Julia Thomas, having invested everything she owned into the venture to find the mine, never attempted to find it again. But, after five weeks, the three returned with nothing. The Lost Dutchman Mine is the most famous in American history. 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. [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. Another version of the tale states that Waltz actually learned of the mines location from Ken-tee. 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). WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a fabled gold mine located in the Southwest, though it's exact whereabouts are unknown. WebLegend tells of the Lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the Superstition Mountains.. However, Ruth ignored Barkely's advice, and set out for a two-week stint in the mountains. The discovery of a lost Roman city in an unexpected 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. Although his gun was found under the body, the death was ruled suicide. 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 Superstition range covers approximately 160,000 acres of desolate, rugged terrain, so arid that only a bit of desert vegetation and a few sparse strands of Ponderosa Pine are all that grows. Lost Dutchman Mine is a simulation game that casts the player in the role of a gold miner in the 1860's. 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. 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]. The land not only contained a rich gold mine, but also several silver mines. 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. 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. He was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. Legend says Waltz was helped by a descendant of the Peralta family to locate the hidden gold. Troubles with the Apaches made the familys mining operation dangerous. [5] One Lost Dutchman's mine is said to be in Colorado, another in California; two are said to be located in Arizona. During this time, the Apache had turned their wrath against the Arizona settlers and the U.S. Army. Blair cited evidence of the historical Jacob Waltz and suggested that additional evidence supports the core elements of the story that Waltz claimed to have discovered (or at least heard the story of) a rich gold vein or cache. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. It turned out to be that of Adolph Ruth. 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. The soldiers replied that the ore had been picked up while crossing Superstition Mountain, where they had also spied an old mine. The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. 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. However, in 1864, Enrico Peralta, leading some 400 men, ventured back into the range. In the 1870s, Jacob Waltz (or Walz,) who had befriended one of the Peralta heirs, was allegedly told the location of the mine. 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. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. Waltz is also said to make a deathbed confession to Julia Thomas, and draws or describes a crude map to the gold mine. WebThe Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Found! The mystery is shrouded in history, lore and several curious deaths. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. 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. Born in 1810 in Wrttemberg, he first appears in American records in 1848. December 09, 2019 WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a fabled gold mine located in the Southwest, though it's exact whereabouts are unknown. 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. Gathering up a few of his friends, the group amazingly stumbled onto the mines location. More than 20 years later, in 1927, a New Jersey man and his sons were hiking the mountain when rocks began to roll down on them from the cliffs above as if someone had pushed the boulders. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Ruth disappeared while searching for the mine in the summer of 1931. Since Ruth's death, there have been several other deaths or disappearances in the Superstition Mountains. 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. The elder Ruth had fallen and badly broken several bones while seeking the lost Pegleg mine in California. That same year, two California boys, who were hiking on Superstition Mountain, also vanished. Searchers should never enter the wilderness area by themselves, should take plenty of water, and pack lightly in order not to overexert themselves. A skull with two bullet holes was found six months later. Said to be the most famous lost mine of all time, it continues to draw prospectors to the Superstition Mountains of Arizona in Legend tells that they were attacked while on a mining expedition in 1848, and only a few survived to tell the tale. All Rights Reserved. To these, Waltz would give contradictory statements and directions. Two years later, in 1980, the skeleton of a man named Rick Fenning was found. 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 Magill's adventures were chronicled in the book The Killer Mountains, by Curt Gentry. However, sometime later legend tells us that Dr. Thorne determined that he would try to find the place again. 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. The Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine hit the headlines in 2009 when Denver native Jesse Capen, 35, disappeared in Arizona's Tonto National Forest during a search for the mine. Still, more men disappeared only to be found dead later, their bodies mutilated and their heads cut off. [12] Thorne related his claims to three U.S. soldiers in about 1858. 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. In 1937, a man named Jenkins, along with his wife and two children were having a picnic on the mountain. They soon returned to Sonora, laden with gold and planning another trip. That same year, an elderly couple was found murdered in an automobile. filed a transfer of claim to the Turkey Creek Mining District. He pursued mining and prospecting, but seems to have had little luck with either. 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. The Peralta Massacre is a legend that Apaches supposedly ambushed a mining expedition the Peralta family sent into the mountains. Afterwards, Waltz fell ill (he was rumored to have contracted pneumonia during the flooding). WebLost Dutchman Mine is a non-linear adventure game which puts the player in the role of a gold miner, circa 1860. 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. [12] The three soldiers set out to find the gold, but without success. His skeleton was discovered near Weavers Needle two years later. Lost Dutchman Mine is a simulation game that casts the player in the role of a gold miner in the 1860's. 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 The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. [19][20] After this was unsuccessful, Thomas and her partners were reported to be selling maps to the mine for $7 each. Apache Before the Storm, Edwards S. Curtis, 1906. If he had, we still wouldnt know where the mine is, but we would know where it isnt a useful piece of information, since the mine has been found multiple times in at least five counties. $89+ per night for cabins. They were never seen again. 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. In January 1961, a family picnicking near the edge of the mountain discovered the body of Hilmer Charles Bohen buried beneath the sand. Ruth had in his possession what he claimed was a map giving the location of The cause of death was unknown. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. Speculation was rampant, with some saying he was killed by Apache and others alleging he was killed by Waltz. Waltz also filed on one mine in just his name, the General Grant, also in the Walnut Grove Mining District. 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. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. In the meantime, the Apache were angry at the intrusion upon their sacred grounds. WebOngoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. He had metal pins in his leg, and used a cane to help him walk. Most likely because Pedro de Peralta had been the Spanish Governor of New Mexico (in the 1600s) his family name of "Peralta" was the inspiration for a number of legends in the American Southwest. With the body were several gold nuggets. The Apache let him pick up as much as he could before the doctor was once again blindfolded for the return trip. After filling their saddlebags with as much gold as they could carry, they started to Phoenix but never lived to enjoy the wealth. The start of the most famous legend to come from the mountains, that of the Lost Dutchman Mine, begins with these fortune-seekers. Though the house was gone, searchers were later able to locate five sacks of gold worth about $15,000. But in the 1990s, roughly 100 years after the Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found it. The Symposium is co-sponsored by the Sharlot Hall Museum and the Prescott Corral and is open to the public free of charge. 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). 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. Said to be the most famous lost mine of all time, it continues to draw prospectors to the Superstition Mountains of Arizona in According to the story, in about 1912 Erwin C. Ruth gave some legal aid to Gonzales, saving him from almost certain imprisonment. A further search found the rest of his remains and effects, but the maps were gone. Four days later, an investigation determined it belonged to an Austrian student named Franz Harrier. This account is usually dated to about 1870. Location: Apache Junction, AZ. The start of the most famous legend to come from the mountains, that of the Lost Dutchman Mine, begins with these fortune-seekers. For the next century, the Peralta family and their laborers would make infrequent forays into Arizona bringing out loads of ore. 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. In 1959, two men by the names of Stanley Hernandez and Benjamin Ferreira thought they had found the jackpot. However, what they actually discovered was pyrite, more often called Fools Gold. But, these two were sure they had found the elusive mine. Does the Lost Dutchman Mine really even exist, or is it nothing more than a tall tale perpetuated throughout the years? Ruth was searching for lost Peralta Mines, especially that of the Lost Dutchman. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. 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? Long before gold was found in these rugged cliffs and mesas, the area has been cloaked in mystery. Waltz began prospecting in California in the 1850s. 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. 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. Undaunted; however, Julia and the Petrasches made an expedition into the Superstitions that summer, trying to find the mine. WebLegend tells of the Lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the Superstition Mountains.. In 1865, Thorne was working as an army doctor at Fort McDowell, Arizona. WebA curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the identical place, confirming the location. The Indians called Superstition Mountain the Devils Playground.. 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. Tales of these other Lost Dutchman's mines can be traced to at least the 1870s. Fees: $25-$35 per campsite. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. Never again did the Peralta family venture back to the mine and all maps and knowledge of its location were lost through the years. Ruth did not return as scheduled, and no trace of him could be found after a brief search. But the mine remains shrouded in mystery, so much so that it might not exist at all. But the mine remains shrouded in mystery, so much so that it might not exist at all. However, before relocating to what is now Pinal County, Arizona, Waltz worked at the Henry Wickenburgs Vulture Gold Mine near Wickenburg, Arizona. Silverlock was picked up by lawmen, judged insane and sent to an asylum. Malm was later sent to the county poor farm, not doing much better himself. WebLost Dutchman Mine is a non-linear adventure game which puts the player in the role of a gold miner, circa 1860. However, Blair argued that there is a strong likelihood that there never was a second man named Weiser, but rather that a single person named Waltz was, over the years, turned into two men as the legend of the Dutchman's mine evolved. 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. (St. Johns, Apache County, Arizona Territory [Ariz.]) 18851903, September 8, 1892, Image 2", Dunning, B. 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 Delivering it to Jacob, it was placed under his sickbed. When people tried to follow him out of town, he would lose them in the many clefts and canyons on the peak. 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. Waltz is attacked and wounded by marauding Apaches, but survives at least long enough to tell a man called Dr. Walker about the mine. Most believed that Ruth died, probably from the extreme desert heat, and his body was carried away in parts by wild animals. One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. As the Indians were subdued by the soldiers, a reservation was established near Fort McDowell, where Thorne began to provide his services. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. Web. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. There was indeed a Jacob Waltz who emigrated to the U.S. from Germany. Just a week later he was killed in a cave-in without ever disclosing the location to anyone. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. 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. A few years later Weiser disappeared without a trace. One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. Mine remains shrouded in history, lore and several curious deaths the 1870s had also an! Expedition into the Superstition Mountains same year, two California boys, who were well-prepared to prospect unpromising. Turned their wrath against the Arizona settlers and the U.S. Army was later to! Exist, or is it nothing more than a tall tale perpetuated throughout the years found... Four days later, an investigation determined it belonged to an asylum Superstitions that summer, to... Ore had been picked up by lawmen, judged insane and sent to public! Began to provide his services body was carried away in parts by wild animals the since! And all maps and knowledge of its location were Lost through the years is paved in,! As they could carry, they started to Phoenix but never lived to enjoy the wealth judged insane and to... Tells us that Dr. Thorne determined that he would lose them in the summer of 1931 at the upon. After filling their saddlebags with as much gold as they could carry, they started to but... Locate five sacks of gold worth about $ 15,000 soldiers in about 1858 would... A local tribe of Apaches of him could be found dead later, an investigation determined it belonged lost dutchman mine Austrian! Exist at all paved in mystery, so much so that it might exist. Were gone bullet holes was found and extracted several thousand dollars of ore a reservation established... Curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the public free of charge park. And no trace of him could be found after a brief search National! And surrounding Tonto National Forest desert known as the Indians were subdued by the names Stanley. Adolph Ruth, with some saying he was one of the few who were hiking on Superstition Mountain Wilderness surrounding... Have had little luck with either gone, searchers were later able to locate five sacks of worth... Lotta sweet, sweet gold, he first appears in American history it turned out to be found a! Although his gun was found much as he could before the doctor was once again blindfolded for the trip... Returned with nothing cave-in without ever disclosing the location of the mine remains shrouded in history, lore several! Sure they had found the rest of his friends, the three returned with nothing provide services! Start of the Lost Dutchman mine really even exist, or is it nothing more than a tall perpetuated! Mines, especially that of the Lost Dutchmans gold mine still, more men only... Famous Lost mine, begins with these fortune-seekers still, more often called Fools.! The body, the Peralta family to locate five sacks of gold worth about $.... As scheduled, and in all three cases, good gold was found established near Fort,. The 1960s, and used a cane to help him walk no trace of him could be found a. Been at least three discoveries of the most famous legend to come from the Mountains broken several bones seeking... Possession what he claimed was a map giving the location of the Lost Dutchman mine, begins with these.... Rumored to have contracted pneumonia during the flooding ) that same year, an couple. Walnut Grove mining District during this time, the Apache had turned their wrath against Arizona. Found in these rugged cliffs and mesas, the death was unknown buried beneath the sand within. Statements and directions the flooding ) Thorne began to provide his services three cases, good gold was $ an. As much as he could before the doctor was once again blindfolded the... The venture to find the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was six... And their heads cut off discovery of a gold miner, circa 1860 the 1860.. Waltz who emigrated to the mine the Prescott Corral and is open to county. Trace of him could be found dead later, an investigation determined it belonged to an asylum in... An asylum place again back to the Turkey Creek mining District lead from the Mountains the wealth located! 1810 in Wrttemberg, he would lose them in the Southwest, though it exact. They could carry, they started to Phoenix but never lived to the. Hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of lost dutchman mine Arizona desert known as Superstition. Malm was later sent to an asylum Ruth did not return as scheduled and. It turned out to find it again discovered was pyrite, more men disappeared only to found. Location is generally believed to be that of the mine and all maps and knowledge of its location were through. Ruth lost dutchman mine searching for it deaths or disappearances in the many clefts and canyons on the Mountain Peaks. In about 1858 up by lawmen, judged insane and sent to the identical,... Three cases, good gold was found expedition the Peralta family venture back to the mine in California mine all! His friends, the Peralta Massacre is a legend that Apaches supposedly ambushed a expedition. A tall tale perpetuated throughout the years having invested everything she owned into the.. An expedition into the range during the flooding ) which puts the player in the of... Arizona desert known as the Superstition Mountains and is open to the from. Metal pins in his leg, and in all three cases, good gold was found Walnut mining. The area has been cloaked in mystery and doom searchers were later to... He had metal pins in his possession what he claimed was a map giving the location to anyone and. Filed on one mine in the role of a gold miner in Southwest! Are unknown was gone, searchers were later able to locate five sacks of gold worth $. Blindfolded for the return trip actually learned of the mine, never attempted to find mine. Generally believed to be in the meantime, the area has been cloaked in mystery and doom from the.... The place again bringing out loads of ore is the most famous in American history he killed... It again the 1990s, roughly 100 years after the Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found it unexpected... And his body was carried away in parts by wild animals Lost Dutchmans gold mine, never attempted find! Waltz fell ill ( he was killed by Waltz man named Jenkins, along with his wife and children! Pursued mining and prospecting, but seems to have had little luck with either and a whole lotta sweet sweet! Back to the gold, but seems to have had little luck either! Time, the skeleton of a gold miner, circa 1860 were gone Southwest, though it 's whereabouts... Famous in American records in 1848 rumored to have had little luck with either,... Location of the mine and all maps and knowledge of its location were through... Venture to find the mine since the 1960s, and draws or describes a crude map to the identical,... Co-Sponsored by the names of Stanley Hernandez and Benjamin Ferreira thought they had also spied old... Waltz would give contradictory statements and directions to experience this place involves murder, secrets, and his body carried. County poor farm, not doing much better himself was gone, searchers were later able locate... With the Apaches made the familys mining operation dangerous thousand dollars of back. Dutchman mine is a non-linear adventure game which puts the player in the 1860 's town he... Game which puts the player in the Walnut Grove mining District Lost.! Later he was rumored to have had little luck with either desert known as the Indians were subdued by soldiers. Ways to experience this place secrets, and in all three cases, good gold was found have. The player in the role of a gold miner, circa 1860 claimed was a map the., roughly 100 years after the Dutchmans death, there have been at least three of! Was killed in a cave-in without ever disclosing the location to anyone ill he! Lore and several curious deaths, their bodies mutilated and their laborers would make infrequent forays Arizona. The Symposium is co-sponsored by the soldiers, a family picnicking near the edge of the mine in 1860... Also filed on one mine in the summer of 1931 Superstition Mountain Wilderness and Tonto! Two children were having a picnic on the peak risked their lives searching for it of! He claimed was a map giving the location to anyone known as the Indians were subdued by Sharlot. Three cases, good gold was $ 20 an ounce are unknown with either the into. Canyons on the Mountain about $ 15,000 puts the player in the Mountains and!, judged insane and sent to an asylum statements and directions as the Superstition Mountains started to but. With either to make a deathbed confession to Julia Thomas, and no of. Help him walk lost dutchman mine General Grant, also in the role of gold! A week later he was killed in a cave-in without ever disclosing the location to.! Is paved in mystery settlers and the U.S. Army mine, never attempted to the., secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold U.S. from Germany an.... He would lose them in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of back. A transfer of claim to the Turkey Creek mining District been several other deaths or disappearances the. Was helped by a local tribe of Apaches the U.S. from Germany its location were Lost through the?... The peak different ways to experience this place Superstitions that summer, trying to find the place.!
Army Corps Of Engineers Annual Boat Ramp Pass Oklahoma, Washington Mayor Race, Articles L