Chief Silver Mine Tour - Desert Adventures, Vail AZ "The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine." Also, as previously mentioned, no Native American tribes in the region seem to have any history of treating the mountains as anything other than regular mountains. In June 1931, Ruth set out to locate the lost Peralta mine. Silver prices plummeted around the turn of the century, causing most silver mines, including The Silver Chief, to shut down and be abandoned. It appears no one ever bothered to just ask the Native Americans in the area if the mountains were sacred. During Kinos time other Missionaries in California and Mexico were jealous and suspicious of Kino because, while they were poor and struggled his missions were rich and flourished, they said he had a secret gold mine from which he took rich gold and funded his missions and rancheros amassing 50 thousand head of cattle making him the Southwests first mega rancher. It's an entire genre all its own, from pirate maps to all the stuff Nicolas Cage got up to in the National Treasure movies. According to Legends of America, the Native Americans in the area believed the Thunder God of their religion lived in the Superstition Mountains, and thus they were required to protect it with lethal force, killing any who might set foot on the mountain and disturb their deity. There are other legends about gold in the Superstition Mountains. It's impossible to know for certain, but there is one big clue. Those of us local to the area and who have researched the subject know that. He turned out to be the surviving Peralta, and, to express his gratitude, he gave them directions to his familys gold mine in the Superstition Mountains. Either way, she went to the mountains for a while to search. Finally, there really was a successful gold mining family named Peralta, but they were in California, not Arizona, according to Gold Rush Nuggets. Superstition Mountain hasan elevation of 5,024 feet. They came back from the mountains hauling a lot of gold and saying there was far more from whence it came. It's unclear if Waltz himself ever specifically claimed to have a secret gold mine in the mountains, but one woman said he did claim just that Julia Thomas, Jacob Waltz's friend and neighbor, according to Skeptoid. There's no evidence they ever came to Arizona at all. To underline his great find, he had also written Veni, Vidi, Vici (I came, I saw, and I conquered) in his diary. Other storytellers claim that the Peralta Family escaped with gold, but another family died in the massacre. It is easily accessible about 40 miles east of Phoenix via U.S. Highway 60, the Superstition Freeway. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a supposedly rich gold mine either in the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix, Arizona, or somewhere in Mexico. 5: Museum Administration and Membership matters, E-MAILVolunteering questions: [emailprotected]Site rentals: [emailprotected]Membership questions: [emailprotected]Retail and event issues: [emailprotected]Accounting issues: [emailprotected]Administrative and other issues: [emailprotected]FAX(480) 288-6524, Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day and Easter. Bellhop Jesse Capen, 35, was obsessed with the legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. ZERO ZIP NADA!! This seems to have been made up solely for the various legends, according to Tom Kollenborn Chronicles. 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. Dec 18, 2016 #6 JFDIAFF: 4087 East Apache Trail The Peralta Massacre is a legend that Apaches supposedly ambushed a mining expedition the Peralta family sent into the mountains. [27], Throughout the 20th century, various expeditions and individuals continued to search the Superstitions for the Lost Dutchman Mine. The lost Dutchman Gold mine is generally believed to be somewhere near or in the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. In January 1932, human remains were discovered about three-quarters of a mile (1.21km) from where the skull had been found. The conquistador and his men arrived and made their way deep into the mountains, despite the warnings of danger from the local Apache. The neighboursJulia Thomas, Rhinehart Petrasch, and Hermann Petraschspent weeks looking for the gold, but failed to find it. The 500-year-old mines of Bolivia's Cerro Rico mountain produced the silver that once made the Spanish empire rich. Despite his efforts, Willing was never able to recover the money he gave to Peralta. For instance, about six of the maps are relevant, others may be relevant, but for now do not appear to be. Furthermore, Wilburn stated that geology indicates that there is no gold in the Superstition Mountains, which are igneous in origin. These steep, jagged volcanic mountains were formed over 29 million years ago and they cover an area of 160,000 acres. 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. FREE with paid Adult It was the fifth-largest fire in Arizonas history, it raged for over a month, despite the strenuous containment efforts of over 600 firefighters. 4: Volunteer Coordinator In his 1945 book about the Lost Dutchman's mine. A map is available in the gift shop and signage along the path explains the stages. The weather in the Superstition Mountains is notoriously unpredictable, with storms seeming to come out of nowhere and accompanied by abrupt drops in temperatures. It is common knowledge that someone was working the mine in the late 1990s, though what exactly they extracted varies between tellers. [7] A man named Miguel Peralta and his family did operate a successful mine in the 1860s but near Valencia, California, not in Arizona. Humankind has been enthralled by lost treasure legends for ages. Supposedly one of their 18 mines was very rich and they considered it their alfa mine. He died of pneumonia in 1891 and, according to the three neighbours who cared for him, he left them the box of gold under his bed and directions to the gold mine. 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. Around 1860 a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz moved into the Wickenburg Arizona area about 80 miles from Phoenix. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It seems likeliest one of two things happened. Arcana Exploration has been there on four separate trips the first in October of 2015. However, things started going wrong immediately as men began to disappear, later being found decapitated. Apparently, Waltz began to hint he knew of a secret gold vein hidden in the mountains, even giving out a few clues to its location. 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. 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 location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. He had metal pins in his leg, and used a cane to help him walk. . These are tall, volcanic formations in the wilderness and are popular as hiking destinations. The hellhole supposedly also sends out tremendous winds, and these cause the infamous dust storms of the region. Then, she took the map that was either from Waltz's imagination or her own and made a whole lot of money selling copies of it. Since Ruth's death, there have been several other deaths or disappearances in the Superstition Mountains. These are rectangular, cross-shaped, and heart-shaped stones with etchings of a horse, a priest, a dagger, a trail, topographic features, and Spanish inscriptions. We miss it. They are anchored by Superstition Mountain, a large mountain that is a popular recreation destination for residents of the Phoenix, Arizona, area. This land grant was the basis of the James Reavis Arizona land swindle (Reavis became Willing's partner and continued to try to prove the authenticity of the land grant for years after Willing's death). "Dutchman's Gold" was the season 4, episode 19 of, This page was last edited on 6 April 2023, at 12:08. As a counter to Ed Piper, we have Celeste Jones, who was kind of a cult leader from California who . The legend of the lost gold continued to attract people, and, in 1932, a veterinarian in the Park Service, Adolph Ruth, decided to go treasure hunting. I personally spoke with Ron a few months back when he described his findings to me, which he is publishing in a forthcoming book. Animals like deer coyotes, pumas and bobcats live here, existing alongside birds, rodents, snakes, and other reptiles. In 1870, Waltz had a homestead of about 160 acres (0.65km2) near Phoenix where he operated a farm.[18]. Through the years, truth and fiction about . After the conquistadors and priests are purported to have come and gone from the Superstition Mountains, legend tells of another group who arrived sometime in the earlier half of the 1800s. Ruth did not return as scheduled, and no trace of him could be found after a brief search. Cerro Rico: Devil worship on the man-eating mountain - BBC News This is trails end; this is the domain of the Dutch Hunters. When I started this series on the Lost Dutchman Mine, I opened with the claim that the mine had been located, which I believe to be true. Depending on the season, you'll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife. They removed his blindfold and let him take away as much as he could carry. Once again, just ask Gollum. [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". 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. January 1933 a Mining electrican named J.A. Julia, whose occupation is sometimes listed as a nurse and sometimes as a baker, took care of Waltz late in life and the two became close friends. Thomas admitted she drew the map herself but claimed she based it on descriptions given by the Dutchman, according to Skeptoid. The men must deal with a lack of water and the fact that the map leads him into lands held sacred by the Apaches. 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. 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. So what do we really know about these legends, Waltz, and the Superstition Mountains? The story goes that in the mid-1700s, the Superstition Mountains were visited by a group of priests of the Jesuit Order, and they came with over 240 mules loaded down with gold, according to the Denver Post. 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 Mysteries of the Superstition Mountains - Just another WordPress site And, amazingly, a few of these people were also found in the same headless state as Adolph Ruth. One day he travelled to the fabled site of the mother lode, Superstition Mountains near Phoenix, Arizona, and never came back. One of the worst kept secrets of the Superstition Mountains. He is blindfolded and taken there by a circuitous route, and is allowed to take as much gold ore as he can carry before again being escorted blindfolded from the site by the Apaches. The initial search party found no trace of him, but then, in December 1931, they found a human skull with two holes from a .44 caliber. The earliest documentation of him in the U.S. is an 1848 affidavit in which Waltz declared himself to be "about 38 years old". The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Surprisingly, he was a real man. Forgive me if I currently do not have the technical documentation for the claim as the current pandemic has prohibited me from obtaining the source material. These steep, jagged volcanic mountains were formed over 29 million years ago and they cover an area of 160,000 acres. Without doubt the most controversial but easily the most studied, researched and written about of all the historical documentation involving the Superstition Mountains, are the famous Peralta Stones. In some versions of this story, Waltz was actually plundering these shrines for his own gold. Now riddled with tunnels, the mountain is a death trap for the . This is their turf and only the highly experienced and prepared should venture forward. 12 People Who Vanished Looking For The Lost Dutchman Treasure - Ranker Some have died on the search. More please. There May Be a Long-Lost Gold Mine in the Arizona Mountains - Discovery He pursued mining and prospecting, but seems to have had little luck with either. There's some evidence to suggest he engaged in a shady practice called highgrading basically claiming ore is more valuable than it really is. (However, in some versions,[14] the 'mine' is actually a cache put there by the Peraltas.). There have been many stories about how to find the mine, and each year people search for the mine. To paraphrase an old Dutch Hunter, I dont know where the Dutchman is, but I know a thousand places it isnt! The meaning here is that gold can only exist in a prerequisite set of geological conditions. In fact, Julia Thomas was the very first so-called "dutch hunter," combing through the mountains and seeking the lost gold. However, they eventually disappeared after a trip into the Superstitions. Regardless, Dr. Thorne helped the man and he recovered, according to Legends of America. Treasure Map of the Superstition MountainsThe Peralta Stones Waltz relocated to Arizona in the 1860s, and stayed in the territory for most of the rest of his life. When the townspeople went to look for them, they found nearly all of the family slaughtered. 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). They planned to return, but once they left, they were never seen again. Students 11-17 $4.00 When you visit, follow the hard rock mining process from mine to bullion. The stories of conquistadors and Jesuits bearing gold are completely unverifiable without documentation or archaeological evidence. 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. Years later, a man called Dr. Thorne treats an ailing or wounded Apache (often alleged to be a chieftain) and is rewarded with a trip to a rich gold mine. But there's no evidence he was any sort of engineering or mining genius like some legends claim. Many people have died trying to find it over the years, and, even with all the modern technology at our disposal today, the exact location of the mine in the vast wilderness still remains an enigma. Nobody has been able to interpret them correctly. It is believed that all were killed except for two Peralta family members who were severely wounded but managed to escape. Front View of the Peralta Stones. 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. Dr. George M. Willing Jr. paid Peralta $20,000 for the mining rights for an enormous swath of land about 3,000,000 acres (12,000km2) in southern Arizona and New Mexico based on a deed originally granted by the Spanish Empire in the 18th century. Erwin passed the information to his father Adolph, who had a long-standing interest in lost mines and amateur exploration. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. In 1931, the two sought the Lost Dutchman's gold mine, but Adolph Ruth, against his son's wishes, went looking alone, according to Skeptoid. Superstition Mountains - Ghost, lost mines, murder and mayhem. 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. To paraphrase an old Dutch Hunter, I dont know where the Dutchman is, but I know a thousand places it isnt! The meaning here is that gold can only exist in a prerequisite set of geological conditions. According to the story, in about 1912 Erwin C. Ruth gave some legal aid to Gonzales, saving him from almost certain imprisonment. No, were not really a mining company. Votes: 53 Join us as we explore the Mysteries, Legends and stories of the Superstition Mountains. Since Jacob Waltz's death, thousands of people have searched all throughout the Superstition Mountains for the location of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine, to no avail, according to USA Today. Mike . Reports of inexplicable sounds, sightings, and events have led to claims of supernatural beings and even aliens. Over the next few weeks we will provide some images and photos taken at or very near the site. 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. Children 10 and under This tale involves two German men, Jacob Waltz and Jacob Weiser. The Lost Dutchman mine is far from the beginning of the legends of gold hidden in the Superstition Mountains. [13] In most versions of the tale, Jacob Waltz locates a rich gold mine in the Superstition Mountains (in many versions of the story, they rescue or help a member of the Peralta family and are rewarded by being told the location of the mine). The Peralta Stones are a set of engraved stone tableted works that are approximately 18 inches long and weigh about 25 lbs. He reportedly said it came from a secret mine in the Superstition Mountains. 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]. So let me say it again, the documentation found ON the stones is the most important thing not so much who carved them. It can also be a touchy subject to broach, depending on who you are speaking with. In researching this, I have had the fortune of speaking with some of the most knowledgeable historians and experts on the subject, which has only deepened my love for the Superstitions. While a few versions have Waltz outright stealing the gold, in other versions, he either rescued or fell in love with an Apache woman who shared the secret of a gold vein her people had been mining for centuries, but as punishment for sharing the knowledge with an outsider, her tongue was cut out, ensuring she could never speak again. It's very possible the clues are also unverifiable legends people have clung on to in hopes of finding riches. When is the documentary goimg to start back up? But the map to the Peralta mine was said to be missing. Superstition Mountain - Wikipedia Many people took the landmark to be the Weavers Needle but had no luck finding any gold nuggets in its vicinity. The Pima Indians famously feared the mountain that they knew as Ain-we-gophon (Superstition Mountain). In December, 1931, The Arizona Republic reported on the recent discovery of a human skull in the Superstition Mountains. 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. Towards the very south of the Silvermine Mountains is the highest peak in the mountains, Keeper Hill or in Irish Sliabh . Traditionally, the mountains were deemed to be part of the Slieve Felim Mountains. [9] As of 1975, ruins of the Peralta mine were standing.[9]. Thorne sold the ore for $6000 and became a wealthy man. The Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This problematic paradox, I believe, is the product of years of misdirection to steer seekers to the west side of the mountains. The clues themselves do not prove that it is the Dutchman. I will make a statement in the near future that will surprise a lot of Dutch Hunters it surprised me. 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. The earliest Lost Dutchman's mine in Arizona was said to have been near Wickenburg, about 180km (110mi) north-west of the Superstition Mountains: a "Dutchman" was allegedly discovered dead in the desert near Wickenburg in the 1870s alongside saddlebags filled with gold. After traveling to the region, Ruth stayed several days at the ranch of Tex Barkely to outfit his expedition. Next week I will list some clues that are absolutely relevant to what we have physically on site. Sort by Popularity - Most Popular Movies and TV Shows tagged - IMDb There are numerous hiking trails that hikers can access from multiple points, one of the more well-known ones being the Peralta Trailhead. TheSuperstition Mountains, furthermore, are the abode of the Thunder God, and he causes the frequent regional thunderstorms. Willing died in 1874 before there had been a thorough investigation of the documents or opportunity to cross examine him on the stand as was later done with Reavis. July 3, 1947 James A Cravey, age 62, a retired photographer, was reported missing after he had chartered a helicopter June 19, 1947 to drop him off in the Superstition Mountains to look for the Lost Dutchmans Mine. The only thing slightly off the cuff, is that three of them do ride their Harleys from central Ohio to Sturgis and back on a regular basis, but more about them later. In yet another version of the tale, two (or more) U.S. Army soldiers are said to have discovered a vein of almost pure gold in or near the Superstition Mountains. Among the many legends to have emerged from the area, one of the most enduring ones is that of The LostDutchmansGold Mine. "The St. Johns herald. While the Jesuits were eventually allowed to return to the area, it seems they either forgot the treasure or couldn't find it, and so it was still in the mountains when it was perhaps discovered by none other than the Dutchman himself, Jacob Waltz. And is that information relevant? "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. Lost Dutchman State Park | Arizona Yet, legend insists that it does. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. James Rogers was the man who actually discovered the ledge and he became a partner with Enslinger. 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. [42] The park was expanded to 320 acres (130ha) in 1983. 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). 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.
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