When we hear the term “buried treasure,” we at once envision pirates and sailing ships, but 100 years ago this summer newspapers across the country carried the news of treasure being buried in Barnegat, N.J.

1921 was the first year of national Prohibition, and many still had a thirst, making smuggling alcohol into the U.S. a lucrative pastime. Quickly terms like bootlegger, speakeasy and 3-mile limit entered the vocabulary of those who opposed government regulation of their lives.

Soon, small boats from the Jersey Shore towns began to venture out through the inlets to meet ships outside U.S.