the walls of the shaft with steel tanker parts, which he cut into smaller sections, lowered into the shaft, and welded back together underground. This innovative but demanding process reflected his unwavering belief that Borehole 10X concealed something extraordinary. Despite dangerous conditions and recurring floods that complicated the excavation, Blankenship remained committed to proving the site’s significance.

Feud with Fred Nolan

Dan Blankenship’s long-standing feud with fellow treasure hunter Fred Nolan became a notable subplot in the Oak Island saga. Initially, Nolan was hired by Blankenship to conduct topographical surveys on the island. However, tensions escalated when Nolan was accused of manipulating property records to claim a key parcel of land that Blankenship believed he rightfully owned. The dispute intensified over the years, with Nolan even barricading a key road that led to the Money Pit. Their rivalry persisted for decades, creating a contentious dynamic that added to the island’s lore.

Television Appearances

Dan Blankenship became a recognizable face through his appearances on several television shows documenting the Oak Island mystery. He was a central figure in The Curse of Oak Island, appearing in 31 episodes from 2014 to 2019 as part of the Oak Island team. Additionally, he appeared in The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down, a companion series where he contributed to four episodes between 2016 and 2019. Earlier in 2013, he appeared in an episode of Forbidden History, where he was credited as the “Owner, Oak Island.” His on-screen presence provided valuable historical context, often adding wisdom drawn from decades of dedication to the treasure hunt.

During filming for The Curse of Oak Island, Blankenship became a memorable presence. Fans admired his unwavering focus and dedication, with some affectionately referring to him as the “godfather of Oak Island.” On set, Dan was often seen driving his iconic golf cart, famously known as his “trusty steed,” as he patrolled the island with a determined gaze and a no-nonsense attitude.

One memorable moment involved Dan challenging the Lagina brothers’ theories, famously quipping, “If you want to waste your time, go ahead, but I’ve been down that road before.” His dry humor and stubborn belief in his theories became defining characteristics that fans grew to love.

Personal Acts of Kindness

Behind his gruff demeanor, Dan was also known for his kindness. One Oak Island enthusiast recalled that, during a personal tragedy, Blankenship’s family sent them heartfelt messages and even lit a candle in a church to offer comfort. “We had never met,” the individual shared, “but Dan’s family reached out during one of my darkest times.” Stories like these highlighted Blankenship’s compassion away from the cameras.

Legacy and Family

Dan Blankenship’s enduring legacy is marked not only by his contributions to Oak Island’s treasure hunt but also by his dedication, perseverance, and ability to inspire generations of treasure seekers. His extensive knowledge and unwavering belief in the island’s mysteries made him a respected figure in the Oak Island community. Despite never uncovering the fabled treasure, Blankenship’s work significantly advanced the search and brought invaluable insights to the ongoing investigation.

Blankenship continued to consult with Rick and Marty Lagina throughout the show’s early seasons, often appearing as a knowledgeable but stubborn presence, insisting that treasure remained within reach. He was known for his gruff demeanor and sharp wit, often giving blunt responses to theories he found questionable.

Blankenship’s son, Dave Blankenship, remained involved in Oak Island’s exploration for several seasons before eventually stepping away from treasure hunting. Following Dan’s passing, Dave shared that his involvement had been largely to support his father’s passion rather than personal conviction.

Blankenship was married to Jane Blankenship, who passed away on February 9, 2011. The couple had three children, including Dave Blankenship. While Dave was prominently featured in the treasure hunt, the rest of the family maintained a more private life, supporting Dan’s efforts behind the scenes. Dan’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren carry on his memory, ensuring his dedication to Oak Island remains a lasting inspiration.

Following Dan’s death, his property, located at 4 Oak Island Drive, was eventually sold for $1,430,000 CAD (approximately $1,058,200 USD) to the Oak Island Archives and Research Organization, a society registered in Nova Scotia. Rick Lagina now serves as the organization’s president, alongside members Charles Barkhouse, Scott Barlow, Doug Crowell, and John Wennacott. Fans speculated that Dan’s home may hold clues or hidden relics, and rumors spread that the new owners might install cameras or metal detect the property for potential finds.

Dan’s passion extended beyond treasure hunting; he had a love for fishing, scuba diving, gardening, and mechanics. He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II and experienced the tragic loss of two close friends in combat, a deeply personal memory that stayed with him throughout his life. Before dedicating himself fully to Oak Island, Dan operated a successful contracting business in Florida, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to hard work. His full-time move to Oak Island in 1970 solidified his lifelong dedication to uncovering the island’s secrets, cementing his reputation as one of the most determined and influential figures in Oak Island’s storied history.

Death and Impact

Dan Blankenship passed away on March 17, 2019, at the age of 95. His passing marked the end of an era for Oak Island searchers. Fans of The Curse of Oak Island paid tribute to Blankenship, celebrating his persistence and dedication. Many noted that his belief in the island’s secrets inspired generations of treasure hunters and captivated audiences worldwide.

Fans reflected on memorable moments from the show — from Blankenship’s iconic presence in his golf cart to his unwavering conviction in the mystery of Borehole 10X. As one fan put it, “Dan was the treasure on Oak Island. His story, his dedication — that was the heart of the show.”

While Dan Blankenship never recovered tangible treasure, his role in Oak Island’s ongoing mystery solidified him as one of the most enduring figures in the island’s enigmatic history. To many, his unwavering determination was itself a testament to the human spirit — a belief that some mysteries are worth pursuing, even if the answers remain elusive.

Tributes and Memories

Following his passing, many remembered Dan Blankenship as a dedicated and fearless treasure hunter whose persistence inspired countless individuals. Fans of The Curse of Oak Island praised his unwavering commitment to the search, while fellow treasure hunters admired his deep knowledge of the island’s history. His family and friends recalled his warm personality, sharp sense of humor, and his ability to inspire those around him.

Condolences poured in from fans around the world, many expressing their admiration for Dan’s determination and perseverance. Viewers of The Curse of Oak Island often spoke of feeling connected to Blankenship as they followed his journey on television. Some described him as “the real treasure of Oak Island,” while others expressed regret that he didn’t live to see the mystery solved. Many offered prayers and heartfelt messages to his son Dave, as well as to the entire Oak Island crew, acknowledging Dan’s vital role in the ongoing search.

One tribute noted, “Dan feels like family to me. I will always remember how his face lit up when the boys found something new on Oak Island.” Another admirer commented, “He was an inspiration — a man of steel who never gave up on his dream.” A former military chaplain reflected, “Dan inspired many to search for what they feel will bring them joy in life… perhaps the church can make him a saint — St. Daniel of Hidden Treasures.”

Fans expressed their sadness that Dan Blankenship did not live to see the treasure uncovered, but many believed that from his heavenly view, Dan would now know the answers to Oak Island’s mysteries. “He will guide the crew from above,” one tribute wrote. Another admirer added, “Dan left us a reason to keep digging for the truth. His determination is the key to knowledge — and knowledge is freedom.”

Blankenship’s dedication to Oak Island left an indelible mark, ensuring his memory will remain part of the island’s enduring legend.

Dan Blankenship Wiki Bio Facts

Full Name	Daniel Christian Blankenship
Born	May 23, 1923, Ohio, USA
Died	March 17, 2019 (aged 95), Bridgewater, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, Canada
Burial	Western Shore Cemetery, Western Shore, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, Canada
Nationality	American-Canadian
Occupation	Treasure hunter, Reality TV personality, Construction business owner
Known For	Searching for Oak Island treasure, Featured on The Curse of Oak Island
Residence	Oak Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Notable Works	Extensive drilling and excavation efforts on Oak Island
Television	The Curse of Oak Island (History Channel)
Partner(s)	David Tobias (business partner)
Children	Dave Blankenship, Linda, Janet Kirby (deceased)
Spouse	Jane Cecilia Lablanovitz Blankenship (m. 1947 – d. 2011)
Grandchildren	Four grandchildren, Six great-grandchildren, Two great-great-grandchildren
Parents	Daniel Christian “Dan” Blankenship Sr (1888–1968), Louida I “Lou” Blake Blankenship (1896–1989)
Siblings	Alvis Blankenship (1913–1982), Harry L Blankenship (1915–2010), French Claland Blankenship (1917–2002), Florence T. Blankenship Muro (1930–2006), Richard Blankenship (1934–1995)
Military Service	United States Army, WWII veteran, experienced the tragic loss of two close friends in combat
Contracting Business	Operated a successful contracting business in Florida before dedicating his life to Oak Island’s mystery
Hobbies	Fishing, scuba diving, gardening, and mechanics
Moved to Oak Island Full Time	Relocated to Oak Island full time in 1970 to pursue the treasure hunt
Legacy	Renowned treasure hunter, key figure in Oak Island exploration

• References:
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/dan-blankenship-treasure-hunter-oak-island-funeral-1.5071691
• https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/the-view-from-here-remembering-dan-blankenship-296514
• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/197634036/daniel_christian-blankenship
• https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/feature-dan-blankenships-40-year-search-for-the-secret-treasure-of-the-money-pit
• https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6307847/