silver chief mine superstition mountains
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). There are several paths that go through the brush and cacti. 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. [28], One fact against the existence of "Lost Dutchman Mine" is that Waltz was a "placer miner"; while the gold pieces he had were in quartz, the Superstition Mountains are in fact volcanic. So, where is it then? The Pit Mine is located close to the Randolph Mining District, which is historically well known and produced vast amounts of silver. In the version in which the Apaches killed the Peralta Family, the surviving member then went on to get embroiled in a brawl fight years later. The Lost Dutchman State Park, which opened in 1977 and has the Peralta Trail, is also a nod at the legend. It next surfaced in history in 1957 when it was claimed by a man named Quentin Ted Cox. Some searchers for the mine have disappeared in likely wilderness accidents. In January 1932, human remains were discovered about three-quarters of a mile (1.21km) from where the skull had been found. His expeditions led to the discovery of several of what he called Spanish mines which, at the time, was in contradiction to accepted history. 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. Still, there is by no means a consensus among Dutch Hunters and many dismiss it entirely, regardless of scientific evidence. The search has been a profound one and I discovered that it wasnt the mine I was looking for, but the story. It is a ranger-guided hike focusing on the aesthetic . [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". Your browser doesn't support the HTML5 CANVAS tag. 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. He said the bars were all stamped with what appeared to be a crown. 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. In 1870, Waltz had a homestead of about 160 acres (0.65km2) near Phoenix where he operated a farm.[18]. We will share as much as we can for now, but as I stated earlier we are preparing for a return trip, and the location has to remain secret. Hardie agrees to join a father searching for his son who is seeking a lost gold mine in Arizona's Superstition Mountains. 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. 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. 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. Only one (sometimes two) could not be accounted for. The Pima Indians famously feared the mountain that they knew as Ain-we-gophon (Superstition Mountain). While walking thru the shaft holding a digging iron one day, I was tapping the floor to make sure it was solid. The trails in the Superstition Mountains range from short, easy strolls in the desert to strenuous climbs of some of the most dramatic volcanic peaks and everything in between. Still, this doesn't dissuade treasure hunters. Hanna-Barbara, Jean Giraud, and Don Rosa have incorporated the story in their cartoons. Web. According to Thomas, it was on his deathbed that Jacob Waltz shared the story of his secret mine, and even provided a map to it filled with clues. Keep in mind for security reasons for now I have to be selective on what we divulge. The Supers are east northeast of Phoenix. Full Moon Hike at Lost Dutchman. (St. Johns, Apache County, Arizona Territory [Ariz.]) 18851903, September 8, 1892, Image 2", Dunning, B. Many people took the landmark to be the Weavers Needle but had no luck finding any gold nuggets in its vicinity. Within the refuge are 14 trail heads that cover 190 miles. Because of what we have discovered at the site, Arcana Exploration believes we have proof for the first time that there is a common link between Waltz and the Peraltas. The early Spanish the Peraltas the Jesuits and many others all came to the Superstition Mountains looking for legendary gold. Two prospectors saved his life and, in gratitude, he gave them directions to the gold mine, thus setting off a wild goose chase that continues to the present day. 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. Even if the stories of soldiers looking specifically for the Lost Dutchman mine are true, there's no evidence they actually found anything at all and didn't just move on empty-handed, no mysterious deaths required. Blair suggested that "fragments of this legend have perhaps become attached to the mythical mine of Jacob Waltz".[6]. People off his Mine that he cover up with a ironwood tree :The books give me my In fact, Julia Thomas was the very first so-called "dutch hunter," combing through the mountains and seeking the lost gold. The Superstitions Mountains lie within the Tonto National wildlife refuge and consist of 242 square miles not counting other designated and preserved areas that boarder the Tonto National Forest and wildlife refuge. [2] [3] So let me say it again, the documentation found ON the stones is the most important thing not so much who carved them. 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. Just to connect some dots, Mason was the fellow who staked the two soldiers who turned up dead while seeking their lost bonanza. [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). While walking out of the horizontal shaft, you will walk over a 2' x 8' walkway. According to their folklore, the mountain guards an ancient storehouse of precious metals and treasures, and anyone who ventures forth to get the treasure is likely to die. Gary also spoke to the Feldman family, who have been searching for the mine since the 1960s, under patriarch Ron's tutelage. Seniors $6.00 (65 and older) Thorne claimed that he was taken captive by Navajos in 1854, and that during his captivity he had discovered a rich gold vein. Reports of inexplicable sounds, sightings, and events have led to claims of supernatural beings and even aliens. [42] The park was expanded to 320 acres (130ha) in 1983. Superstition Mountains - Ghost, lost mines, murder and mayhem. 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. There have been many stories about how to find the mine, and each year people search for the mine. Over the decades, this tale was gradually absorbed into the Lost Dutchman's story. He had acquired maps that he was sure would lead him straight to the gold. Up on the mountain, if someone breaks a leg; it will take at least two on the team to get you down; it is dangerous for three healthy climbers, much less one with broken body parts. The Gold Rush was in full swing and Waltz wanted a piece of those potential fortunes. New posts Top Treasure Finds Search forums Members Current visitors New profile posts Search profile posts. Mine records show that one possibly two Peralta family members with possible links connecting them to the 1848 massacre, also worked at the Vulture mine during the same time period as Waltz. 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. [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. It is here were you will reach areas that are barely penetrable, this is where most trails stop abruptly for safety reasons. Come on. Supposedly, the Peraltas actually found a very rich gold vein and set up a mining operation. Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a supposedly rich gold mine either in the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix, Arizona, or somewhere in Mexico. 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. [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. This is considered to be the starting and gathering point for most Dutch Hunters. While this is true, it is also true that gold pockets can exist alongside of silver veins. 4087 East Apache Trail 3: Gift Shop and Event Manager Dave McElligott Waltz died in 1891 of pneumonia, but before he passed, he gave a few final clues to the location of his mine and even provided a crude map to it. If these conditions do not exist, gold will not exist. The hellhole supposedly also sends out tremendous winds, and these cause the infamous dust storms of the region. Sign up for exclusive updates, previews and special content: So, where is it then? January 1933 a Mining electrican named J.A. They came back from the mountains hauling a lot of gold and saying there was far more from whence it came. He had worked as a miner but was an amateur prospector at best. 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. Due to the out-of-control fire, the Arizona authorities were forced to close the State Route 88, and, along with it, public access to the Canyon, Apache Lake, Apache Campground, picnic sites, and trailheads. What is important is the informational content recorded on the stones. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. And now we get to the real problem with these legends there's basically zero evidence any of them ever happened. Many other mysterious deaths in the Superstition Mountains followed that of Ruths in the subsequent years, including two soldiers from the U.S. Army. If you need rescued, they will land two miles away and hike in to get you. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 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. However, the Peralta Mine eventually became unprofitable and after the money was gone Miguel Peralta turned to fraud. You need at a bare minimum, at least a three- man team. Tales of these other Lost Dutchman's mines can be traced to at least the 1870s. Every week see new adventures that unfold another Mystery of the Superstition Mountains on our YouTube Channel. "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. There, his blindfold was removed and he saw a cave full of gold. But what they actually found has been a hidden secret that people have been trying to piece together for last 125 years. Legends have. It appears no one ever bothered to just ask the Native Americans in the area if the mountains were sacred. 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). It is believed that all were killed except for two Peralta family members who were severely wounded but managed to escape. The Peralta Massacre is a legend that Apaches supposedly ambushed a mining expedition the Peralta family sent into the mountains. The Chief Silver mine is completely dry except for one area. After he had spent many years in their midst, the Apache Elders decided to reward his selfless service with gold. 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. 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. Choice of of building material I like Ironwood +, There is a typo that should be alpha mine not alfa mine. Thorne sold the ore for $6000 and became a wealthy man. [9] As of 1975, ruins of the Peralta mine were standing.[9]. It is common knowledge that someone was working the mine in the late 1990s, though what exactly they extracted varies between tellers. 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). Richman, Irwin. These steep, jagged volcanic mountains were formed over 29 million years ago and they cover an area of 160,000 acres. Either way, she went to the mountains for a while to search. This problematic paradox, I believe, is the product of years of misdirection to steer seekers to the west side of the mountains. 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. 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. Please note that admission prices for Special Events are subject to change. Yet, legend insists that it does. It is known as the Pit Mine because of the funnel like shape it was dug in, which was common in Spanish and Mexican mining. 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 was indeed a Jacob Waltz who emigrated to the U.S. from Germany. [5] One Lost Dutchman's mine is said to be in Colorado, another in California; two are said to be located in Arizona. When is the documentary goimg to start back up? While this doesn't mean it's impossible there's gold to mine up there, it makes it far less likely. The stories of conquistadors and Jesuits bearing gold are completely unverifiable without documentation or archaeological evidence. Ruth disappeared while searching for the mine in the summer of 1931. Fact Analysis: There have been many stories about how to find the mine, and each year people search for the mine.