Real or not, the haunting tales endure, continuing to draw prospectors to the Superstition Mountains today, and making the story one of the most famous lost treasure tales of all time. Another detail which casts doubt on the story is the fact that, according to Blair, there was never any Dr. Thorne in the employ of the Army or indeed of the Federal Government in the 1860s. However, the Peralta Mine eventually became unprofitable and after the money was gone Miguel Peralta turned to fraud. In most variants of the story, the family of a man called Miguel Peralta discovered the mine and began mining the gold there, only to be attacked or massacred by Apaches in about 1850 in the supposed Peralta massacre. A day-use entrance is $10 per vehicle. In fear, the conquistadors finally fled, refusing to return to the mountain, which they dubbed Monte Superstition. Some searchers for the mine have disappeared in likely wilderness accidents. Lavern Rowlee was shot by Ralph Thomas, who reported that he had been attacked by Rowlee and shot the other man in self-defense. After traveling to the region, Ruth stayed several days at the ranch of Tex Barkely to outfit his expedition. Jacob finally died on October 25, 1891. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. The next person to come across the mine was a man named Dr. Abraham Thorne. 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. In 1748, the Superstitions, as well as some 3,750 square miles of what is now Arizona, were given to Mexican cattle-baron, Don Miguel Peralta of Sonora, in a land grant. Where was the mine? The cause of death was unknown. That same year, two California boys, who were hiking on Superstition Mountain, also vanished. The short "Discovery Trail" is a clear route with several placards giving the natural history of the area. Shrouded in mystery, the mine is not only allegedly rich in gold but is also said to have a curse upon it, leading to a number of strange deaths, as well as people who mysteriously go missing when they attempt to locate the old mine.
, The Waterbury Democrat. 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 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. In retaliation, the Apache, who were convinced that Ken-tee had betrayed the site of their secret shrine, they attacked Waltz and his Indian mistress, seizing Ken-tee and cutting out her tongue. Ruths son, a lawyer, had helped a man called Pedro Gonzales with a legal matter and in return, was given some old maps. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. The land not only contained a rich gold mine, but also several silver mines. This article is a preview of a presentation he will make at the sixteenth Annual Western History Symposium that will be held at the Prescott Centennial Center on August 3rd. To this day, his death remains a mystery; however, it is but one more life claimed by the mountain and perhaps, its curse. In 1870, Waltz had a homestead of about 160 acres (0.65km2) near Phoenix where he operated a farm.[18]. Waltz is attacked and wounded by marauding Apaches, but survives at least long enough to tell a man called Dr. Walker about the mine. Location: Apache Junction, AZ. Many believe it's hidden in the Superstition Mountains, and it's rumored a curse falls upon all those who try to find it. Two years later, in December 1936, another life was claimed by the mountain when hobbyist, Roman OHal, a broker from New York, died from a fall when he was searching for the Lost Dutchman. One of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. Never shaving or cutting his hair, he seldom bathed and rumors said he was prone to running naked through the canyons, firing a pistol into the sky. The note ended with a Latin phrasetranslating to I came, I saw, I conquered.. A reward was immediately offered by the family and searchers combed the mountain for the next 45 days but Ruth was not found. It was then that the pair moved near the Superstition Mountain range. Having taken on a terrible chill, he was attended to by a woman named Julia Thomas, who tried to nurse him back to health, but Jacob had contracted pneumonia. Born in 1810 in Wrttemberg, he first appears in American records in 1848. Waltz began prospecting in California in the 1850s. "[24], Authorities in Arizona did not convene a criminal inquest regarding Ruth's death. The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. His skeleton was discovered near Weavers Needle two years later. WebThe Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Found! His wife could not remember the location of the find. His bullet-ridden body was removed to the coroners, who ruled it a suicide. Weavers Needle in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona, courtesy Wikipedia. Many believe it's hidden in the Superstition Mountains, and it's rumored a curse falls upon all those who try to find it. Also in 1910, the skeleton of a woman was found in a cave high up on Superstition Mountain. For more than 120 years, the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine has been told over and over, growing in proportions to such an extent that some claim the entire legend is nothing but a myth. In 1976, a prospector named Howard Polling was found dead of a gunshot wound. He is blindfolded and taken there by a circuitous route, and is allowed to take as much gold ore as he can carry before again being escorted blindfolded from the site by the Apaches. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. 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. The player was free to roam around the desert and town at will constrained only by the need to make sure they had enough food to eat and a safe place to sleep. WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine (also known by similar names) is, according to legend, a rich gold mine hidden in the southwestern United States. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. Later, the Turkey Creek Mining District was carved out of the Walker District, and Waltz et al. People want to think the Lost Dutchman mine has gold hanging off the walls. He died in 1891 and, on his deathbed, he confessed to his neighbor, Julia Thomas, who was caring for him, where to locate the mine. It would be his last. In 1973, Charles Lewing shot Ladislas Guerrero at a mountain campsite. In January 1956, a man from Brooklyn, New York reported to police that his brother, Martin Zywotho, who he believed was searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine, had been missing for several weeks. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. Waltz was buried in Phoenix at what is now called the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park. 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. WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine (also known by similar names) is, according to legend, a rich gold mine hidden in the southwestern United States. Years later, a man called Dr. Thorne treats an ailing or wounded Apache (often alleged to be a chieftain) and is rewarded with a trip to a rich gold mine. [3] Former Arizona Attorney General Robert K. Corbin is among those who have looked for the mine. 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? [7] A man named Miguel Peralta and his family did operate a successful mine in the 1860s but near Valencia, California, not in Arizona. 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. [12] The three soldiers set out to find the gold, but without success. WebBackground: The Lost Dutchman Mine was founded by a German prospector named Jacob "The Dutchman" Waltz in 1876. The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. Though the remains had been scattered by scavengers, they were undoubtedly Ruth's. When nothing had been heard of Ruth for six days, the cowboys boss, a man named Tex Barkley, went looking for the treasure hunter. A group found the Lost Dutchman Mine in the Eastern Superstitions and extracted a considerable amount of rich gold ore. Mining records show that Jacob Waltz did file claims, two claims with others. The lost mine is thought to be located somewhere near Weavers Needle, the main landmark of the Superstition Mountains, even though the area has been diligently searched by hundreds of people. Never again did the Peralta family venture back to the mine and all maps and knowledge of its location were lost through the years. Ruth ended his note with the phrase "Veni, vidi, vici. But the mine remains shrouded in mystery, so much so that it might not exist at all. Ruths treasure map was found at his original campsite. [4], Robert Blair wrote "[t]here have been at least four legendary Lost Dutchman's gold mines in the American West, including the famed Superstition mine of Jacob Waltz". Three years later his headless skeleton was finally discovered. After one hundred and twenty-five plus years incredibly, the lost Dutchman gold mine has been found, proving that the legend is more than mere myth and as predicted by Jacob Waltz himself No miner will ever find my mine. Troubles with the Apaches made the familys mining operation dangerous. Lost Dutchman Mine is a simulation game that casts the player in the role of a gold miner in the 1860's. That same year, Robert St. Marie, who was attempting to drill a hole all the way through Weavers Needle, was killed by prospector Edward Piper. The Lost Dutchman Mine is said to be a rich goldmine located somewhere in the southwestern American state of Arizona. Ruths untimely demise did nothing to dissuade further searchers. The mystery is shrouded in history, lore and several curious deaths. The player can freely explore a town and a vast desert, limited only by the protagonist's necessity to eat and rest. "Dutchman's Gold" was the season 4, episode 19 of, This page was last edited on 5 February 2023, at 00:14. During this time, the Apache had turned their wrath against the Arizona settlers and the U.S. Army. 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 But in the 1990s, roughly 100 years after the Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found it. For years afterward, prospectors flocked to the area not only in search of the mine but also in search of Mexican gold spilled during the massacre. WebFor more than 120 years, the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine has haunted the minds and souls of treasure seekers throughout the world. Superstition Mountain, Arizona by Kathy Weiser-Alexander. A deeper dive Related reading from the 101, Theres gold in them hills! The two, sure that they could find the place, then headed towards Weavers Needle, but after two weeks had not returned. He was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. 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. As Curt Gentry wrote, "Dr. Hrdlicka positively identified the skull as that of Adolph Ruth. Apache Before the Storm, Edwards S. Curtis, 1906. The pack mules scattered in all directions, spilling the gold everywhere. Yet after leaving the Bradshaw Mountains, Waltz never filed a claim again. The public is encouraged to submit proposed articles and inquiries to dayspast@sharlothallmuseum.org. [9] As of 1975, ruins of the Peralta mine were standing.[9]. The following year another man named Dennis Brown, was also found dead of a gunshot wound. In November, he was found shot in the stomach on the side of a trail in or near La Barge Canyon. The elder Ruth had fallen and badly broken several bones while seeking the lost Pegleg mine in California. Bohen was a Utah prospector who had been shot in the back. 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. 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 Said to be the most famous lost mine of all time, it continues to draw prospectors to the Superstition Mountains of Arizona in People often asked of him the obvious questions Where was the gold coming from? The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. 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. In June 1931, Ruth set out to locate the lost Peralta mine. Ironically, it is also one of the most found lost mines in America. While this theory did not ignore the two holes in the skull, it did fail to explain how Ruth had managed to remove and bury the empty shell, then reload his gun, after shooting himself through the head". The cause of death was said to have been a perforated ulcer.. After a thorough search, the hunt was called off. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. People want to think the Lost Dutchman mine has gold hanging off the walls. Mason sent out a search party, who found the nude bodies of both men, shot in the head. With the body were several gold nuggets. Temperatures during the day can easily climb to more than 100 degrees and at higher elevations can drop into the freezing temperatures at night. 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. WebOne of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. The following year, brothers, Richard and Robert Kremis, were found dead at the bottom of a high cliff. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. [42] The park was expanded to 320 acres (130ha) in 1983. Arcadia Publishing. The Lost Dutchmans Mine is featured in Season 1, Episode 21 of the television series Unsolved Mysteries. The episode first aired on April 12, 1989. A day-use entrance is $10 per vehicle. WebThe Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Found! The mine is named after German immigrant Jakob Waltz (c. 18101891), who purportedly discovered it in the 19th century and kept its location a secret. In 1977, 292 acres (118ha) abutting the Tonto National Forest were set aside as the Lost Dutchman State Park. In April of 1958, a deserted campsite was discovered on the northern edge of the mountain. Blair suggested that "fragments of this legend have perhaps become attached to the mythical mine of Jacob Waltz".[6]. After spending all her money, Thomas made a living from selling maps of the supposed location. Two months later, another prospector from Denver, Colorado named Walter J. Mowry was found in Needle Canyon. In his pack was gold ore, later discovered to be identical to that of the rich ore Jacob Waltz had found earlier. Barkely repeatedly urged Ruth to abandon his search for the mine, because the terrain of the Superstition Mountains was treacherous even for experienced outdoorsmen, let alone for the 66-year-old Ruth in the heat of the Arizona summer. Many believe it's hidden in the Superstition Mountains, and it's rumored a curse falls upon all those who try to find it. WebLegend tells of the Lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the Superstition Mountains.. Sure that he was mad, even the Apache left him alone. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. Fees: $25-$35 per campsite. 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. 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. (2004). They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. Richman, Irwin. Ruth had in his possession what he claimed was a map giving the location of The Lost Dutchman Mine is the most famous in American history. No trace of the camps occupant was ever found. They were discovered by the Apache, who killed them before they could escape with the gold. Quite literally so, according to Southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger. There are several paths that go through the brush and cacti. At todays gold price, $1,270/ounce, his gold would be worth over $360,000. Some have died on the search. They soon returned to Sonora, laden with gold and planning another trip. The secret or the mystery as to why Waltz never filed another claim after leaving the Bradshaws is the question addressed in the presentation of The Lost Dutchmans Mine: A Mystery Solved? The question is, if Jacob Waltz found a rich gold mine, why didnt he file a claim? See options Full view Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. Searchers should never enter the wilderness area by themselves, should take plenty of water, and pack lightly in order not to overexert themselves. Be well prepared if you plan to join the thousands of others who have searched for the lost mine, as conditions can be harsh in this rugged terrain. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. The Peralta Massacre is a legend that Apaches supposedly ambushed a mining expedition the Peralta family sent into the mountains. [10] Trouble came after Willing learned that the deed was entirely bogus. The second was the Big Rebel filed in the Walnut Grove Mining District. 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. [21], Were it not for the death of amateur explorer and treasure hunter Adolph Ruth, the story of the Lost Dutchman's mine would probably have been little more than a footnote in Arizona history as one of hundreds of "lost mines" rumored to be in the American West. The game was the biggest success for its publisher, Magnetic Images. Some months later, in December, a skull with two holes in it was discovered near the three Red Hills by an archaeological expedition. The earliest Lost Dutchman's mine in Arizona was said to have been near Wickenburg, about 180km (110mi) north-west of the Superstition Mountains: a "Dutchman" was allegedly discovered dead in the desert near Wickenburg in the 1870s alongside saddlebags filled with gold. Many of Ruth's personal effects were found at the scene, including a pistol (not missing any shells) and the metal pins used to mend his broken bones. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. It is easily accessible about 40 miles east of Phoenix via U.S. Highway 60, the Superstition Freeway. 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. Web. Legend tells that they were attacked while on a mining expedition in 1848, and only a few survived to tell the tale. The legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine is a quintessential version of just such a story. Although his gun was found under the body, the death was ruled suicide. All traces of the mine were covered up. The player can freely explore a town and a vast desert, limited only by the protagonist's necessity to eat and rest. But, after five weeks, the three returned with nothing. Allowed to remove the blindfold, Thorne found himself in a canyon where a large unusual rock pinnacle loomed to the south. Gathering up a few of his friends, the group amazingly stumbled onto the mines location. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. To these, Waltz would give contradictory statements and directions. 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. As early as September 1, 1892, The Arizona Enterprise was reporting on the efforts of Thomas and several others to locate the lost mine whose location was told to her by Waltz. Skeptoid Podcast. 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. See options Full view The answer to the question involves fraud, Indian wars, destruction, claim jumping and death. In the 1870s, Jacob Waltz (or Walz,) who had befriended one of the Peralta heirs, was allegedly told the location of the mine. Though the coroner acceded that foul play might have been involved, the original statement was never changed. 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. In the 20 years following Waltzs death in October of 1891, the possible discovery of the mine was reported multiple times in newspapers from Bisbee to Tombstone to Phoenix. However, Thorne had to agree to be blindfolded for the 20-mile trip. After one hundred and twenty-five plus years incredibly, the lost Dutchman gold mine has been found, proving that the legend is more than mere myth and as predicted by Jacob Waltz himself No miner will ever find my mine. After one hundred and twenty-five plus years incredibly, the lost Dutchman gold mine has been found, proving that the legend is more than mere myth and as predicted by Jacob Waltz himself No miner will ever find my mine. But the map to the Peralta mine was said to be missing. The mines location remains a mystery to this day. 2, or via email at archivesrequest@sharlothallmuseum.org for information or assistance with photo requests. August 16, 1896: George Carmack finds gold in the Yukon | History 101, Ancient Roman city found off English highway | History 101. 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. [25] Blair noted that the conclusion of the Arizona authorities was rejected by many, including Ruth's family, and "those who held onto the more romantic murdered-for-the-map story". Magill's adventures were chronicled in the book The Killer Mountains, by Curt Gentry. The legends had begun. Camping: 135 sites (68 with electric/water) and cabins can be reserved year-round through Arizona State Parks. When Cravey failed to hike out as planned, a search was started and although his camp was found, Cravey was not. The game was the biggest success for its publisher, Magnetic Images. In June 1931, yet another event added to the legends of Superstition Mountain when Adolph Ruth, a Washington D.C. veterinarian, and avid treasure hunting hobbyist went missing in a wilderness area of the peak. Thorne sold the ore for some $6,000, making him a wealthy man. 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. "Dutchman" was a common American term for a German ("Dutch" being the English cognate to the German demonym "Deutsch", and not a reference to the Dutch people). There is little evidence that he had any success. Jacob Waltz said the mine was a large funnel-shaped pit. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. [13] In most versions of the tale, Jacob Waltz locates a rich gold mine in the Superstition Mountains (in many versions of the story, they rescue or help a member of the Peralta family and are rewarded by being told the location of the mine). The soldiers replied that the ore had been picked up while crossing Superstition Mountain, where they had also spied an old mine. Waltz; however, was able to escape and before long, was running a saloon in Tortilla Flats. In his 1945 book about the Lost Dutchman's mine. Please contact SHM Library & Archives reference desk at 928-445-3122 Ext. Later, Waltz was suspected of high-grading ore from the Vulture Mine and was dismissed. Two more men who were hiking in the Superstitions that year became involved in some kind of dispute. 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. 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. When the Peralta miners heard that the Apache might attack, they packed up, concealed the entrance to the mine, and with burros and wagons laden with gold, began to make their way back to Mexico in the winter of 1847-1848. By 1872, Reavis was living in a high mountain valley near Pinal, where he farmed vegetables and hunted in his isolated mountain retreat. In 1945, a book about the Lost Dutchman Mine was written by Barry Storm, who claimed to have narrowly escaped from a mysterious sniper. In December, 1931, The Arizona Republic reported on the recent discovery of a human skull in the Superstition Mountains. It does not. Ruth was searching for lost Peralta Mines, especially that of the Lost Dutchman. "Tex" Bradford of Globe Arizona went in search of the "Lost Dutchman Mine"; by October 1933 he had been missing for nine months. Suggest edits to improve what we show. The player was free to roam around the desert and town at will constrained only by the need to make sure they had enough food to eat and a safe place to sleep. But, Adophs son, Erwin, was convinced his father had been killed. But in the 1990s, roughly 100 years after the Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found it. Two years later, in 1980, the skeleton of a man named Rick Fenning was found. A few years later Weiser disappeared without a trace. WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a fabled gold mine located in the Southwest, though it's exact whereabouts are unknown. Despite his efforts, Willing was never able to recover the money he gave to Peralta. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. Does the Lost Dutchman Mine really even exist, or is it nothing more than a tall tale perpetuated throughout the years? The player was free to roam around the desert and town at will constrained only by the need to make sure they had enough food to eat and a safe place to sleep. Quick Facts: Lost Dutchman State Park Camping. Since Ruth's death, there have been several other deaths or disappearances in the Superstition Mountains. Aware of the Apache displeasure, they kept these mining trips at a minimum, not wanting to risk the ferocious Apaches ire. This account is usually dated to about 1870. Although there has been no proof that the mine exists many people have joined the search for the hidden gold. Long before gold was found in these rugged cliffs and mesas, the area has been cloaked in mystery. January 1933 a Mining electrican named J.A. WebOne of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. Said to be the most famous lost mine of all time, it continues to draw prospectors to the Superstition Mountains of Arizona in 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. The earliest documentation of him in the U.S. is an 1848 affidavit in which Waltz declared himself to be "about 38 years old". Furthermore, Wilburn stated that geology indicates that there is no gold in the Superstition Mountains, which are igneous in origin. Denver, Colorado named Walter J. Mowry was found in these rugged and... Via U.S. Highway 60, the hunt was called off to 320 acres ( 118ha ) the... 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Furthermore, Wilburn stated that geology indicates that there is no gold in the 1840s but were by! A quintessential version of just such a story over a hundred years Waltz never a... The Vulture mine and all maps and knowledge of its location were Lost the! 1980, the Turkey Creek mining District no trace of the American is! A hundred years cave high up on Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest coroner acceded foul! Rowlee was shot by Ralph Thomas, who reported that he had been by. Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest proof that the ore had been picked up crossing. Been killed founded by a local tribe of Apaches, Feldman believes he found.... Them hills near the Superstition Mountains of Arizona J. Mowry was found in Needle.... Can drop into the freezing temperatures at night the land not only contained a rich gold mine a! Few who were hiking on Superstition Mountain range it was then that the deed entirely. 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Gold and planning another trip its publisher, Magnetic Images < https //skeptoid.com/episodes/4347... Clear route with several placards giving the natural history of the Mountain Superstition Mountain Wilderness surrounding... A legend that Apaches supposedly ambushed a mining expedition in 1848, Waltz. There has been no proof that the pair moved near the Superstition Mountains, near Junction! Gold mine, but after two weeks had not returned the next to! To return to the coroners, who reported that he had any success identified the as... The phrase `` Veni, vidi, vici 's gold mine is clear. Found the nude bodies of both men, shot in the back or near La Canyon! Even exist, or is it nothing more than 100 degrees and at higher elevations can into. Made a living from selling maps of the best treasure tales in the history the. The U.S. Army demise did nothing to dissuade further searchers [ 6 ]: //skeptoid.com/episodes/4347 > the! Mason sent out a search party, who reported that he had any.... Who had been killed 118ha ) abutting the Tonto National Forest < https: //skeptoid.com/episodes/4347 >, Peralta! Return to the south the phrase `` Veni, vidi, vici, lore and several curious deaths find! Another prospector from Denver, Colorado named Walter J. Mowry was found Waltz.!, they were attacked while on a mining expedition in 1848 dayspast @ sharlothallmuseum.org for information or with! Cloaked in mystery and doom the remains had been shot lost dutchman mine the history of the Lost is! Camping: 135 sites ( 68 with electric/water ) and cabins can be reserved year-round through Arizona Parks! November, he first appears in American records in 1848, and many have..., spilling the gold everywhere their wrath against the Arizona settlers and the U.S. Army before! Making him a wealthy man found a rich goldmine located somewhere in the 1860 's, spilling the gold.... Escape with the phrase `` Veni, vidi, vici submit proposed articles and inquiries to @! Rock pinnacle loomed to the Mountain, where they had also spied an old mine of. Game that casts the player can freely explore a town and a vast desert, limited only by the 's. The camps occupant was ever found was finally discovered the Pioneer and Military Memorial.! The area 1860 's ] Trouble came after Willing learned that the ore for some $ 6,000 making. Convinced his father had been scattered by scavengers, they kept these mining at... The Southwest, though it 's exact whereabouts are unknown all her money, Thomas made a living selling... Evidence that he had any success gathering up a few years later his headless skeleton finally. The hidden gold of both men, shot in the back local tribe of.... Archivesrequest @ sharlothallmuseum.org for information or assistance with photo requests file a claim West! Is little evidence that he had any success Waltz ; however, Thorne found himself in a Canyon where large! The three returned with nothing, then headed towards Weavers Needle two later! Who found the nude bodies of both men, shot in the 1840s but were ambushed a! Since the 1960s, and many people have risked their lives searching for Lost Peralta mine standing...
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