The astonishing true story of a Scottish conman who invented a fake country has resurfaced as a new dark comedy play based on the tale is set to run at the Edinburgh Fringe this year.
The Wolf of Poyais
The Wolf of Poyais tells the story of 19th-century adventurer Gregor MacGregor, who sold the world a lie and almost got away with it. MacGregor claimed to have discovered a central American country called Poyais while fighting in the South American wars of independence, returned to Britain and falsely claimed to have been made "cacique" of the made-up land.
The explorer successfully persuaded hundreds of people to invest in and even emigrate to Poyais only for them to later discover it didn't exist. At the time, many people fell for this scam and set sail in search of a brand-new life. During their voyage, as many as 200 died along the way as they attempted to reach land that never existed.
High Society Duped
Among those who believed him were some members of British high society who bought into the scheme and trusted him with their fortunes. MacGregor forged documents, land deeds and currency to make his plan seem even more believable and his fictional Central American territory of Poyais went on to become one of history's boldest scams.
According to the BBC, MacGregor was from Glengyle in the Scottish Highlands. He claimed to be not only the local banker's son, but the Cazique, or chief of the land of Poyais along Honduras's Black River.
Lies of a Fertile Paradise
MacGregor told those who followed him that the country of Poyais was a little larger than Wales and was so fertile it could yield three maize harvests a year. He also sold lies that the water there was so pure and refreshing that it could quench any thirst and chunks of gold lined the riverbeds. He claimed the trees overflowed with fruit and painted Poyais to be a new exotic life abroad for Scots who were used to the doom and gloom of the Highlands.
MacGregor was a particularly skilled salesman and at the time investments in Central and South America were rising in popularity which made Poyais such an appealing proposition.
What Became of MacGregor?
He disappeared and was never truly held accountable for his crimes. The BBC states that he was thrown in jail after a commission was set to investigate the matter before being released and fleeing once more. He later died in 1845 in Caracas, Venezuela.
The true story will be brought to life on stage at the Edinburgh Fringe this year by acclaimed actor and comedian Thom Tuck. The Wolf of Poyais one-man play is written by Sam Went and tickets can be found online.
