Written by James Harvey McClintock in 1913, compiled and edited by, Byways & Historic Trails Great Drives in America, Soldiers and Officers in American History, Washington-on-the-Brazos, Texas Declaring Independence, Stanley, Ks Extinct but Still Here (LOK), Black Bob Reservation in Johnson County (LOK), Make History Come Alive With These Online Tools and Resources. The Lost Goldmine Trail is a permanent, eleven-mile multi-use trail across the south face of the Superstitions that connects the Peralta trailhead on the east to the Lost Dutchman State Park near Apache Junction. 914.589.3985. the old gold mining town of bisbee, az. Misinformation and rumors about the mine grew so ubiquitous that in 1895, they made it into the San Francisco Chronicle. The largest exploring and prospecting expedition Arizona ever has known since the days of Coronado originated on the tale of a prospector named Miner. Of course, most of these tales were merely inventions or distorted dreams. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com. A cryptic map of the gold mine, or just a fake? Maricopa County is also popular for prospecting because much of the gold here is found in sizable pieces that can be found with metal detectors . #s. Statue of Scotlands beloved poet, Robert Burns, Loch Ness, Nessie map and Urquhart Castle Ruins, S, Christmas lights on the historic Sanquhar Tolbooth, Flock and ruins, Sanquhar Castle, Scotland. Superstition Mountains (in some versions they are told the location by a grateful member of the Peralta family, whose life they saved). With new miners, new claims, new machines and new ways to pull gold out of the ground, the stakes are higher than ever. McClintock began his career working at the Salt River Herald (later known as the Arizona Republic). There are two trails available. None of these maps featured any real location of the mine. Jakob Waltz was nicknamed Dutch (i.e. Night skies are getting 9.6% brighter every year, How skills-based training can build the workforce of the future, Parents, boys also have body image issues thanks to social media. They are massacred by the Apache in 1850. It's one of the mine's few concrete objects, and it read: "I'm sitting under a tree in a creek with leg broke. As he was nearing death in 1891, Waltz was being cared for by Julia Thomas, an acquaintance with whom he shared the golds location. To help you get started on your journey, I will share with you some of the most famous legends and tales about lost mines and how they were once discovered and then lost again. Basin. When Waltz died, the 29-year-old Thomas sold her bakery, got a group together, and went searching for the mine. Yavapai County - Rich Hill. Wild beaches, snow-capped mountains, dense woods, and lush rainforests can be found across America. One of the most popular Arizona legends also happens to be one of the most deadly: the Lost Dutchman's gold mine. This post card is a humourous version of the many serious treasure maps that undoubtedly circulated in Arizona and environs at the height of gold mine fever, at the end of the 19th century. Who doesnt love a good mystery? Offers gold prospecting private instruction, day trips & vacationsin the Weaver Mountains from Sept-June. Waltz fell ill and died in 1891, but not before revealing the location of an alleged gold mine to Julia Thomas, the neighbour who cared for him. Lost mines are a popular form of lost treasure legend. For the last 150 years, people have risked their lives to go in search of Arizonas lost gold, silver and other buried treasures. It is not certain who these people were; some believe they were Salado or Hohokam Indians who populated this part of Arizona several centuries ago. (Waltz definitely existed, and was definitely German, but his ore is not as well documented.) The mines involved usually contain a high-value commodity such as gold, silver or diamonds. Sign up below or read more about the DesertUSA newsletter here. It's near a cabin in a cave! He was able to tell the story of the gold find, and the rescuing party went farther to find Crossthwaites body. Then, to recoup the cost of the failed expedition, Thomas started selling maps that she claimed would lead people to the mine. He vanished into the mountains in 2009 and his body was not discovered until three years later, hidden in a . of gold. When they failed, it is reported they sold copies of a map for $7 each. The Superstition Mountains to the east of Phoenix, AZ reportedly holda legendary motherlode of gold known as the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine. After he had conquered the epidemic, he was placed upon a horse and taken to a deep rock-walled canyon laced with a high ledge of quartz that glittered with flecks of gold. Arizona Lost Mines By James Harvey McClintock in 1913 Arizona Prospector Almost every prospector, whether professional or tenderfoot, had his own pet "lost mine" that he looked for. The gold trail led through New Mexico, Tucson, and Yuma to California. A Detailed History of Mining in Arizona from Arizona Mining Association Legends and stories of gold mines filled the hearts, souls and minds of prospectors, driving them into some of the most dangerous and desolate lands in search of gold. The lapse of time had made Adams very uncertain in his location, but he remembered that it was in a deep canyon running in an easterly direction, at a point where a gold ledge was sharply defined on the sides of the gulch, and near two black buttes. 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". The trails are well marked. But neither threats, nor presents of whiskey, knives, tobacco, blankets, or other items the Indians craved, could induce them to guide the white man to the fabulous regions of wealth. By Jim Bremner, More December 09, 2019 They build files which contain details, bits and pieces of a legend so old and peculiar, they cannot rest until the mystery is solved. The gun had been there so long that even the hammer and trigger had rusted away. The trio succeeded in returning safely to San Bernardino and in 1875, gathered twelve men to return to the lost bonanza. Returning down Cherry Creek, prospecting continued up the Pinto Creek and Pinal Creek Valleys. When he reached the top of the butte, he discovered free particles of gold scattered about. Ben took a nugget from the prospectors stock that was about the size of a man s thumb and showed it to a chief who was especially friendly with him. Doc Thorne's Lost Gold Mine: Next to the Lost Dutchman's Gold, the most talked about and searched for treasure in Arizona over the last century remains Doc Thorne's gold. Arizona Mineral Rights & Mining Claims What i, Magic hour castle walks. Already in the 16th century, Spanish Conquistadors roamed the area, looking for the precious metal. In the winter of 1879, some trouble was stirred up among confiding tenderfeet by the publication of a story in the Phoenix Herald, printed as a fake that was plainly transparent. One of the best authenticated of these stories was of the Lost Soldier Mine. The story has had little embellishment and, in part, may be true. 623.934.6882 However, when asked if theyd been lucky as of late in their gold-seeking endeavors, one man was only willing to say that he finds enough to keep him interested.. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. They keep hoping that one day soon, they will be the lucky one who discovers the long lost mine, the one which has been sought after for years by others with similar faith. (It's Free. When you think of treasure hunters, it's typically Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones that come to mind. He said there was a black man in the party, who the other miners called Ni**er Ben, and described him as a good man, who was the only one of the party who dared to prospect alone. Just one day into his journey, he disappeared. lost dutchman state park - arizona gold mine stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Tourists walk along the buildings on Main Street in the old mining ghost town of Goldfield, Arizona.. An authentic reconstruction of the original Main Street in the old mining ghost town of Goldfield, Arizona.. Lost Mines & Buried Treasure of the Southwest by Thomas Penfield, Lost Cities & Ancient Mysteries of the Southwest by David Hatcher Childress, Lost Gold and Silver Mines of the Southwest by Eugene L. Conrotto, Lost Mines & Buried Treasures of Arizona by W.C. Jameson, Southwest Treasure Hunters Gem & Mineral Guide: Where & How to Dig, Where to Find Gold in the Desert by James Klein, 3 Thrillseekers wanted to travel to Sweden, Ecuador or Canada in July with World Nomads, Worldwide: Getty Images Awarding $10,000 Grants to 3 Instagram Photographers, New Creative Opps for Travelers in Switzerland, Montana, Michigan, California & Marfa, Texas, Hey Dutchman Hunters! On his way out of California, he stole 300 to 400 horses and drove them to Taos, New Mexico where he planned to sell them. 8338 Lost Mine Rd. Dig Here! James C. Bell, later of Globe, with two companions joined this party near Prescott and were made members, while four more joined at Fort Verde. About fifty pounds of this golden quartz they loaded on the remaining horse and then set out for the Gila River. In 1912, when Arizona became the 48th state in the Union, President Taft signed the statehood proclamation with a golden pen, made from gold mined in local gold mines. Pegleg, also known as Thomas Smith, lost his leg to an arrow during a trapping expedition in the fall of 1827. In the coastal town of Lincoln City, Oregon, beachcombers flock to the sand in hopes of finding one very specific treasure: glass fishing floats. - arizona gold mine photos et images de collection Where he digs for gold and searches for the legendary lost Dutchman mine. Supposedly tucked away in the rugged trails of the Superstition Mountains, the legend of unfathomable riches has numerous versions and characters and each insists on being the correct story, with some dating to the first trek Spanish conquistadors made into the northern reaches of the Sonoran desert. The group wandered around the desert unsuccessfully, and Pegleg ended up deserting the group and turn up later in Los Angeles. We must ask ourselves the toughest question of all -- "Do I believe there is still gold to be found in the desert?" There are quite a few lost Spanish mines in Arizona the Lost Dutchman is the most famous of them but there are the Lost Padre, Geronimo's . In the 1870s, Jacob Waltz, "the Dutchman" (actually a native of Germany), was said to have located the mine through the aid of a Peralta descendant. But when his son, who worked in Mexico, found a map that might lead to an Arizona gold mine, Ruth couldn't resist. Almost every prospector, whether professional or tenderfoot, had his own pet lost mine that he looked for. Years later, an army doctor by the name of Thorne treats an ailing Apache (possibly a chief) who as a reward takes him to the mine blindfolded, of course where he can take as much gold as he can carry. Officials initially cited the cause of death as naturalfrom thirst or a heart conditionbut this did not explain the bullet holes and Ruths undischarged pistol found with the remains. However, the history of gold in the area goes back even further than that. Additionally, there never was an army doctor named Thorne in the 1860s in Arizona. Over this wall and back of the next rise is a prospect hold with large chunks of galena (lead sulfide) on the surface. While searching for the fluted wall, Ashley tumbled down a steep wash bank and, while nursing his bruises, noticed a ledge of pure white quartz streaked with red and green. He broke off a piece and put it in his sample sack. The area is dotted with ancient cliff dwellings and caves, many showing signs of former habitation. Asteroid Ryugu Has Dust Grains Older Than the Sun. In a pocket was a map, very roughly made and probably very inaccurate, on which he had attempted to show the position of the golden spring. The third Indian legend is about a Yaqui Indian who lived and worked near Warner's Ranch. Pegleg's questionable character and his reputation for drinking and lying add to the controversy surrounding the legend of his lost mine. If only it were that easy. As was common in the West, the first discoveries of gold were placer deposits, followed by lode deposits found near Apache Junction, Big Bug, Bullhead City, Chloride, Globe, Oatman, Pearce, Quartzsite, Salome and Tombstone, which yielded the lions share of the states early gold supply. Unfortunately, Ruth was dead by the time his note was found. Many were willing to tell me where I could buy my own panning tools and I also learned that gold is easiest to find after a hard rain. Each step into the desert may bring you a little closer to a fortune. Desert Geological Terms, Home | About | Contact Us | Feedback | Privacy | Site Outline | Advertising on DesertUSA | Hotels, New Evidence About the Lost Dutchman Mine, 7 Smartphone Apps to Improve Your Camping Experience. Many believe it is easier to find a mine that has been lost, than to discover a new location. The ingots were buried in 1891 in a hastily made, shallow excavation and, likely, only a few inches below the surface. Other members were, Bob Groom, the noted pioneer; Al Sieber, the foremost Indian campaign scout of the Southwest, Willard Rice and Dan OLeary. Whatever his reasoning, Waltz was never able to cash out. The miner confided his discovery to Dr. DeCourcy, and they made plans to search for the buttes as soon as he was well enough to travel. From Tucson and Sonora, they were joined by two large companies of Mexicans. The explanation then was given that the Indians were afraid that the white men would come in such numbers that the Indian preponderance of population would be lost. Flannigan made several unsuccessful attempts to return to the find, but he dreaded the desert and never went very far from the river. In 2006, all of Arizonas gold production came as a fortuitous byproduct of copper mining. He died in California on May 10, 1934, at the age of 70. The Ashleys were never able to retrace Palmers path to the ledge. Six Planets are Retrograde, What Does that Mean for You? Henry Wickenburg came to Arizona in 1862. 602.274.2521 As early as Sept 1, 1892, a local newspaper relates how Thomas and others were trying to locate the mine. It told of the arrival of a prospector from the depths of the Superstition Mountains, from which he had been driven out by pigmy Indians, who had swarmed out of the cliff dwellings. Arizona Gold Adventures, Congress. This evidence, along with the stories and records of gold transport issued by Waltz, confirms the legend of the Lost Dutchman. Miner, at the time, was thought to have been mistaken in his bearings, but members of the party later became convinced that he was merely a liar. For More Information Come and visit Goldfield Ghost Town today! He reportedly said it came from a secret mine in the Superstition Mountains. The quartz veins of the mine produced 366,000 ounces of gold over the next century. Some thought the mine was located in Arizona, but whatever its location, it has never been found, and may have been only in the imagination of a rum-soaked prospector. They failed to return and nine more, driven by impending hunger, took the same trail, leaving in camp only Adams and two others. Tales of the lost Apaches gold, or Dr Thornes mine. He kept the location hidden, perhaps in hopes of one day being able to take advantage of its riches when the timing was right. Since its early Gold Rush days, Arizona has produced in excess of 498 tons or 16 million troy ounces (ozt.) 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. Redwoods provide habitats for many forest creatures and pull more carbon out of the air than any other tree species. This area is known today as the Massacre Grounds. Robsons Mining World, Wickenburg: Pan for gold with guided instruction and view the worlds largest collection of antique mining equipment.. Less than a days journey from the river, the three men separated, after the horse had dropped dead. But Ruth did indeed find the Lost Dutchman, according to a message in a bottle. The soldiers dug out coarse gold by the aid of their knives. Not only has the value of gold, silver and other precious metals surged over the last decade, but financial experts claim that their worth will only increase exponentially in years to come. While at the camp, she told the workers about the gold nuggets she found and left them with one of the nuggets before she continued on her way. Its hard to separate the legend and the lore from the lies, he said. The Weaver - Rich Hill district is located near the intersection of four townships, each one being one of Arizona's top gold areas. Today, the consensus among geologists is that the Superstitions are unlikely to contain a secret gold mine. He struck up a friendship with several Yavapai chiefs, even when they were the most hostile to the other miners, and they told him of a place where there was much gold, far more than on Rich Hill, where we were working. Since its early Gold Rush days, Arizona has produced in excess of 498 tons or 16 million troy ounces (ozt.) Click here to view the video Riding on Gold - Pegleg Smith. Numbers of others have tried to find the Ni**er Ben diggings, but they have not been discovered as yet. the historic main street. The Indians would not harm him, evidently on account of his color. Nearby, was a human skeleton, bleached from long exposure. The ore in the heaps was about the same character as that which had been brought into Wickenburg in the early days by the Lost Dutchman, but it didnt agree at all with the ore in the shallow prospect hole, which was not considered worthy of further development. This event led to the California Gold Rush, a time when gold fever plagued even the most innocent and content of men. The Lost Dutchman Mine is the most famous in American history. Back in 1540 Francisco Vasquez de Coronado led a large expedition across Arizona in search of the mythical Seven Cities of Gold. Two of their horses dropped of fatigue and thirst and their provisions ran out. Click here. Ruth was an amateur prospector in the that he had never found gold but had been seeking it for it for years. Solid State Batteries Promise Long Life and Rapid Refuel Electric Vehicles, Electric vs. Hydrogen: The Pros and Cons of Greener Transportation. Heres a roundup of the best mining clubs, tours, dig sites, claim staking, books and historical information to help you start your own quest for Arizona gold. Men struck out on his trail and soon found Flannigan, who would have lasted only a few hours longer. By 1869, water was once again flowing from the ancient Hohokam canals for the first time in 400 years into the fertile land of what would later become known as Phoenix. The body of one "dutch hunter" (as they are known to locals) was found in the Superstition Mountains as recently as 2012. But did you know the state is also home to a 30-square-mile sand dune field? Lost Mines & Buried Treasure of the Southwest by Thomas Penfield, Adventures Unlimited Press, 2004. He would return at night, in equally as mysterious a manner, his burros loaded with gold ore of wonderful richness. Lost Spanish mines In Arizona. Better evidence was secured a few days later in the discovery of the dead horse, with the gold ore strapped to his back. One searcher claimed to have found veins of gold in a narrow canyon just south of the Mazatal Mountains (near Four Peaks on Maricopa/Gila County borders). Colorado; a place we usually associate with snow-capped mountains and green grassy meadows, winter skiing, and kayaking in its clear, mirror-like lakes. The Lost Dutchman Mine is also the most sought after in American history. Until its closure in 1998, the Gold Road mine in Oatman was Arizonas last operating gold mine. In May 1871 he was in Prescott, coming with several companions from Nevada, and in that month reached Phoenix from the North with about thirty men. Arizona Association of Gold Prospectors (AAGP), Phoenix. Almost overnight, Arizona was inundated with would-be millionaires. Before we get into those, here are some genuine facts about the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine: There really was a Lost Dutchman, although he wasnt Dutch. The Scenic Drive To Roosevelt Dam In Arizona Is Almost As Beautiful As The Destination Itself, This Enchanting And Historic Town In Arizona Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, Once Abandoned And Left To Decay, The The Professional Building In Arizona Has Been Restored To Its Former Glory, The Afternoon Tea At This Arizona Resort Will Transport Your Taste Buds Across The Pond, The Mystery of The Lost Dutchmans Mine In Arizona Still Baffles People Today, 6 Disturbing Unsolved Mysteries In Arizona That Will Leave You Baffled, This Ride Through An Old Mine In Arizona Will Take You Back In Time, This Abandoned Copper Mine In Arizona Is Hiding A Fascinating Secret. But the mine remains shrouded in mystery, so much so that it might not exist at all. A few mines are still being actively worked today, but most mining companies that have tried to revive the old mines have been unsuccessful. The Arizona Daily Star reported that the mine also experienced a fair amount of banditry, which includes approximately $70,000 in bullion (precious metal bars) stolen and hidden. During the robbery, they were confronted by a small contingent of Mexican soldiers and police and a battle ensued. In 1848, during a routine expedition to carry gold back to Mexico, the large party was ambushed by Apaches, and all were killed except for a few Peralta family members who escaped. In the morning they found the spring fairly paved with gold nuggets. All of the legends and stories mentioned in this article have been told many times by miners and prospectors who believe that the Pegleg and Lost Dutchman Mine exists. They are the tallest trees on Earth, with some reaching more than 250 feet tall. 480.982.0276 Maricopa County. His quest was to find gold. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! What will happen to society when AI lovers fool millions of people? Then, in 1891, he died . They were friendly, and he gave her hints about the mine's location. Granger distinguished three main elements to the story, with the most complete version of the story incorporating all three legends. One variety of the Lost Dutchman story concerns the operations of a German who made his headquarters at Wickenburg, in the early 1870s. But modern-day treasure hunters do exist. Boettcher Mansion, Capitol Hill, Denver - built in, Always nice to have a solid noodle place with love, Red rock vistas, 2021. But theres enough to it to encourage people to go after that gold. By the 1860's large discoveries of gold were occurring in the Bradshaw Mountains, especially along the Hassayampa . Many prospectors and historians wonder why he did not go back to the desert and search for the butte where he discovered the gold. The worlds longest cave system is a gargantuan labyrinth of 420 miles of twists and turns and nooks and crannies, with limestone travertine stalactites dripping from the ceilings. Today, we might expect more detail; back in those days, the story was enough to fatally pique the curiosity of an amateur prospector, Adolph Ruth. Efforts at tracking him failed. Above it were two quartz veins, one narrow and the other sixteen feet wide. As early as Sept 1, 1892, a local newspaper relates . Tiffany Owens is a freelance travel writer and the Phoenix/Scottsdale City Expert for HomeandAbroad.com. But with the dollars decline in recent years, gold mining has experienced a sudden resurgence: From the Discovery Channels show, Gold Rush Alaska, where six men risked it all to strike it rich mining the Alaskan wilderness to a distinct rise in gold claims filed in Arizona. Where can you find these magnificent perennial plants? One searcher claimed to have found veins of gold in a narrow canyon just south of the Mazatal Mountains (near Four Peaks on Maricopa/Gila County borders). Since there is more than one version of the story, there are many contradicting facts. 8248 Lost Mine Rd. When they arrived; however, the chief would show him no further, seemingly being struck by some religious compunctions he hadnt thought of before. The ore was not the same as that at the Vulture Mine. The point of rendezvous was near old Fort Grant, where 267 men joined them, divided into five companies. P.S. In 1853, Pegleg organized a second search party which had no greater success in finding the butte where he found his treasured black-coated gold nuggets. He argued that each of these three legends contains some truth, but have become badly distorted through time. Waltz and his partner, Jacob Weiser, worked the mine and allegedly hid one or more caches of gold in the Superstitions. 8230 Lost Mine Rd. The best times to visit this trail are September through May. 928.443.8000 Pegleg Smith was a rugged mountain man who traded furs and supplies, rustled horses and trapped beaver. He and his son had searched California's Borrego Desert for gold, but they found none. There is another lost mine, equally as famous as the Pegleg mine, which has crazed the minds of prospectors and treasure seekers for years. The next find was some small heaps of very rich gold rock, probably where sacks had decayed from around the ore, and then, a short distance away was discovered a shallow prospect hole, sunk on a gold-bearing ledge. Share A Map to the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine on Facebook, Share A Map to the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine on Twitter, Share A Map to the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine on LinkedIn. Ed Schieffelin, who discovered the Tombstone mines, would later search diligently for the lost mine, but if he found it, he never told. Quite literally so, according to Southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger. The famous legend began during a trapping expedition down the Colorado River in the late 1820s or early 1830s. Eleanor Mell, Creative, Top 10 Sites to Find a Property Caretaking Job, Hidden Melbourne: An Insiders Guide to the Citys Best-Loved Local Spots, How Finding a Dream Job in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean Turned Us Into Digital Nomads, ModernDayNomads.com featured in Forbes Magazines Top 100 Websites for Your Career, Wine, Cheese and Cherries: Top 10 Foodie Stops in Door County, Wisconsin. The butte was one of three, thus entering the significant landmark of three buttes in most versions of his story. Prominent among the lost mines stories of Northern Arizona was that of the Adams Diggings. Most indefinite are the details, and the various locations indicated lie anywhere from the Colorado River through to Globe. However, the name "Apache" came to be closely associated with the Superstitions, and the mountains became an Apache stronghold in the 1800s. Check out our article, 6 Disturbing Unsolved Mysteries In Arizona That Will Leave You Baffled. (Jameson, 2009). With Arizonas wild and violent past, you can bet there are quite a few that exist in our Southwestern state. Stories abound of riches buried by Spanish explorers or Native Americans, as well as tales of precious ore pulled from mines whose . Often, there is a map (sometimes called a "waybill") purportedly showing the location of the mine. International mysteries, vintage maps, hidden treasure Explorers Justin and Emiliano are on the case. While the story remains essentially the same as originally published, heavy editing has occurred for spelling and grammar corrections, revisions for the modern reader, and updates to this historic tale. When he arrives in Los Angeles, he shows his friends the nuggets and organized an expedition to return to the desert to bring back more gold. It wasn't until after the 1849 Gold Rush that Pegleg returned to California to organize a prospecting party to search for the butte where he found the black gold nuggets. Thank you! At age 66, he went to the Superstitions alone, over the objections of his son and family. One of the most popular Arizona legends also happens to be one of the most deadly: the Lost Dutchmans gold mine. Want to read more travel articles from MDN? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. So how to get started? A passing prospector had told him to hike a half-mile up the wash to a 20-foot-high wall on the right bank.