Bohen was a Utah prospector who had been shot in the back. But, they wouldnt make it. An alternate view which better fits the lost mine legend is that he periodically appeared with large amounts of gold, The Sterling Legend by Estee Conatser reports that a Jacob Walzer sold $250,000 in gold to the U.S. Mint during the 1880s and had $1500 when he died in 1891. Two years later, in 1980, the skeleton of a man named Rick Fenning was found. He soon returned to Pinal, saying that he had found an old mine, describing it as the most God-awful rough place you can imagine a ghostly place. Dearing; however, continued to work as a bartender until he could save enough money for the excavation. Here amongst this vast maize of volcanic interior, fixed and clinging to the mountain side, flanked on one side by a very small almost invisible ledge is the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, like a small birds nest perched in the middle of a forest of giant oaks, concealed by the natural elements it obscures itself from all beasts of prey, especially Unfortunately, for these two, nothing was ever found of them. The coroner ruled it an accidental death resulting from a ricochet. Some historians believe that any gold found in this rugged terrain was probably hidden there, perhaps even having been the fabled lost Aztec treasure. More than 20 years later, in 1927, a New Jersey man and his sons were hiking the mountain when rocks began to roll down on them from the cliffs above as if someone had pushed the boulders. The story of the Lost Dutchman Mine might have become just another obscure legend had it not been for an easterner named Dr. Adolph Ruth, an amateur treasure-seeker who ambled into the Superstitions in the summer of 1931. But, Adophs son, Erwin, was convinced his father had been killed. For the next ten years, Waltz would often appear in Phoenix, with saddlebags filled with some of the richest gold ore many had ever seen, before disappearing once again into the Superstition Mountains. [19][20] After this was unsuccessful, Thomas and her partners were reported to be selling maps to the mine for $7 each. The tales of the Lost Dutchman mine might have passed into history if it wasnt for Adolph Ruth, who decided to find the gold in the summer of 1931. In early 1952, a man named Joseph Kelley of Dayton, Ohio was also searching for the lost mine. Apparently, he The land not only contained a rich gold mine, but also several silver mines. He was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. A short list of people reported as having found it, or to have found an abandoned mine they thought to be the Lost Dutchman Mine, include in 1900 Joe Mulhatton; in 1901 Charlie Wood and John Chunning (separate discoveries); in 1903 a man chasing his dog found it; in 1906 Henry Young Blood found it: in 1908 a man named Morton and his wife found it; and in 1909 the old prospector Barnscheldt found it. There May Be a Long-Lost Gold Mine in the Arizona Mountains By: Mae Rice For more than a century, adventurous souls have sought the Lost Dutchman Mine, and since 1891, more than a hundred people have claimed to find it. The Lost Dutchman story actually begins in the 1800s when the wealthy, Mexican Peralta family came to the region to work mines under a Spanish land grant. The soldiers replied that the ore had been picked up while crossing Superstition Mountain, where they had also spied an old mine. Sure that he was mad, even the Apache left him alone. Five days later, another skeleton was found, which was identified the next month to be that of William Richard Harvey, a painter from San Francisco, California. Mason sent out a search party, who found the nude bodies of both men, shot in the head. The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. WebThe Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Found! In November, he was found shot in the stomach on the side of a trail in or near La Barge Canyon. People have been seeking the Lost Dutchman's mine since at least 1892,[2] while according to one estimate, 9,000 people annually made some effort to locate the Lost Dutchman's mine. The story of the Lost Dutchman Mine might have become just another obscure legend had it not been for an easterner named Dr. Adolph Ruth, an amateur treasure-seeker who ambled into the Superstitions in the summer of 1931. The pack mules scattered in all directions, spilling the gold everywhere. Many believe it's hidden in the Superstition Mountains, and it's rumored a curse falls upon all those who try to find it. The Peralta family refrained even more from working the mines for the next 16 years. Legend says Waltz was helped by a descendant of the Peralta family to locate the hidden gold. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. In 1865, Thorne was working as an army doctor at Fort McDowell, Arizona. 2, or via email at archivesrequest@sharlothallmuseum.org for information or assistance with photo requests. The rest of the treasure hunters body would not be found until the next month, in a small tributary on the east slope of Black Top Mesa. Another tale describes an eccentric prospector named Elisha Marcus Reavis, who was better known in the area as the Madman of the Superstitions or the Old Hermit. One of Arizonas most interesting characters, Reavis was actually college-educated and taught school before he began to prospect during the California Gold Rush. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. East of Phoenix, Arizona is the Superstition Mountain range, more commonly referred to by locals, as the Superstitions. Standing majestically at the forefront of this rough terrain is Superstition Mountain, a 3,000-foot high monolith, which seemingly stands guard over the rest of its territory. Blair suggested that this Waltz could be the same Waltz who later came to be regarded as the legendary Dutchman, and that he Americanized the spelling of his family name. Legend tells that they were attacked while on a mining expedition in 1848, and only a few survived to tell the tale. In 1984, a prospector named Walt Gassler, who had been searching for the Lost Dutchman for most of his life, was found dead in the Superstitions. Web10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About This abandoned old mining town, which has been refurbished as a tourist attraction, includes a mine tour, rides and shops. Later, the Turkey Creek Mining District was carved out of the Walker District, and Waltz et al. The Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine hit the headlines in 2009 when Denver native Jesse Capen, 35, disappeared in Arizona's Tonto National Forest during a search for the mine. In June 1931, Ruth set out to locate the lost Peralta mine. Superstition Mountain, Arizona by Kathy Weiser-Alexander. In his 1945 book about the Lost Dutchman's mine. WebLost Dutchman State Park About Lost Dutchman State Park Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is located in the Sonoran Desert, at the base of the Superstition Mountains, only 40 miles east of Phoenix. Some have died on the search. December 09, 2019 Granger wrote that "fact and fiction blend in the tales",[3] but that there are three main elements to the story: In 1977, Granger identified 62 variants of the Lost Dutchman's story some of the variations are minor, but others are substantial, casting the story in a very different light from the other versions. There are literally dozens of different variations of the lost mine tale, and almost as many reports of people actually having found the mine, leading to it being the most found and lost again mine ever. The Peralta Massacre is a legend that Apaches supposedly ambushed a mining expedition the Peralta family sent into the mountains. In December, 1931, The Arizona Republic reported on the recent discovery of a human skull in the Superstition Mountains. Ruths treasure map was found at his original campsite. The story of the missing mine started when the Peralta family moved to the area in the early 19th century to try their luck at mining. WebOne of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. A German immigrant,Jacob Waltz,is supposed to have discovered the mine in the 19th century and became known as the Lost Dutchman. At the time, the term Dutch was used for people from the Netherlands and Germany. Later that year, two easterners went looking for the lost mine. WebA curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the identical place, confirming the location. Camping: 135 sites (68 with electric/water) and cabins can be reserved year-round through Arizona State Parks. The Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Please contact SHM Library & Archives reference desk at 928-445-3122 Ext. Apache Before the Storm, Edwards S. Curtis, 1906. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Skeptoid Podcast. Some carved stones in the area are referred to as "Peralta Stones" and Spanish text and crude maps on them are considered by some to be clues to the location of a Peralta family gold mine in the Superstition Mountains, although others believe the stones to be modern fakes. Ruths untimely demise did nothing to dissuade further searchers. They were never seen again. There May Be a Long-Lost Gold Mine in the Arizona Mountains By: Mae Rice For more than a century, adventurous souls have sought the Lost Dutchman Mine, and since 1891, more than a hundred people have claimed to find it. The Superstition Mountains west of Phoenix, Arizona by Carol Highsmith. (However, in some versions,[14] the 'mine' is actually a cache put there by the Peraltas.). The discovery of a lost Roman city in an unexpected place. Waltz is attacked and wounded by marauding Apaches, but survives at least long enough to tell a man called Dr. Walker about the mine. He was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. Though it is not known if he found the fabled Dutchmans Mine, his forays did produce the coveted shining metal, adding more fuel to the legend of gold in the Superstitions. The Symposium is co-sponsored by the Sharlot Hall Museum and the Prescott Corral and is open to the public free of charge. In his search, Ruth utilized a map that his son had obtained in Mexico several years previous, which dated back to the period of the Mexican Revolution (1909-1923), and was later referred to as the Ruth-Peralta map. They soon returned to Sonora, laden with gold and planning another trip. In February 1951, Dr. John Burns, a physician from Oregon, was found shot to death on Superstition Mountain. It is thought that Apaches stole the gold and hid it in the mountains. In his pack was gold ore, later discovered to be identical to that of the rich ore Jacob Waltz had found earlier. He vanished and was never seen again. According to legend, a family by the name of Peralta moved north from Mexico in the early 19th century to try their luck at mining in the American West and their efforts were In 1977, 292 acres (118ha) abutting the Tonto National Forest were set aside as the Lost Dutchman State Park. A note found in his checkbook claimed he had discovered the mine and included directions. The Lost Dutchman Mine is the most famous in American history. Lost Dutchman Mine is a simulation game that casts the player in the role of a gold miner in the 1860's. One of the game's goals is to earn money, which can be achieved by searching gold in a river, mining for gold, or capturing wanted criminals. Jacob Waltz said the mine was a large funnel-shaped pit. WebA curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the identical place, confirming the location. Just a year later, two deer hunters were driven off the mountain, when again rolling boulders appeared to have been pushed by someone or something down the mountain towards them. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. Cravey said he would walk out of the mountains on June 28, 1947. Said to be the most famous lost mine of all time, it continues to draw prospectors to the Superstition Mountains of Arizona in The shot in his skull was ruled an accidental shooting incident. In fear, the conquistadors finally fled, refusing to return to the mountain, which they dubbed Monte Superstition. For over a century, treasure hunters have sought the treasures supposedly lost in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona, but what do we really know about the events surrounding this tale? In October 1960, a group of hikers found a headless skeleton near the foot of a cliff on Superstition Mountain. Thorne sold the ore for some $6,000, making him a wealthy man. The lost Dutchmans gold mine location Ramiro valdez Oct 28, 2021 2 Replies 38 Views 8K Sunday at 7:31 PM EDN E Peter's Canyon, The Jeauits, and the Lost Dutchman LDWhitneyAuthor Jan 22, 2023 2 3 Replies 55 Views 3K Feb 16, 2023 LDWhitneyAuthor Clue 4 Peaks Lined up as 1 ConceptualizedNetherlandr Apr 19, 2014 8 9 10 Replies 181 Views 23K One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. Generally speaking, this mine is claimed to be situated in the Superstition Mountains, described by one source as a collection of rough terrain that has gained the name of a single mountain which lies to the east of Phoenix, the Arizonan capital. Led by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, the conquistadors cared little about the Apache customs or beliefs, wanting only to find the legendary Seven Golden Cities of Cibola., Learning from the Apache, that the range did, in fact, hold gold, the Spaniards were intent upon exploring the area. A day-use entrance is $10 per vehicle. Now all we had to do was dig, and we would surely find one of the richest and most hunted treasures in the worldthe Lost Dutchmans Gold Mine, secreted in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix, Arizona. Arizona place-name expert Byrd Granger wrote, as of 1977, the Lost Dutchman's story had been printed or cited at least six times more often than two other fairly well-known tales, the story of Captain Kidd's lost treasure, and the story of the Lost Pegleg mine in California. The Lost Dutchman Mine is the most famous in American history. One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. "Dutchman's Gold" was the season 4, episode 19 of, This page was last edited on 5 February 2023, at 00:14. Yet, another year later, an old prospector by the name of Guy Hematite Frink was lucky enough to return from the mountain with a number of rich gold samples. WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a fabled gold mine located in the Southwest, though it's exact whereabouts are unknown. His head had been severed from his body and was lying several feet away. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. July 3, 1947 James A Cravey, age 62, a retired photographer, was reported missing after he had chartered a helicopter June 19, 1947 to drop him off in the Superstition Mountains to look for the Lost Dutchmans Mine. In 1978, a man named Manuel Valdez was murdered in the Superstitions. He was a student of mining and was knowledgeable in geology. The legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine is a quintessential version of just such a story. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. When nothing had been heard of Ruth for six days, the cowboys boss, a man named Tex Barkley, went looking for the treasure hunter. Allowed to remove the blindfold, Thorne found himself in a canyon where a large unusual rock pinnacle loomed to the south. This does not deter the many seekers the search, itself, is simply too intriguing. In 1973, Charles Lewing shot Ladislas Guerrero at a mountain campsite. A reward was immediately offered by the family and searchers combed the mountain for the next 45 days but Ruth was not found. But, his condition was worsening as he suffered a stroke and was paralyzed to the point that he could barely speak. Never again did the Peralta family venture back to the mine and all maps and knowledge of its location were lost through the years. The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. Some searchers for the mine have disappeared in likely wilderness accidents. Although there has been no proof that the mine exists, from then on, many people have joined the search for the hidden gold. WebBackground: The Lost Dutchman Mine was founded by a German prospector named Jacob "The Dutchman" Waltz in 1876. Here amongst this vast maize of volcanic interior, fixed and clinging to the mountain side, flanked on one side by a very small almost invisible ledge is the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, like a small birds nest perched in the middle of a forest of giant oaks, concealed by the natural elements it obscures itself from all beasts of prey, especially Thorne is said to be either unwilling or unable to relocate the mine. After spending all her money, Thomas made a living from selling maps of the supposed location. WebLegend tells of the Lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the Superstition Mountains.. [3] Former Arizona Attorney General Robert K. Corbin is among those who have looked for the mine. The soldiers are alleged to have presented some of the gold, but to have been killed or to have vanished soon after. 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