Marty, Rick, and Gary Explore Buried Infrastructure in Oak Island Swamp S11E12

In The Curse of Oak Island Season 11 Episode 12, titled “Digging Back In” and aired on Jan 30, 2024, the investigation focuses on the southern border of the Oak Island swamp.

Rick Lagina, Marty Lagina, and Craig Tester join the team to examine an unearthed wooden structure beneath the stone road. The discovery includes fitted logs and perpendicular timbers, hinting at deliberate construction beneath the road surface. Jack Begley and Marty describe how smaller logs and brush were used as underpinnings—an effort that underscores the scale and intent behind the road’s creation.

The abrupt end of the stone road and the materials used suggest an engineered infrastructure, possibly a wharf or slipway for unloading cargo from offshore vessels.

Carmen Legge – Blacksmithing Analysis

Two weeks earlier, the team uncovered a hand-wrought chain and hook dated by blacksmithing expert Carmen Legge to the 16th century. The artifact, likely used as a three-point hitch, could have helped move heavy loads across the swamp and up the constructed stone road. This supports the theory that the area functioned as an unloading zone for ship cargo.

A Barrel Stave and Tool Handle Add Context

Gary Drayton identifies a curved piece of wood resembling a barrel stave—similar to pieces discovered in prior seasons. The shape and tapering indicate it may have belonged to a cargo barrel, consistent with historical shipping methods. Later in the episode, Gary and Billy Gerhardt recover additional staves and what appears to be a handle, possibly from a tool like a pickaxe.

These findings point toward the area being used for storage or movement of materials, potentially centuries ago.

Marty Lagina – Reassessment of the Swamp

Marty Lagina, initially skeptical of the swamp’s significance, acknowledges the volume of meaningful discoveries in the area. Observing consistent patterns—stone paving, buried artifacts, and worked wood—he concedes that the swamp may hold more than previously believed. His remarks signal a shift in approach: a renewed focus on data and persistent digging.

Field Coordination and Excavation

• Jack Begley is seen inspecting the site with a shovel and noting how brush and logs were used as underpinnings beneath the stone road.
• Billy Gerhardt continues precise excavator work, identifying boulders and rock alignments that may mark the continuation of the stone road.
• Gary Drayton detects and assesses artifacts, including wooden tools and barrel remains.
• Marty Lagina and Craig Tester evaluate the layout and historical implications of the site.

As “Digging Back In” concludes, the Oak Island team documents additional artifacts and structural features, including fitted logs and barrel staves. These findings contribute to the ongoing investigation into whether the stone road and surrounding swamp area served as an offloading point or transport route for materials brought onto the island.