Apparently, he When the doctor agreed, he was taken to a place that was allegedly near the mine, where a pile of gold ore had been stacked near the base of the canyon wall. Old Fort McDowell, photo by Tom McCurnin, courtesy Ghosttowns.com. Unfortunately, for these two, nothing was ever found of them. WebOne of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. See options Full view [29][clarification needed]. WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a fabled gold mine located in the Southwest, though it's exact whereabouts are unknown. The Superstition Mountains can be seen behind these old buildings in nearby Goldfield,Arizona by Kathy Weiser-Alexander. In gratitude, Gonzales told Erwin about the Peralta mine in the Superstition Mountains, and gave him some antique maps of the site (Gonzales claimed to be descended from the Peralta family on his mother's side). Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. 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. 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? There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. Quick Facts: Lost Dutchman State Park Camping. WebOne 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. According to the story, in about 1912 Erwin C. Ruth gave some legal aid to Gonzales, saving him from almost certain imprisonment. The following February, his headless skeleton was found in a canyon, a good distance from his camp. To make even more money, he then went to work at the Silver King Mine. The answer to the question involves fraud, Indian wars, destruction, claim jumping and death. For the next century, the Peralta family and their laborers would make infrequent forays into Arizona bringing out loads of ore. Sure that he was mad, even the Apache left him alone. [12] Thorne related his claims to three U.S. soldiers in about 1858. While there, he met an Apache girl named Ken-tee, who despite the fact that Waltz was almost 60 years old, became his mistress. The Peralta Massacre is a legend that Apaches supposedly ambushed a mining expedition the Peralta family sent into the mountains. Gathering up a few of his friends, the group amazingly stumbled onto the mines location. Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, updated November 2019. It is thought that Apaches stole the gold and hid it in the mountains. [volume], October 11, 1933, Page NINE, Image 9, "Arizona desert searched for missing Denver man seeking gold mine", "Mother of missing treasure hunter holds onto hope", "Body of man who hunted legendary 'Lost Dutchman's' gold mine believed found in Arizona mountains", "3 Utah men still missing on Arizona treasure hunt", "3 Search for men looking for Lost Dutchman's gold suspended", "More remains found in Superstitions; may be hiker's", "Escape - When The Man Comes, Follow Him", "The Lost Dutchman's Mine History and Bibliography", Arizona Mining Scams and Unassayable Ore Projects of the Late 20th Century, "Skeptoid #347: The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lost_Dutchman%27s_Gold_Mine&oldid=1137505190. [12] The three soldiers set out to find the gold, but without success. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. WebFor more than 120 years, the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine has haunted the minds and souls of treasure seekers throughout the world. 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. "Dutchman's Gold" was a chart hit in 1960 for, "When the Man Comes, Follow Him" episode of the, "The Peralta Map" episode of the CBS Radio series, The Lost Dutchman Mine ride was a popular attraction at, The Lost Dutchman's Mine features prominently in the, The Lost Dutchmans Mine is the subject of Season 6, Episode 10 of podcast Unexplained. 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 Apache let him pick up as much as he could before the doctor was once again blindfolded for the return trip. WebBackground: The Lost Dutchman Mine was founded by a German prospector named Jacob "The Dutchman" Waltz in 1876. 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. Another found it in the Western Superstitions. A reward was immediately offered by the family and searchers combed the mountain for the next 45 days but Ruth was not found. 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. Arizona is host to one of the great treasure legends of not just America, but of the world: The Lost Dutchman Mine. In 1870, Waltz had a homestead of about 160 acres (0.65km2) near Phoenix where he operated a farm.[18]. He knew that gold had been found in the Superstition Mountains. Apparently, he 9 May 2022. Location: Apache Junction, AZ. The two, sure that they could find the place, then headed towards Weavers Needle, but after two weeks had not returned. Where was the mine? Not long after, the miners began to pay for supplies in nearby Phoenix with high-grade gold ore, but they never stated where it was coming from nor ever filed a claim. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. In October 1960, a group of hikers found a headless skeleton near the foot of a cliff on Superstition Mountain. If these many tales of intrigue are not enough, yet other reports suggest that the area is haunted, most likely by the many who have died there of mysterious deaths. That same year, two California boys, who were hiking on Superstition Mountain, also vanished. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. 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 After spending all her money, Thomas made a living from selling maps of the supposed location. Julia Thomas became the first searcher for the lost mine. However, Thorne had to agree to be blindfolded for the 20-mile trip. The Superstitions are now a federal wilderness area and Arizona State Park, so even if the gold were found it would have to be surrendered to the government. Thomas Glover is the author of three books on Jacob Waltz and the Lost Dutchman Mine. Whether out of greed or, some kind of dispute over how they would handle their new-found wealth, Hernandez killed his friend Ferreira. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. The official ruling was that the death was accidental. One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. However, before he could return to the spot, he had a heart attack. WebLegend tells of the Lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the Superstition Mountains.. Please direct any comments or errors to webmaster@sharlot.org. The question is, if Jacob Waltz found a rich gold mine, why didnt he file a claim? During their outing, Jenkins found a heavy quartz rock that he later learned was heavily laden with gold. WebBackground: The Lost Dutchman Mine was founded by a German prospector named Jacob "The Dutchman" Waltz in 1876. In the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction east of Phoenix, Arizona, a legendary gold mine is supposedly located. He was a student of mining and was knowledgeable in geology. 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. August 16, 1896: George Carmack finds gold in the Yukon | History 101, Ancient Roman city found off English highway | History 101. Julia Thomas, having invested everything she owned into the venture to find the mine, never attempted to find it again. Still, more men disappeared only to be found dead later, their bodies mutilated and their heads cut off. In January 1932, human remains were discovered about three-quarters of a mile (1.21km) from where the skull had been found. [27], Throughout the 20th century, various expeditions and individuals continued to search the Superstitions for the Lost Dutchman Mine. 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. In June 1947, a prospector named James A. Cravey made a much-publicized trip into the Superstition canyons by helicopter, searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine. The start of the most famous legend to come from the mountains, that of the Lost Dutchman Mine, begins with these fortune-seekers. 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. Speculation was rampant, with some saying he was killed by Apache and others alleging he was killed by Waltz. Skeptoid Media, 29 Jan 2013. He knew that gold had been found in the Superstition Mountains. Waltz was buried in Phoenix at what is now called the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park. The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. Despite his efforts, Willing was never able to recover the money he gave to Peralta. WebThe Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Found! 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. People want to think the Lost Dutchman mine has gold hanging off the walls. Waltz; however, was able to escape and before long, was running a saloon in Tortilla Flats. 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. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. 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. Allegedly, there were rifle shots and indications of foul play. In 1937, a man named Jenkins, along with his wife and two children were having a picnic on the mountain. Lost Dutchman Mine is a simulation game that casts the player in the role of a gold miner in the 1860's. A skull with two bullet holes was found six months later. In December, 1931, The Arizona Republic reported on the recent discovery of a human skull in the Superstition Mountains. The note ended with a Latin phrasetranslating to I came, I saw, I conquered.. In January 1961, a family picnicking near the edge of the mountain discovered the body of Hilmer Charles Bohen buried beneath the sand. One of the boys legs was crushed. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. 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 Apache; however, refused to help them, telling them that if they dared to trespass on the sacred ground, the Thunder God would take revenge upon them, causing tremendous suffering and horrible deaths. A note found in his checkbook claimed he had discovered the mine and included directions. The following year, brothers, Richard and Robert Kremis, were found dead at the bottom of a high cliff. 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. WebOne of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. Born in 1810 in Wrttemberg, he first appears in American records in 1848. It does not. Some months later, in December, a skull with two holes in it was discovered near the three Red Hills by an archaeological expedition. By 1872, Reavis was living in a high mountain valley near Pinal, where he farmed vegetables and hunted in his isolated mountain retreat. A day-use entrance is $10 per vehicle. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. On the northwest slope of the mountain, in an area now referred to as Massacre Ground, all but one of the miners were ambushed and killed by the Apache. The land not only contained a rich gold mine, but also several silver mines. The start of the most famous legend to come from the mountains, that of the Lost Dutchman Mine, begins with these fortune-seekers. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. The Superstition Mountains by Carol Highsmith. Quick Facts: Lost Dutchman State Park Camping. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "The St. Johns herald. 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. Storm speculated that Adolph Ruth might have been a victim of the same sniper. Four days later, an investigation determined it belonged to an Austrian student named Franz Harrier. 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? 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. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. After the land was ceded to the United States, the Peralta party was trespassing on U.S. soil. Legend tells that they were attacked while on a mining expedition in 1848, and only a few survived to tell the tale. Never again did the Peralta family venture back to the mine and all maps and knowledge of its location were lost through the years. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. 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. The soldiers replied that the ore had been picked up while crossing Superstition Mountain, where they had also spied an old mine. Though the coroner acceded that foul play might have been involved, the original statement was never changed. Since James Reavis, "the Baron of Arizona", was convicted of fraud when the Peralta family genealogy and other documents to support the land grant (and a barony associated with that land) were determined to be forgeries it also raises questions about the original purchase of the land grant by Dr. George M. Willing Jr. (the transaction had supposedly occurred at a primitive campsite to the southeast of Prescott without the benefit of the typical documentation; instead of a notarized deed, the conveyance was recorded on a piece of greasy camp paper bearing signature of several witnesses). 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. With the body were several gold nuggets. In a story that echoes some of the earlier tales, Ruth's son Erwin C. Ruth was said to have learned of the Peralta mine from a man called Pedro Gonzales (or Gonzalez). In his 1945 book about the Lost Dutchman's mine. Ruth had in his possession what he claimed was a map giving the location of Legend says Waltz was helped by a descendant of the Peralta family to locate the hidden gold. Richman, Irwin. 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. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Allowed to remove the blindfold, Thorne found himself in a canyon where a large unusual rock pinnacle loomed to the south. The headlines were sensational alleging that Ruth had been murdered for his map. 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. Aware of the Apache displeasure, they kept these mining trips at a minimum, not wanting to risk the ferocious Apaches ire. 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. His head had been severed from his body and was lying several feet away. The next year, with the Mexican-American War in full swing, Pedro was the only one willing to return to Arizona, determined to extract as much gold as possible before their holdings became part of the United States. "The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine." Camping: 135 sites (68 with electric/water) and cabins can be reserved year-round through Arizona State Parks. Around the turn of the century, two prospectors who went by the names of Silverlock and Malm began to work on the northern edge of Superstition Mountain. Some historians believe that any gold found in this rugged terrain was probably hidden there, perhaps even having been the fabled lost Aztec treasure. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. WebBackground: The Lost Dutchman Mine was founded by a German prospector named Jacob "The Dutchman" Waltz in 1876. However, by 1877, he and another man by the name of Jacob Weiser (or Wisner,) returned to the Superstitions. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. 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. 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 Two months later, Piper was found dead. 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