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The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a popular spot, teeming with hikers, boaters and campers exploring some of the nation’s most remarkable natural beauty. One island, Hermit Island, is home to an unsolved mystery.

During the 1840s, a recluse known only as Wilson built a cabin there. Wilson was about 60, had crossed the continent as a fur trader, lost his wife to an early grave, and retired from the world. He scared off anyone who tried to land, using his rifle when necessary. Benjamin Armstrong, an interpreter for the Ojibwe, was the only person able to befriend the eccentric hermit.

One day, Armstrong helped Wilson transport a barrel of liquor from the mainland. Wilson produced several buckskin bags filled with coins, paid Armstrong, and asked him to count the remaining money since his own education had been scanty.

Armstrong counted out nearly $1,300. Wilson took great pains to hide the money without Armstrong observing, and then rowed his friend back to shore.

In 1861, Armstrong worried when for several days he saw no chimney smoke above Hermit Island. With a group of investigators, he crossed over and found Wilson murdered. The party searched for Wilson’s fortune but found only a small stash of dollars.