WebLegend tells of the Lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the Superstition Mountains.. The following February, his headless skeleton was found in a canyon, a good distance from his camp. Though the coroner acceded that foul play might have been involved, the original statement was never changed. The public is encouraged to submit proposed articles and inquiries to dayspast@sharlothallmuseum.org. In the first decade of the 1700s, he began to explore the region, finding several sources of gold. Blair contended that this story can be divided into "hawk" and "dove" versions, depending on whether the German(s) are said to behave violently or peacefully. Are these many deaths part of the old Apache curse? The Superstition Mountains by Carol Highsmith. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. The legends had begun. In April of 1958, a deserted campsite was discovered on the northern edge of the mountain. 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. A month later, the missing mans body was found with a bullet hole above his right temple. The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. 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. WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a fabled gold mine located in the Southwest, though it's exact whereabouts are unknown. 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. Since Ruth's death, there have been several other deaths or disappearances in the Superstition Mountains. 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. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. But the map to the Peralta mine was said to be missing. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. [10] Trouble came after Willing learned that the deed was entirely bogus. WebA curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the identical place, confirming the location. Quick Facts: Lost Dutchman State Park Camping. 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 Tales of these other Lost Dutchman's mines can be traced to at least the 1870s. 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. One of the boys legs was crushed. The Symposium is co-sponsored by the Sharlot Hall Museum and the Prescott Corral and is open to the public free of charge. To determine if the skull was Ruth's, it was examined by Dr. Ale Hrdlika, a well-respected anthropologist who was given several photos of Ruth, along with Ruth's dental records. The story of the Lost Dutchman Mine might have become just another obscure legend had it not been for an easterner named Dr. Adolph Ruth, an amateur treasure-seeker who ambled into the Superstitions in the summer of 1931. The cause of death was undetermined. In 1934 the Superstitions claimed the life of Adam Stewart, the cause of death unknown. Quite literally so, according to Southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger. A further search found the rest of his remains and effects, but the maps were gone. Hiking and camping are popular activities. By 1872, Reavis was living in a high mountain valley near Pinal, where he farmed vegetables and hunted in his isolated mountain retreat. However, Thorne had to agree to be blindfolded for the 20-mile trip. One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. 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. WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a fabled gold mine located in the Southwest, though it's exact whereabouts are unknown. 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 Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. However it occurred, in the 1870s, the mine was worked, and Waltz found the gold that had been hidden in the Superstition Mountains. The Peralta family refrained even more from working the mines for the next 16 years. [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". Long before gold was found in these rugged cliffs and mesas, the area has been cloaked in mystery. 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. Undaunted; however, Julia and the Petrasches made an expedition into the Superstitions that summer, trying to find the mine. Next to his decomposing body was a small sack of gold ore. Some carved stones in the area are referred to as "Peralta Stones" and Spanish text and crude maps on them are considered by some to be clues to the location of a Peralta family gold mine in the Superstition Mountains, although others believe the stones to be modern fakes. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. He further stated, after examining the two holes [in the skull], that it appeared that a shotgun or high-powered rifle had been fired through the head at almost point-blank range, making the small hole when the bullet entered and the large hole when it exited".[23]. Many believe it's hidden in the Superstition Mountains, and it's rumored a curse falls upon all those who try to find it. 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. Furthermore, Wilburn stated that geology indicates that there is no gold in the Superstition Mountains, which are igneous in origin. After filling their saddlebags with as much gold as they could carry, they started to Phoenix but never lived to enjoy the wealth. A few years later Weiser disappeared without a trace. Some historians believe that any gold found in this rugged terrain was probably hidden there, perhaps even having been the fabled lost Aztec treasure. The fact of the finding of the mine for the past twenty years has kept alive the mining industries of the territory. 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. The cause of death was unknown. 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. After the land was ceded to the United States, the Peralta party was trespassing on U.S. soil. WebThe Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Found! Storm speculated that Adolph Ruth might have been a victim of the same sniper. In December, 1931, The Arizona Republic reported on the recent discovery of a human skull in the Superstition Mountains. 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 The short "Discovery Trail" is a clear route with several placards giving the natural history of the area. The game was the biggest success for its publisher, Magnetic Images. Upon arriving at Ruths camp, the rancher could tell that no one had been there for at least a day and reported Ruth missing. People want to think the Lost Dutchman mine has gold hanging off the walls. Arizona is host to one of the great treasure legends of not just America, but of the world: The Lost Dutchman 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). 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. 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. People want to think the Lost Dutchman mine has gold hanging off the walls. Blair insisted that the Peralta portion of the story is unreliable, writing: "The operation of a gold mine in the Superstitions by a Peralta family is a contrivance of 20th century writers". Waltz relocated to Arizona in the 1860s, and stayed in the territory for most of the rest of his life. The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. 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. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. Richman, Irwin. Waltz also filed on one mine in just his name, the General Grant, also in the Walnut Grove Mining District. In his pack was gold ore, later discovered to be identical to that of the rich ore Jacob Waltz had found earlier. 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 Lost Dutchman Mine is said to be a rich goldmine located somewhere in the southwestern American state of Arizona. The answer to the question involves fraud, Indian wars, destruction, claim jumping and death. In the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction east of Phoenix, Arizona, a legendary gold mine is supposedly located. 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. 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. "Tex" Bradford of Globe Arizona went in search of the "Lost Dutchman Mine"; by October 1933 he had been missing for nine months. When they showed a bag of gold ore to the Silver King Manager, Aaron Mason, the manager was stunned to see how rich the ore was and immediately began to ask where they had found it. Just a week later he was killed in a cave-in without ever disclosing the location to anyone. 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. This does not deter the many seekers the search, itself, is simply too intriguing. However, before relocating to what is now Pinal County, Arizona, Waltz worked at the Henry Wickenburgs Vulture Gold Mine near Wickenburg, Arizona. Ruth had in his possession what he claimed was a map giving the location of The next person to come across the mine was a man named Dr. Abraham Thorne. During this time, the Apache had turned their wrath against the Arizona settlers and the U.S. Army. Suggest edits to improve what we show. The second was the Big Rebel filed in the Walnut Grove Mining District. Arcadia Publishing. Ironically, it is also one of the most found lost mines in America. WebFor more than 120 years, the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine has haunted the minds and souls of treasure seekers throughout the world. "[24], Authorities in Arizona did not convene a criminal inquest regarding Ruth's death. But in the 1990s, roughly 100 years after the Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found it. Fees: $25-$35 per campsite. December 09, 2019 Old Fort McDowell, photo by Tom McCurnin, courtesy Ghosttowns.com. He was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. Let the prospector keep on finding the old lost mine and he is made, no matter it is not the original.. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. All traces of the mine were covered up. 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. $89+ per night for cabins. But the mine remains shrouded in mystery, so much so that it might not exist at all. He died on October 25, 1891, after having been nursed by an acquaintance named Julia Thomas (she was usually described as a quadroon). [16] A man called Jacob Walz was born in September 1810 in Wrttemberg. 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. Here amongst this vast maize of volcanic interior, fixed and clinging to the mountain side, flanked on one side by a very small almost invisible ledge is the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, like a small birds nest perched in the middle of a forest of giant oaks, concealed by the natural elements it obscures itself from all beasts of prey, especially Unfortunately, for these two, nothing was ever found of them. The start of the most famous legend to come from the mountains, that of the Lost Dutchman Mine, begins with these fortune-seekers. Sinking dozens of shafts into the mountainside, they found little gold, other than some scarce remains from the Peralta Massacre. Many believe it's hidden in the Superstition Mountains, and it's rumored a curse falls upon all those who try to find it. Lavern Rowlee was shot by Ralph Thomas, who reported that he had been attacked by Rowlee and shot the other man in self-defense. A note found in his checkbook claimed he had discovered the mine and included directions. 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. "Dutchman's Gold" was the season 4, episode 19 of, This page was last edited on 5 February 2023, at 00:14. The mine is said to have been mined by a German immigrant, Jacob Waltz, who died before he could reveal its location. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. In 1973, Charles Lewing shot Ladislas Guerrero at a mountain campsite. There have been many stories about how to find the mine, and each year people search for the mine. Though it is not known if he found the fabled Dutchmans Mine, his forays did produce the coveted shining metal, adding more fuel to the legend of gold in the Superstitions. Ruth did not return as scheduled, and no trace of him could be found after a brief search. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. Apparently, he In this story (actually two interconnected stories), members of the Apache tribe are said to have a very rich gold mine located in the Superstition Mountains. 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. His head had been severed from his body and was lying several feet away. The elder Ruth had fallen and badly broken several bones while seeking the lost Pegleg mine in California. He was living in Arizona in the 1860s and did mine for a living. Barkely feared for his safety and repeatedly told him to give up the search, and his fears came true when Ruth failed to return from a two-week trip to find the 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. Weavers Needle in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona, courtesy Wikipedia. Scientists say that the Superstition Mountains dont contain the type of mineral deposits that produce gold. They were discovered by the Apache, who killed them before they could escape with the gold. 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 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. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "The St. Johns herald. 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. Two years later, in 1980, the skeleton of a man named Rick Fenning was found. In June 1931, Ruth set out to locate the lost Peralta mine. 2, or via email at archivesrequest@sharlothallmuseum.org for information or assistance with photo requests. "The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine." WebBackground: The Lost Dutchman Mine was founded by a German prospector named Jacob "The Dutchman" Waltz in 1876. Just a year later, two deer hunters were driven off the mountain, when again rolling boulders appeared to have been pushed by someone or something down the mountain towards them. 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. 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