The start of the most famous legend to come from the mountains, that of the Lost Dutchman Mine, begins with these fortune-seekers. 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. 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. The pack mules scattered in all directions, spilling the gold everywhere. Furthermore, Wilburn stated that geology indicates that there is no gold in the Superstition Mountains, which are igneous in origin. (However, in some versions,[14] the 'mine' is actually a cache put there by the Peraltas.). Later, the Turkey Creek Mining District was carved out of the Walker District, and Waltz et al. Quite literally so, according to Southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger. In his pack was gold ore, later discovered to be identical to that of the rich ore Jacob Waltz had found earlier. Quick Facts: Lost Dutchman State Park Camping. A group found the Lost Dutchman Mine in the Eastern Superstitions and extracted a considerable amount of rich gold ore. Mining records show that Jacob Waltz did file claims, two claims with others. In 1748, the Superstitions, as well as some 3,750 square miles of what is now Arizona, were given to Mexican cattle-baron, Don Miguel Peralta of Sonora, in a land grant. Almost immediately, men began to mysteriously vanish, to the point that warnings were given to never stray more than a few feet away from the rest of the group. So, if any of the earlier tales of gold founds are true, where did it come from? In most variants of the story, the family of a man called Miguel Peralta discovered the mine and began mining the gold there, only to be attacked or massacred by Apaches in about 1850 in the supposed Peralta massacre. He was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. The player can freely explore a town and a vast desert, limited only by the protagonist's necessity to eat and rest. The Indians called Superstition Mountain the Devils Playground.. In fear, the conquistadors finally fled, refusing to return to the mountain, which they dubbed Monte Superstition. That same year, two California boys, who were hiking on Superstition Mountain, also vanished. 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). The lost mine is thought to be located somewhere near Weavers Needle, the main landmark of the Superstition Mountains, even though the area has been diligently searched by hundreds of people. Troubles with the Apaches made the familys mining operation dangerous. In February 1951, Dr. John Burns, a physician from Oregon, was found shot to death on Superstition Mountain. At todays gold price, $1,270/ounce, his gold would be worth over $360,000. WebBackground: The Lost Dutchman Mine was founded by a German prospector named Jacob "The Dutchman" Waltz in 1876. They were discovered by the Apache, who killed them before they could escape with the gold. 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. One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. 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. Delivering it to Jacob, it was placed under his sickbed. 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. [8] The mine was quite profitable, earning about $35,000 in less than one year; Blair described this as "an unusually good return" for such a small gold mine to earn in such a relatively brief period. However, the original coroner said that he could not be positive the skull had bullet holes in it. The coroner ruled it an accidental death resulting from a ricochet. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. 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. But in the 1990s, roughly 100 years after the Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found it. WebOngoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. 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. Skeptoid Media, 29 Jan 2013. Sinking dozens of shafts into the mountainside, they found little gold, other than some scarce remains from the Peralta Massacre. Mason sent out a search party, who found the nude bodies of both men, shot in the head. 2017 Sharlot Hall Museum - Library & Archives. Speculation was rampant, with some saying he was killed by Apache and others alleging he was killed by Waltz. 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. Waltz relocated to Arizona in the 1860s, and stayed in the territory for most of the rest of his life. In January 1932, human remains were discovered about three-quarters of a mile (1.21km) from where the skull had been found. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. [3] Former Arizona Attorney General Robert K. Corbin is among those who have looked for the mine. Temperatures during the day can easily climb to more than 100 degrees and at higher elevations can drop into the freezing temperatures at night. It was even said a candle box containing high-grade gold ore was found under his bed. An alternate view which better fits the lost mine legend is that he periodically appeared with large amounts of gold, The Sterling Legend by Estee Conatser reports that a Jacob Walzer sold $250,000 in gold to the U.S. Mint during the 1880s and had $1500 when he died in 1891. But in the 1990s, roughly 100 years after the Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found it. A day-use entrance is $10 per vehicle. The Lost Dutchmans Mine is featured in Season 1, Episode 21 of the television series Unsolved Mysteries. The episode first aired on April 12, 1989. Some historians believe that any gold found in this rugged terrain was probably hidden there, perhaps even having been the fabled lost Aztec treasure. But, his condition was worsening as he suffered a stroke and was paralyzed to the point that he could barely speak. Thorne claimed that he was taken captive by Navajos in 1854, and that during his captivity he had discovered a rich gold vein. In 1977, 292 acres (118ha) abutting the Tonto National Forest were set aside as the Lost Dutchman State Park. During this time, the Apache had turned their wrath against the Arizona settlers and the U.S. Army. WebA curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the identical place, confirming the location. Ruths untimely demise did nothing to dissuade further searchers. 2, or via email at archivesrequest@sharlothallmuseum.org for information or assistance with photo requests. 9 May 2022. People want to think the Lost Dutchman mine has gold hanging off the walls. During their outing, Jenkins found a heavy quartz rock that he later learned was heavily laden with gold. One of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. Fees: $25-$35 per campsite. WebLost Dutchman Mine is a non-linear adventure game which puts the player in the role of a gold miner, circa 1860. Jacob finally died on October 25, 1891. 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 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. 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. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. "The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine." He was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. In 1955, Charles Massey, who was hunting with a 22, was found shot between the eyes by a heavy-caliber rifle bullet. However, Thorne had to agree to be blindfolded for the 20-mile trip. They were never seen again. 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. December 09, 2019 Blair suggested that "fragments of this legend have perhaps become attached to the mythical mine of Jacob Waltz".[6]. 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. There is little evidence that he had any success. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. In 1945, a book about the Lost Dutchman Mine was written by Barry Storm, who claimed to have narrowly escaped from a mysterious sniper. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. The game was the biggest success for its publisher, Magnetic Images. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. 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 skeleton was discovered near Weavers Needle two years later. One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. With the body were several gold nuggets. 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 Waltz was buried in Phoenix at what is now called the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park. [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. The Lost Dutchman Mine is said to be a rich goldmine located somewhere in the southwestern American state of Arizona. Discovered about three-quarters of a mile ( 1.21km ) from where the had. Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place goldmine located somewhere the. 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