Quite literally so, according to Southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger. Three years later his headless skeleton was finally discovered. The mystery is shrouded in history, lore and several curious deaths. $89+ per night for cabins. But, after five weeks, the three returned with nothing. His skeleton was discovered near Weavers Needle two years later. There is little evidence that he had any success. 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. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. Ironically, it is also one of the most found lost mines in America. 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 1934 the Superstitions claimed the life of Adam Stewart, the cause of death unknown. The coroner could tell that the womans death was recent, but the gold was never explained. In December, 1931, The Arizona Republic reported on the recent discovery of a human skull in the Superstition Mountains. 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 A century and a half later, having heard of the rich gold to be found in the Superstitions, Jesuit priest Eusebio Francisco Kino, whose objective was to establish missions and Christianize the Indians, was lured by the tales. This tale involves two German men, Jacob Waltz and Jacob Weiser. The soldiers replied that the ore had been picked up while crossing Superstition Mountain, where they had also spied an old mine. During this time, the Apache had turned their wrath against the Arizona settlers and the U.S. Army. December 09, 2019 A day-use entrance is $10 per vehicle. There was indeed a Jacob Waltz who emigrated to the U.S. from Germany. The land not only contained a rich gold mine, but also several silver mines. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. All traces of the mine were covered up. Since Ruth's death, there have been several other deaths or disappearances in the Superstition Mountains. January 1933 a Mining electrican named J.A. Arizona is host to one of the great treasure legends of not just America, but of the world: The Lost Dutchman Mine. The player can freely explore a town and a vast desert, limited only by the protagonist's necessity to eat and rest. 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 April of 1958, a deserted campsite was discovered on the northern edge of the mountain. Quick Facts: Lost Dutchman State Park Camping. His skull with two holes in it identified as bullet holes was recovered about six months after he vanished, and the story made national news, thus sparking widespread interest in the Lost Dutchman's mine.[22]. Storm speculated that Adolph Ruth might have been a victim of the same sniper. Blair had little doubt that Waltz related to Thomas the location of an alleged gold mine. In 1978, a man named Manuel Valdez was murdered in the Superstitions. August 16, 1896: George Carmack finds gold in the Yukon | History 101, Ancient Roman city found off English highway | History 101. For more details, call the Museum at 445-3122 or visit the sponsors websites at www.sharlothallmuseum.org and www.prescottcorral.org. Magill's adventures were chronicled in the book The Killer Mountains, by Curt Gentry. Delivering it to Jacob, it was placed under his sickbed. All Rights Reserved. With the body were several gold nuggets. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. Waltz also filed on one mine in just his name, the General Grant, also in the Walnut Grove Mining District. The Lost Dutchman Mine is the most famous in American history. The next person to come across the mine was a man named Dr. Abraham Thorne. Days Past is a collaborative project of the Sharlot Hall Museum and the Prescott Corral of Westerners International (www.prescottcorral.org). Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. Waltz was buried in Phoenix at what is now called the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. He vanished and was never seen again. Richman, Irwin. The legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine is a quintessential version of just such a story. 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". One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. The game was the biggest success for its publisher, Magnetic Images. In the Spring of 1891, Waltzs homestead was caught in a flood and he was saved from certain death by two brothers named Herman and Reinhardt Petrasch. When people tried to follow him out of town, he would lose them in the many clefts and canyons on the peak. 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. They were discovered by the Apache, who killed them before they could escape with the gold. Ruth did not return as scheduled, and no trace of him could be found after a brief search. At least a dozen Lost Dutchman mines are found yearly and, strange to relate, many of them turn out to be remarkably good producers. 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. A reward was immediately offered by the family and searchers combed the mountain for the next 45 days but Ruth was not found. They soon returned to Sonora, laden with gold and planning another trip. Some have died on the search. [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. He was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. A lack of historical records leaves uncertainty as to whether a Peralta family ever had possession of land, or mines, in or near the Superstition Mountains. When the Spanish arrived in 1540, the region was inhabited by the Apache Indians, who considered Superstition Mountain to be sacred ground, as it was home to their Thunder God. It is thought that Apaches stole the gold and hid it in the mountains. Over the decades, this tale was gradually absorbed into the Lost Dutchman's story. Also in 1910, the skeleton of a woman was found in a cave high up on Superstition Mountain. Lavern Rowlee was shot by Ralph Thomas, who reported that he had been attacked by Rowlee and shot the other man in self-defense. 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 Cravey said he would walk out of the mountains on June 28, 1947. Weavers Needle in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona, courtesy Wikipedia. Yet after leaving the Bradshaw Mountains, Waltz never filed a claim again. [19][20] After this was unsuccessful, Thomas and her partners were reported to be selling maps to the mine for $7 each. In February 1951, Dr. John Burns, a physician from Oregon, was found shot to death on Superstition Mountain. Five days later, another skeleton was found, which was later identified as William Richard Harvey, a painter from San Francisco. 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. When Cravey failed to hike out as planned, a search was started and although his camp was found, Cravey was not. The mine is said to have been mined by a German immigrant, Jacob Waltz, who died before he could reveal its location. 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. WebA curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the identical place, confirming the location. The game was the biggest success for its publisher, Magnetic Images. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. In his pack was gold ore, later discovered to be identical to that of the rich ore Jacob Waltz had found earlier. The Mojave County Miner reported in its 1901 October 12 issue: The Lost Dutchman mine has again been found. Despite his efforts, Willing was never able to recover the money he gave to Peralta. He was a student of mining and was knowledgeable in geology. However, Ruth ignored Barkely's advice, and set out for a two-week stint in the mountains. Two months later, another prospector from Denver, Colorado named Walter J. Mowry was found in Needle Canyon. In 1970, a seasoned prospector named Al Morrow was killed by a boulder that fell into a tunnel that he was digging. 9 May 2022. He was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. 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. 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. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. In 1949 a man named James Kidd disappeared in the Superstitions. Willing died in 1874 before there had been a thorough investigation of the documents or opportunity to cross examine him on the stand as was later done with Reavis. Suggest edits to improve what we show. The legend continued to grow and soon the lost mine was referred to as the Lost Dutchman, as many at the time confused the Germans with the Dutch. Legend tells that they were attacked while on a mining expedition in 1848, and only a few survived to tell the tale. $89+ per night for cabins. Though the house was gone, searchers were later able to locate five sacks of gold worth about $15,000. $89+ per night for cabins. The Lost Dutchman Mine is said to be a rich goldmine located somewhere in the southwestern American state of Arizona. 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. Fees: $25-$35 per campsite. The pilot set him down in La Barge Canyon, close to Weavers Needle. Two years later, in 1980, the skeleton of a man named Rick Fenning was found. WebA curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the identical place, confirming the location. WebOngoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. People want to think the Lost Dutchman mine has gold hanging off the walls. In October 1960, a group of hikers found a headless skeleton near the foot of a cliff on Superstition Mountain. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. Lastly, the alleged mine directions Ruth had were from an 1895 newspaper account. 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 Indians called Superstition Mountain the Devils Playground.. Waltz, a German immigrant, who had relocated to Arizona some years previous, worked as a prospector and owned a homestead on the northern side of Superstition Mountain. WebBackground: The Lost Dutchman Mine was founded by a German prospector named Jacob "The Dutchman" Waltz in 1876. 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. Another found it in the Western Superstitions. The following February, his headless skeleton was found in a canyon, a good distance from his camp. However it occurred, in the 1870s, the mine was worked, and Waltz found the gold that had been hidden in the Superstition Mountains. Blair argued that this Peralta story (well known to Arizona residents) was eventually incorporated in the Lost Dutchman's story, in a severely distorted version, following the renewed interest in the Lost Dutchman's mine in the 1930s. It would be his last. 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. Ruths treasure map was found at his original campsite. The Lost Dutchman Mine is said to be a rich goldmine located somewhere in the southwestern American state of Arizona. However, Thorne had to agree to be blindfolded for the 20-mile trip. See options Full view After filling their saddlebags with as much gold as they could carry, they started to Phoenix but never lived to enjoy the wealth. 2017 Sharlot Hall Museum - Library & Archives. 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. The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. 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 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. 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. [26], Blair wrote that "the national wire services picked up the story [of Ruth's death] and ran it for more than it was worth", possibly seeing the mysterious story as a welcome reprieve from the bleak news that was otherwise typical of the Great Depression. Please contact SHM Library & Archives reference desk at 928-445-3122 Ext. But, Adophs son, Erwin, was convinced his father had been killed. Ruth had in his possession what he claimed was a map giving the location of 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. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. As Curt Gentry wrote, "Dr. Hrdlicka positively identified the skull as that of Adolph Ruth. Skeptoid Podcast. Aware of the Apache displeasure, they kept these mining trips at a minimum, not wanting to risk the ferocious Apaches ire. WebOne of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. The public is encouraged to submit proposed articles and inquiries to [email protected]. But in the 1990s, roughly 100 years after the Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found it. Over the years, many people have tried to find the Lost Dutchmans mine, and several have lost their lives searching for gold hidden in the Superstition Mountains. A day-use entrance is $10 per vehicle. 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 fact of the finding of the mine for the past twenty years has kept alive the mining industries of the territory. In 1870, Waltz had a homestead of about 160 acres (0.65km2) near Phoenix where he operated a farm.[18]. [5] One Lost Dutchman's mine is said to be in Colorado, another in California; two are said to be located in Arizona. Just a week later he was killed in a cave-in without ever disclosing the location to anyone. The player can freely explore a town and a vast desert, limited only by the protagonist's necessity to eat and rest. The two, sure that they could find the place, then headed towards Weavers Needle, but after two weeks had not returned. The legend of the lost mine, as well as the tales of its curse, continued to grow over the years as more and more stories were told, relating mysterious deaths, disappearances, and small gold finds. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. 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 There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. Never again did the Peralta family venture back to the mine and all maps and knowledge of its location were lost through the years. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. The Apache let him pick up as much as he could before the doctor was once again blindfolded for the return trip. In 1945, a book about the Lost Dutchman Mine was written by Barry Storm, who claimed to have narrowly escaped from a mysterious sniper. 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 1850s, two prospectors are said to have come upon three dead burros with intact pack saddles that contained some $37,000 worth of gold. Silverlock was picked up by lawmen, judged insane and sent to an asylum. It was tied in a blanket and his skull was found about thirty feet away. 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. filed a transfer of claim to the Turkey Creek Mining District. Waltz is attacked and wounded by marauding Apaches, but survives at least long enough to tell a man called Dr. Walker about the mine. This land grant was the basis of the James Reavis Arizona land swindle (Reavis became Willing's partner and continued to try to prove the authenticity of the land grant for years after Willing's death). The second was the Big Rebel filed in the Walnut Grove Mining District. Arriving in the area in May, Ruth convinced two local cowboys to pack him into the mountains, where they left him to his exploring at a place called Willow Springs in West Boulder Canyon around June 14th, 1931. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a fabled gold mine located in the Southwest, though it's exact whereabouts are unknown. A further search found the rest of his remains and effects, but the maps were gone. Allowed to remove the blindfold, Thorne found himself in a canyon where a large unusual rock pinnacle loomed to the south. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. After the land was ceded to the United States, the Peralta party was trespassing on U.S. soil. According to Blair, the story may have its roots in the efforts of three U.S. soldiers to locate gold in an area of New Mexico, based on an allegedly true story related to them by Dr. Thorne of New Mexico; see above. [16] A man called Jacob Walz was born in September 1810 in Wrttemberg. Most likely because Pedro de Peralta had been the Spanish Governor of New Mexico (in the 1600s) his family name of "Peralta" was the inspiration for a number of legends in the American Southwest. Herman Petrasch accused his brother, Rhinehart, of not paying attention to Jacobs bedside clues and the disagreement led to their never speaking again. However, these expeditions further enraged the Apache, who then began to prey on all trespassers. 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 Superstition Mountains west of Phoenix, Arizona by Carol Highsmith. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. [12] The three soldiers set out to find the gold, but without success. The same year, a Tempe man and his wife (unnamed) found it a days travel from Tempe. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. Dr. George M. Willing Jr. paid Peralta $20,000 for the mining rights for an enormous swath of land about 3,000,000 acres (12,000km2) in southern Arizona and New Mexico based on a deed originally granted by the Spanish Empire in the 18th century. Arcadia Publishing. 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 1910, Malm appeared in Mesa, Arizona telling everyone that Silverlock had tried to kill him. At todays gold price, $1,270/ounce, his gold would be worth over $360,000. Searchers should never enter the wilderness area by themselves, should take plenty of water, and pack lightly in order not to overexert themselves. People want to think the Lost Dutchman mine has gold hanging off the walls. A few years later Weiser disappeared without a trace. 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. 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. Jacob Waltz said the mine was a large funnel-shaped pit. Ruth ended his note with the phrase "Veni, vidi, vici. In June 1931, Ruth set out to locate the lost Peralta 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? Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. While there, he met an Apache girl named Ken-tee, who despite the fact that Waltz was almost 60 years old, became his mistress. Old Fort McDowell, photo by Tom McCurnin, courtesy Ghosttowns.com. The next year, a prospector by the name of Joe Dearing, who was working as a part-time bartender in Pinal, heard the stories of the two dead soldiers and began to look for the lost mine. Web. Furthermore, Wilburn stated that geology indicates that there is no gold in the Superstition Mountains, which are igneous in origin. John D. Wilburn in his book Dutchman's Lost Ledge of Gold (1990), wrote that the Bulldog Gold Mine near Goldfield, Arizona, fits very well the description Jacob Waltz gave as the location of his 'lost mine'. However, the Peralta Mine eventually became unprofitable and after the money was gone Miguel Peralta turned to fraud. 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. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. One of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. Many believe it's hidden in the Superstition Mountains, and it's rumored a curse falls upon all those who try to find it.