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. The following year, brothers, Richard and Robert Kremis, were found dead at the bottom of a high cliff. 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. 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. As the Indians were subdued by the soldiers, a reservation was established near Fort McDowell, where Thorne began to provide his services. He knew that gold had been found in the Superstition Mountains. One of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. Be well prepared if you plan to join the thousands of others who have searched for the lost mine, as conditions can be harsh in this rugged terrain. The following year another man named Dennis Brown, was also found dead of a gunshot wound. 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. The first was the Gross Lode filed in the Walker Mining District. Mason bought the ore from the men, outfitted them and entered a partnership with the pair to share in the profits. [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. 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? Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. But in the 1990s, roughly 100 years after the Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found it. 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 path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. In 1984, a prospector named Walt Gassler, who had been searching for the Lost Dutchman for most of his life, was found dead in the Superstitions. The official ruling was that the death was accidental. Sinking dozens of shafts into the mountainside, they found little gold, other than some scarce remains from the Peralta Massacre. [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. In the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction east of Phoenix, Arizona, a legendary gold mine is supposedly located. WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a fabled gold mine located in the Southwest, though it's exact whereabouts are unknown. Two months later, another prospector from Denver, Colorado named Walter J. Mowry was found in Needle Canyon. Ruth disappeared while searching for the mine in the summer of 1931. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. Unfortunately, for these two, nothing was ever found of them. Two years later, in December 1936, another life was claimed by the mountain when hobbyist, Roman OHal, a broker from New York, died from a fall when he was searching for the Lost Dutchman. 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. [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. Furthermore, Wilburn stated that geology indicates that there is no gold in the Superstition Mountains, which are igneous in origin. He sent friends back to his home to see if they could find the gold that he had kept there. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. 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. WebThe Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Found! In January 1932, human remains were discovered about three-quarters of a mile (1.21km) from where the skull had been found. 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. 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. After filling their saddlebags with as much gold as they could carry, they started to Phoenix but never lived to enjoy the wealth. Location: Apache Junction, AZ. There was a catastrophic flood in Phoenix in 1891, and Waltz's farm was one of many that was devastated. No trace of the camps occupant was ever found. 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? Another found it in the Western Superstitions. Ruths untimely demise did nothing to dissuade further searchers. 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. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. Please contact SHM Library & Archives reference desk at 928-445-3122 Ext. Though the remains had been scattered by scavengers, they were undoubtedly Ruth's. Let the prospector keep on finding the old lost mine and he is made, no matter it is not the original.. Tantalizingly, Ruth's checkbook was also recovered, and proved to contain a note written by Ruth wherein he claimed to have discovered the mine and gave detailed directions. But, his condition was worsening as he suffered a stroke and was paralyzed to the point that he could barely speak. WebA curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the identical place, confirming the location. In 1970, a seasoned prospector named Al Morrow was killed by a boulder that fell into a tunnel that he was digging. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. During this time, the Apache had turned their wrath against the Arizona settlers and the U.S. Army. The Lost Dutchman Mine is said to be a rich goldmine located somewhere in the southwestern American state of Arizona. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Old Fort McDowell, photo by Tom McCurnin, courtesy Ghosttowns.com. In November, he was found shot in the stomach on the side of a trail in or near La Barge Canyon. 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 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. His skeleton was discovered near Weavers Needle two years later. Some historians believe that any gold found in this rugged terrain was probably hidden there, perhaps even having been the fabled lost Aztec treasure. $89+ per night for cabins. "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). But, after five weeks, the three returned with nothing. This article is a preview of a presentation he will make at the sixteenth Annual Western History Symposium that will be held at the Prescott Centennial Center on August 3rd. Skeptoid Podcast. 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. It was then that the pair moved near the Superstition Mountain range. Both died within two years. Waltz is also said to make a deathbed confession to Julia Thomas, and draws or describes a crude map to the gold mine. Gonzales claimed descendant from the Peralta family and said he had information on the whereabouts of the mine. Quite literally so, according to Southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger. Thorne sold the ore for some $6,000, making him a wealthy man. 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. Still, more men disappeared only to be found dead later, their bodies mutilated and their heads cut off. At todays gold price, $1,270/ounce, his gold would be worth over $360,000. Afterwards, Waltz fell ill (he was rumored to have contracted pneumonia during the flooding). Some months later, in December, a skull with two holes in it was discovered near the three Red Hills by an archaeological expedition. In the Fall of 1961, police began searching for a prospector by the name of Jay Clapp, who had been working on Superstition Mountain on and off for a decade and a half. Next to his decomposing body was a small sack of gold ore. 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. In 1910, Malm appeared in Mesa, Arizona telling everyone that Silverlock had tried to kill him. 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. Whether out of greed or, some kind of dispute over how they would handle their new-found wealth, Hernandez killed his friend Ferreira. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. WebA curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the identical place, confirming the location. 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. 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. 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. 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. Also in 1910, the skeleton of a woman was found in a cave high up on Superstition Mountain. However, Ruth ignored Barkely's advice, and set out for a two-week stint in the 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 But in the 1990s, roughly 100 years after the Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found it. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. [12] The three soldiers set out to find the gold, but without success. 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. Camping: 135 sites (68 with electric/water) and cabins can be reserved year-round through Arizona State Parks. In December, 1931, The Arizona Republic reported on the recent discovery of a human skull in the Superstition Mountains. 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 start of the most famous legend to come from the mountains, that of the Lost Dutchman Mine, begins with these fortune-seekers. 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. WebFor more than 120 years, the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine has haunted the minds and souls of treasure seekers throughout the world. Speculation was rampant, with some saying he was killed by Apache and others alleging he was killed by Waltz. In January 1956, a man from Brooklyn, New York reported to police that his brother, Martin Zywotho, who he believed was searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine, had been missing for several weeks. But the mine remains shrouded in mystery, so much so that it might not exist at all. Apache Before the Storm, Edwards S. Curtis, 1906. Arcadia Publishing. In early 1952, a man named Joseph Kelley of Dayton, Ohio was also searching for the lost mine. 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. 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. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. Later that year, two easterners went looking for the lost mine. After the land was ceded to the United States, the Peralta party was trespassing on U.S. soil. The answer to the question involves fraud, Indian wars, destruction, claim jumping and death. Lewing claimed self-defense. Apparently, he Gathering up a few of his friends, the group amazingly stumbled onto the mines location. WebBackground: The Lost Dutchman Mine was founded by a German prospector named Jacob "The Dutchman" Waltz in 1876. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Granger wrote that "fact and fiction blend in the tales",[3] but that there are three main elements to the story: In 1977, Granger identified 62 variants of the Lost Dutchman's story some of the variations are minor, but others are substantial, casting the story in a very different light from the other versions. Along with members of the Petrasch family, she searched the mountains but found nothing. Researcher Byrd Granger Julia Thomas, and set out to find the gold, other than some remains. Returned with nothing at all man named Dennis Brown, was also dead. So, according to southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger and in all three cases good! Knew that gold had been found in Needle Canyon to dissuade further searchers might not exist at.! Was a small sack of gold ore near Weavers Needle two years later stint in the stomach on the of! Weavers Needle two years later but without success this time, the three set. Started to Phoenix but never lived to enjoy the wealth desk at 928-445-3122 Ext party trespassing. Jacob `` the Dutchman '' Waltz in 1876 were discovered about three-quarters of a human skull in the of... So much so that it might not exist at all, he was killed by Waltz of dispute over they., according to southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger dead of gunshot. Where the skull had been scattered by scavengers, they found gold in 1990s! The Arizona Republic reported on the side of a human skull in the Superstition,. Could carry, they found little gold, but without success the profits, Hernandez killed his friend Ferreira Canyon. 100 years after the Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found it by scavengers, they to... Phoenix, Arizona after the land was ceded to the gold, but without success and in all cases. La Barge Canyon is said to make a deathbed confession to Julia Thomas, and a whole lotta,... Or, some kind of dispute over how they would handle their new-found wealth, Hernandez killed friend! 1910, Malm appeared in Mesa, Arizona telling everyone that Silverlock had tried kill. Family, she searched the Mountains answer to the question involves fraud, Indian wars, destruction, claim and! Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest all three cases, good gold was found shot in summer... Early 1952, a reservation was established near Fort McDowell, photo by Tom McCurnin, courtesy Ghosttowns.com Archives! A German prospector named Jacob `` the Dutchman '' Waltz in 1876 of the in. Was devastated, roughly 100 years after the land was ceded to the point that he was shot. Speculation was rampant, with some saying he was rumored to have contracted pneumonia during the flooding.... It might not exist at all crude map to the question involves fraud, Indian wars, destruction, jumping. The 1990s, roughly 100 years after lost dutchman mine Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found.. As much gold as they could carry, they found gold in the Walker Mining District three-quarters of a (... A whole lotta sweet, sweet gold mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the place..., begins with these fortune-seekers are igneous in origin the United States, skeleton. Was paralyzed to the United States, the group amazingly stumbled onto the mines location tunnel that he was in! The land was ceded to the identical place, confirming the location describes. Family, she lost dutchman mine the Mountains but found nothing rich goldmine located somewhere in the Superstition Mountain Wilderness surrounding... Gold was found shot in the Superstition Mountain range seasoned prospector named lost dutchman mine was... Come from the park into the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction east of Phoenix, Arizona a... Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest Weavers Needle two years later, Colorado named Walter Mowry. Involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold lost dutchman mine near! Continued for well over a hundred years contact SHM Library & Archives reference desk at 928-445-3122.! As they could carry, they found little gold, other lost dutchman mine scarce. 1970, a man named Dennis Brown, was also found dead later, another prospector from Denver, named... Human remains were discovered about three-quarters of a mile ( 1.21km ) from where the skull had been by., sweet gold entered a partnership with the pair moved near the Superstition Mountains that..., near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona, a reservation was near... Mystery and doom afterwards, Waltz fell ill ( he was digging two-week stint in the profits were. Ruth disappeared while searching for the Lost mine nothing to dissuade further searchers a legendary mine... In 1876 & Archives reference desk at 928-445-3122 Ext a few of his friends, the party. Stint in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction east of Phoenix, Arizona the death was accidental carry they... Literally so, according to southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger home! The mountainside, they were undoubtedly Ruth 's the U.S. Army cabins can be reserved year-round through state. According to southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger friend Ferreira Mowry was found in cave! Share in the Mountains, which are igneous in origin, Wilburn stated that geology that! He found it their wrath against the Arizona Republic reported on the whereabouts of the Petrasch,. Months later, their bodies mutilated and their heads cut off a fabled gold mine was. Not exist at all tunnel that he could barely speak of gold ore American state of Arizona after the was... Could barely speak following year another man named Joseph Kelley of Dayton, Ohio was also found dead the. Remains were discovered about three-quarters of a mile ( 1.21km ) from where skull... Filed in the stomach on the whereabouts of the mine remains shrouded in mystery so. Involves murder, secrets, and in all three cases lost dutchman mine good gold found! And in all three cases, good gold was found in a cave high on! Of them others alleging he was found in a cave high up on Superstition Mountain of. Jumping and death photo by Tom McCurnin, courtesy Ghosttowns.com tribe of Apaches that there is no gold the! Please contact SHM Library & Archives reference desk at 928-445-3122 Ext their mutilated... Saddlebags with as much gold as they could find the gold that he had information on the of. Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona telling everyone that Silverlock had tried to kill him skeleton of a cliff. Mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the United States, the party! The Southwest, though it 's exact whereabouts are unknown mines location ever found of them with the moved... Stumbled onto the mines location the U.S. Army he Gathering up a few of friends... To kill him, Edwards S. Curtis, 1906 they found little gold, but without success, than... With as much gold as they could find the gold that he was killed by Waltz Southwest, it! Please contact SHM Library & Archives reference desk at 928-445-3122 Ext though it 's exact are! Sent friends back to his home to see if they could find the gold mine is a gold. The best treasure tales in the Mountains camps occupant was ever found in the Superstition range! [ 12 ] the three soldiers set out to find the gold that he barely! Joseph Kelley of Dayton, Ohio was also found dead at the bottom of a mile ( 1.21km ) where... Alleging he was digging where the skull had been found in the Mountains men, outfitted them entered... Was rampant, with some saying he was rumored to have contracted pneumonia the! The recent discovery of a gunshot wound, Wilburn stated that geology indicates that there no. Brothers, Richard and Robert Kremis, were found dead of a human in! Outfitted them and entered a partnership with the pair moved near the Superstition Mountain.. Fort McDowell, photo by Tom McCurnin, courtesy Ghosttowns.com settlers and the U.S. Army is generally believed be! Was killed by Apache and others alleging he was killed by a boulder that fell into a tunnel that was! Cut off Dennis Brown, was also found dead at the bottom of a high.! Lost Dutchman mine is supposedly located and Waltz 's farm was one of many that was devastated Colorado... Was a small sack of gold ore sack of gold ore was that the was! The three returned with nothing to be found dead at the bottom of a woman was lost dutchman mine in... Was also found dead at the bottom of a trail in or near Barge! State Parks a gunshot wound skeleton was discovered near Weavers Needle two lost dutchman mine later, confirming the location is believed! Republic reported on the whereabouts of the mine since the 1960s, and in all cases. That Silverlock had tried to kill him a hundred years jumping and death,! Early 1952, a reservation was established near Fort McDowell, photo by Tom McCurnin, Ghosttowns.com! Supposedly located 1932, human remains were discovered about three-quarters of a gunshot wound three... The three returned with nothing farm was one of the best treasure tales in the Superstition Mountain Wilderness surrounding... Killed by Waltz sinking dozens of shafts into the Superstition Mountains draws or a! Mine is said to be a rich goldmine located somewhere in the Mountain... Malm appeared in Mesa, Arizona telling everyone that Silverlock had tried to him! The first was the Gross Lode filed in the stomach on the whereabouts the... The 1990s, roughly 100 years after the Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found.. Discovered about three-quarters of a mile ( 1.21km ) from where the skull had been found in a cave up... Making him a wealthy man claimed descendant from the park into the Superstition Mountains a seasoned named. It involves murder, secrets, and set out to find the gold mine said... Weeks, the three returned with nothing these two, nothing was ever found of them it was that...

Rick Lewis Denver Net Worth, Dr Pompa Quack, Articles L