Some have died on the search. According to the tales, a Spanish conquistador (often said to be Francisco Vazquez de Coronado, but sometimes reported as any number of other explorers, real and fictional) came to the Superstition Mountains in the mid-1500s searching for a mythical city of gold, one of the legendary Seven Cities of Gold, somewhere in the mountains, according to Legends of America. "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. Once again, just ask Gollum. Supposedly, the Peraltas actually found a very rich gold vein and set up a mining operation. Considering that any mining activity in the area would be a federal crime, you can understand why folks might not be so forthcoming with information. Aug 15, 2007 1,941 906 Primary Interest: The Superstition Mountains and the Legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine The earliest documentation of him in the U.S. is an 1848 affidavit in which Waltz declared himself to be "about 38 years old". In some versions, he's not just a man but the chieftain of the Apache tribe. None of the tribes in the area ever considered the mountains to be sacred, and while the Apache tribe does have a thunder deity in their religious beliefs, they don't claim he lives in the Superstitions. Arcana Exploration has been there on four separate trips the first in October of 2015. Two prominent landmarks here are the Weavers Needle and the Miners Needle. [19][20] After this was unsuccessful, Thomas and her partners were reported to be selling maps to the mine for $7 each. Still, there is by no means a consensus among Dutch Hunters and many dismiss it entirely, regardless of scientific evidence. FREE with paid Adult [1], The Lost Dutchman's is perhaps the most famous lost mine in American history. They didnt find it because its not in the superstitions Too bad i cant post pictures, because i know exactly where it is, Did you ever think the Dutchman might have used another mine location to through James Reavis tried to assert that the Peralta family had a Spanish land grant and a barony granted by the King of Spain, which included a huge swath of Arizona and New Mexico, including the Superstition Mountains. If these conditions do not exist, gold will not exist. The Legend Of The Lost Dutchman And His Gold Mine Explained, ever filed a claim for a mine in the Superstitions. Arcana Exploration. Towards the very south of the Silvermine Mountains is the highest peak in the mountains, Keeper Hill or in Irish Sliabh . Blair had little doubt that Waltz related to Thomas the location of an alleged gold mine. Intrigue Journal. Story Of A Little Known Mine In The Superstition Mountains In Arizona "[24], Authorities in Arizona did not convene a criminal inquest regarding Ruth's death. Peralta Stones are fake - DesertUSA However, Ruth ignored Barkely's advice, and set out for a two-week stint in the mountains. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. There was a catastrophic flood in Phoenix in 1891, and Waltz's farm was one of many that was devastated. Supposedly one of their 18 mines was very rich and they considered it their alfa mine. [4] Mike . The easy 1.5 mile trail features some rocky, rough terrain but with little elevation gain. In some versions of this story, Waltz was actually plundering these shrines for his own gold. The early Spanish the Peraltas the Jesuits and many others all came to the Superstition Mountains looking for legendary gold. These are tall, volcanic formations in the wilderness and are popular as hiking destinations. Richman, Irwin. Famed Apache Geronimo is sometimes mentioned in relation to this story. Superstition Mountain, Arizona, by Kathy Alexander. He even has a gravesite you can visit today in Arizona. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This is considered to be the starting and gathering point for most Dutch Hunters. Later on came a long list of early and newly appointed Dons of Spain who also made forays into the Prima Alta looking for riches. These steep, jagged volcanic mountains were formed over 29 million years ago and they cover an area of 160,000 acres. Jacob Waltz took possession of his mine in 1869, six years before the Silver Chief was filed as an original location. Within the refuge are 14 trail heads that cover 190 miles. (In truth, Apaches make up just one of the tribes found in the area, but these were typically all lumped in as "Apache" by white settlers who didn't appreciate the differences in Native American tribes.). Seniors $6.00 (65 and older) You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Ruth disappeared while searching for the mine in the summer of 1931. Skeptoid Media, 29 Jan 2013. Here's the thing about the Julia Thomas map to the Lost Dutchman's gold mine, which is still sold and used today: Jacob Waltz didn't actually draw it. "Tex" Bradford of Globe Arizona went in search of the "Lost Dutchman Mine"; by October 1933 he had been missing for nine months. They found what they were looking for and then some, according to Lost Dutchman State Park. Children 10 and under Just what does the LDM cave/mine entrance look like? I feel the information on the Peralta stones is most likely from a very old map of Jesuit origin. The rest of his remains were found a month later about a mile away. It is a ranger-guided hike focusing on the aesthetic . New posts Top Treasure Finds Search forums Members Current visitors New profile posts Search profile posts. [29][clarification needed]. gold is where you find it. It was the fifth-largest fire in Arizonas history, it raged for over a month, despite the strenuous containment efforts of over 600 firefighters. Not only that, but some legends claim there were a number of shrines in the mountains filled with gold meant to be an offering to the Thunder God. He had metal pins in his leg, and used a cane to help him walk. . While this doesn't mean it's impossible there's gold to mine up there, it makes it far less likely. 2: Cashiers for questions about whats happening at the museum and local area Travis Tumlinson, a policeman, discovered the Peralta Stones on a roadside near the Superstition Mountains in the 1940s. Around 1860 a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz moved into the Wickenburg Arizona area about 80 miles from Phoenix. Votes: 53 Do you think the Silver Chief Mine is where Jacob Waltz got his gold I cannot speak for the current condition of the mine. In 1875, James Rogers made a claim there and dubbed it The Silver Chief. Thus, it seems these Jesuit priests might have stashed their treasure somewhere in the mountains as they passed through, thus ensuring the Spanish empire couldn't get their hands on the Jesuit fortune. When you visit, follow the hard rock mining process from mine to bullion. [5] One Lost Dutchman's mine is said to be in Colorado, another in California; two are said to be located in Arizona. A map is available in the gift shop and signage along the path explains the stages. The Superstition Mountain Mining Company (SMMC) No, we're not really a mining company. The men must deal with a lack of water and the fact that the map leads him into lands held sacred by the Apaches. According to legends, a man named Jacob Waltz, the titular Dutchman (though he was actually German and not Dutch), came to America to seek out his fortune around the 1860s, according to Lost Dutchman State Park. He never returned, and months later, an archaeological expedition encountered his remains, which indicated he had been shot, and a hand-written note claiming he had found the entrance to the mine. Elevation: 6,001 Feet (1,829 Meters) Primary Mineral: Copper Lat, Long: 46.3369, -113.26190 Map: View on Google Maps 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. Depending on the season, you'll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife. As a reward, Dr. Thorne was blindfolded and led to a cave in the mountains. 12 People Who Vanished Looking For The Lost Dutchman Treasure - Ranker Superstition Mountain - Wikipedia The Jesuits, who had been collecting the gold for many years from various sources, were said to be fleeing as they had been expelled from the Spanish empire, who owned most of the land that would eventually become the southwestern United States at the time, according to the Great American History Blog. Mining Folklore - The Midnight Society Waltz is attacked and wounded by marauding Apaches, but survives at least long enough to tell a man called Dr. Walker about the mine. The average high temperature in June, July and August, is 104 degrees. 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. First, let's talk about the geology of the mountains. Superstition Mountains - Wikipedia In June 1931, Dr. Adolph Ruth set out on a two-week voyage through the legendary Superstition Mountains in search for the lost treasure. Everyone loves a good treasure hunting story. Arcana Exploration is made up of a group of five friends and supporters, from central Ohio, who until five years ago knew very little if anything about the LDM. Frank Jacobs. None of this rules out that he simply found a cache of abandoned gold, of course, and when he died, he did have in his possessions some high-grade gold ore, though its value is unclear and it may have just been for attracting potential investors in his prospecting operations. The Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine (also known by similar names) is, according to legend, a rich gold mine hidden in the southwestern United States. Later I will give more details and then begin providing information on how things fit together. Jesuits - Ancient Lost Treasures each. Early on during the Spanish Conquest, Conquistadors such as Francisco Vazquez de Coronado (1535) came to the American southwest (New Spain) in search of gold trying to locate, Montezumas Seven Cities of Cibola. However, despite bankrupting herself and spending a very long time in the mountains, she and her search party never found any evidence of a hidden gold cache, per Arizona Report. The photographic evidence taken at the site along with a selection of maps combined with historical documentation together, links the most generally accepted and related informational evidence too present day boots on the ground reality. Blindbowman Bronze Member. 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? Legend tells of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the "Superstition Mountains." The promise of a $200 million mother. In 1875, James Rogers made a claim there and dubbed it The Silver Chief. If you need rescued, they will land two miles away and hike in to get you. It's very possible the clues are also unverifiable legends people have clung on to in hopes of finding riches. Admission And, amazingly, a few of these people were also found in the same headless state as Adolph Ruth. In 1870, Waltz had a homestead of about 160 acres (0.65km2) near Phoenix where he operated a farm.[18]. According to some storytellers, in September 1848, a band of Apaches slaughtered the entire Peralta Family, except one (someone had to live to tell the tale). Waltz did claim to have a treasure, but he really didn't and was simply telling tall tales to make his life seem more interesting, then Julia Thomas believed him. The tests were initiated by Ron Feldman and also included what is known as the Kochera Ore, another sample believed to be from the Dutchman, though lacking the same provenance. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If you get it hurt you better have your own team. [7] A man named Miguel Peralta and his family did operate a successful mine in the 1860s but near Valencia, California, not in Arizona. Perhaps this is why many of the legends involve people bringing gold to the mountain and leaving it hidden there. The Superstition Mountain Historical Society was formed on December 27, 1979. Additionally, there is a partial tunnel, or drift, in the canyon below that moves in the direction of the main shaft and was crudely walled up. That's just the name we use for the group of mining exhibits that you'll experience when you visit the museum. [9] As of 1975, ruins of the Peralta mine were standing.[9]. He had worked as a miner but was an amateur prospector at best. The closest approximate was a German miner of the PennsylvaniaGerman community. The mine is named after German immigrant Jakob Waltz (c. 18101891), who purportedly discovered it in the 19th century and kept its location a secret. Jacob Waltz took to returning to the mountains only when he needed the gold. This beautiful program is designed to start with a famous Arizona sunset draping gracefully over the Superstition Mountains, and end under the light of the full moon. This problematic paradox, I believe, is the product of years of misdirection to steer seekers to the west side of the mountains. Waltz relocated to Arizona in the 1860s, and stayed in the territory for most of the rest of his life. If you find the above article inaccurate or biased, please let us know at[emailprotected]. [10] Trouble came after Willing learned that the deed was entirely bogus. [17] Note that tombstone pictured shows birth year as 1808. Despite his efforts, Willing was never able to recover the money he gave to Peralta. Yet, legend insists that it does. On our may trip in 2016 one day it reached 108 degrees, that same day up on the mountain, climbing on a surface of Granite and sandstone ours guys Trek watches read what they were breathing at an actual 119 degrees. Many people took the landmark to be the Weavers Needle but had no luck finding any gold nuggets in its vicinity. OH, I almost forgot there is no cell phone service absolutely none. Then around 1692, the Jesuit padre father Eusebio Francisco Kino arrived. It appears no one ever bothered to just ask the Native Americans in the area if the mountains were sacred. Web. Cox also believed he had found the Dutchman, though it is unclear to which one of his claims he made this attribution. Over the next few weeks we will provide some images and photos taken at or very near the site. The map is supposedly filled with clues, and there are many others purportedly given by Waltz at various points in his life according to legends, but it's hard to prove he actually ever said any of those things. They planned to return, but once they left, they were never seen again. [2] [3] Once again, only rumors kept the legend alive, and these events drove even more Dutch hunters to the dangerous mountains. From this base he easily could have worked a gold mine in the Superstition Mountains. Going on a year now. He really did emigrate from Germany, though this seems to have occurred decades before the legends claim, because there are verified documents showing he filed to become an American citizen in 1848, long before he supposedly arrived in 1860, according to the Superstition Mountain Museum. Both fabled and mythical, they have helped to drive the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine. Even though some have said the stones story is much older (it is true the source information is likely much older) than the Dutchmans time and therefor there is no connection, they are going to be slapping themselves in the face trying to overcome their denial when they realize the stones leadto the same birds nest. As early as September 1, 1892, The Arizona Enterprise was reporting on the efforts of Thomas and several others to locate the lost mine whose location was told to her by Waltz. Sometimes, this discarded cache of gold is said to be the origin of Jacob Waltz's treasure. While popular with campers, hikers, and adventure seekers, these mountains are also known for their exceedingly hot summers, freezing winters, harsh winds, unpredictable storms, treacherous terrain, and mysterious happenings. Mysteries of the Superstition Mountains - YouTube Those who have been inside describe it as like an hourglass on its side, with a narrow entrance, an open area with a wide,stopedceiling, and a tapering end. Supposedly a mine with fabulously rich gold deposits. He said the bars were all stamped with what appeared to be a crown. He'll tell you the ore assayed out to something like 10,000 ounces of gold to the ton. Bellhop Jesse Capen, 35, was obsessed with the legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. In an addition to this legend, it's claimed two soldiers came to the Superstitions after hearing of Dr. Thorne's story to see if they could locate the cache. In fact, the location fits well for both the Doc Thorn and the Two Soldiers stories. The soldiers are alleged to have presented some of the gold, but to have been killed or to have vanished soon after. Padre Kino founded many missions including Mission San Xavier del Bac near Tucson. Free Lecture: Arizona's Four Peaks Amethyst Mine - Superstition Legend of the Superstition Mountains - History There is a lot of speculation about Aaron Mason and his involvement, but one interesting fact is that the man became a millionaire during this time. [25] Blair noted that the conclusion of the Arizona authorities was rejected by many, including Ruth's family, and "those who held onto the more romantic murdered-for-the-map story". In speaking with one local historian and trusted source, he connects quite a few players to the site, not the least of which is Herman Petrasch. And the answer is absolutely yes! He never came home. 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]. Some of you reading this may know a lot, about the Lost Dutchman Goldmine, others may be new to the story of the Lost Dutchman Mine, so before going much further, I will do a very quick overview. It's impossible to know for certain, but there is one big clue. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. It is a prominent landmark located generally south and east of the Salt River, rising approximately 3,000 feet (910 m) above the Salt River Valley. Within the refuge are 14 trail heads that cover 190 miles. The Legend Of The Lost Dutchman And His Gold Mine Explained It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a supposedly rich gold mine either in the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix, Arizona, or somewhere in Mexico.
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