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. Once again, just ask Gollum. I have been lucky enough to uncover a few, which you will forgive me if I keep, at least for now. What there is documentation to support is that the Dutchman may have been a con man. Still, this doesn't dissuade treasure hunters. The elder Ruth had fallen and badly broken several bones while seeking the lost Pegleg mine in California. Finally The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Is Found! Only one (sometimes two) could not be accounted for. Waltz is also said to make a deathbed confession to Julia Thomas, and draws or describes a crude map to the gold mine. These are tall, volcanic formations in the wilderness and are popular as hiking destinations. Just to connect some dots, Mason was the fellow who staked the two soldiers who turned up dead while seeking their lost bonanza. The story of the Peralta Stones is that they lead you to a small almost invisible ledge, 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 man. We are a non-profit corporation under Section 501 (c) 3, organized to collect and preserve the history and legends of Arizona's Superstition Mountains, and to support research, education and publications involving the region. 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. Thorne is said to be either unwilling or unable to relocate the mine. 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. The exact year varies, but the story goes that a rich Mexican mining family named Peralta also came to the area in search of gold. 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. These include Barry Storms book Thunder Gods Gold, published in 1945, detailing his own efforts to find the gold, and the Glen Ford and Ida Lupino movie, Lust for Gold, from 1949. Allegedly, people saw the Jesuits come up to the Superstition Mountains with their loads of gold, but when they were spotted again on the other side, the mules carried no loads. 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. OH, I almost forgot there is no cell phone service absolutely none. C. Colt1911 Tenderfoot. When I was a young buck, I used to always visit my dad in Arizona. One of the worst kept secrets of the Superstition Mountains. The area is filled with ghost tales, monster . Come on. There's the thrill of the hunt, solving the clues, and what could be a better payoff than a big cache of riches? Magill's adventures were chronicled in the book The Killer Mountains, by Curt Gentry. "Jesse James Feldman has uncovered compelling new evidence of a chain of events that link pre-Anglo mining in Arizona's famed Superstition Mountains with Jacob Waltz and the Peralta miners. While popular with campers, hikers, and adventure seekers, these mountains are also known for their exceedingly hot summers, freezing winters, harsh winds, unpredictable storms, treacherous terrain, and mysterious happenings. John D. Wilburn in his book Dutchman's Lost Ledge of Gold (1990), wrote that the Bulldog Gold Mine near Goldfield, Arizona, fits very well the description Jacob Waltz gave as the location of his 'lost mine'. Certainly, do not expect it to be an open space you can pop into and have a look around. 9 May 2022. Within the refuge are 14 trail heads that cover 190 miles. It's impossible to know for certain, but there is one big clue. 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. As a counter to Ed Piper, we have Celeste Jones, who was kind of a cult leader from California who . Finally - The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Is Found! He had acquired maps that he was sure would lead him straight to the gold. 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. The Jesuit priests were the most educated and loyal orders to the King of Spain (and to the Pope). What really happened to Ruth? Like most legends, when you strip it down as close to the truth as possible, it is never as glorious as imagined. Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine - Wikipedia According to the Apaches (North American Indians), the entryway to hell is in the Superstition Mountains. It's also worth noting the mountains aren't known to have gotten their ironic name from any of the above legends. Unfortunately, when a group followed the clues given in Ruth's letter, they found nothing. This problematic paradox, I believe, is the product of years of misdirection to steer seekers to the west side of the mountains. The Lost Dutchman mine is far from the beginning of the legends of gold hidden in the Superstition Mountains. They planned to return, but once they left, they were never seen again. Mysteries of the Superstition Mountains - YouTube 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 stories of conquistadors and Jesuits bearing gold are completely unverifiable without documentation or archaeological evidence. Nearly fifty years later, Ron Feldman proved Coxs theory to be true, documenting a Spanish mine at Rogers Springs, only a few miles from the Pit Mine. Within the refuge are 14 trail heads that cover 190 miles. A not-insignificant number of those Dutch hunters have gotten hurt or even killed. [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 fact, after five years including thousands of hours of research and then four expeditions starting in 2015, The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine has been found by Arcana Exploration and Discovery. "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). The soldiers are alleged to have presented some of the gold, but to have been killed or to have vanished soon after. Great discoveries have been made in the name of hunting for hidden wealth, but much blood has been shed in those same pursuits, too. The Lost Dutchman Mine, Arizona - Legends of America Cox also believed he had found the Dutchman, though it is unclear to which one of his claims he made this attribution. Other storytellers claim that the Peralta Family escaped with gold, but another family died in the massacre. There are many variations of this story, including that the mine is cursed, killing anyone who . 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. In December, 1931, The Arizona Republic reported on the recent discovery of a human skull in the Superstition Mountains. The Pima Indians famously feared the mountain that they knew as Ain-we-gophon (Superstition Mountain). Superstition Mountain - Wikipedia Don Miguel Peralta was the head of a powerful and wealthy Mexican family from Sonora, and they were either ranchers or operated mines or did both. 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. There was a catastrophic flood in Phoenix in 1891, and Waltz's farm was one of many that was devastated. Buy "In Search of the Heart" by Phil Reinhardt at http://www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org/museumgifts/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_. Every week see new adventures that unfold another Mystery of the Superstition Mountains on our YouTube Channel. The Superstition Mountain Historical Society was formed on December 27, 1979. Hiking and camping are popular activities. 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? We are currently in the process of planning for a return trip to further document our findings. Hanna-Barbara, Jean Giraud, and Don Rosa have incorporated the story in their cartoons. After he had spent many years in their midst, the Apache Elders decided to reward his selfless service with gold. 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. In the weeks and months to come we will use much of the historical information, and show how it ties directly to what we have found. 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. VISIT While this theory did not ignore the two holes in the skull, it did fail to explain how Ruth had managed to remove and bury the empty shell, then reload his gun, after shooting himself through the head". There are many stories about hidden gold in the Superstition Mountains, and these usually mention the Peralta Family. To underline his great find, he had also written Veni, Vidi, Vici (I came, I saw, and I conquered) in his diary. Arcadia Publishing. There have been many books, films, and cartoons about the Lost Gold of the Superstition Mountains. In it, he puts together the clues and evidence and makes a convincing case for the Pit Mine. The closest approximate was a German miner of the PennsylvaniaGerman community. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. (Chris J / Flickr). The Lost Dutchman Mine Part Eleven: The Stone Maps, The Lost Dutchman Mine Part Ten: The Dutch Hunters, Linda Hazzard: Seattles First Serial Killer. These steep, jagged volcanic mountains were formed over 29 million years ago and they cover an area of 160,000 acres. Two prominent landmarks here are the Weavers Needle and the Miners Needle. It was the fifth-largest fire in Arizonas history, it raged for over a month, despite the strenuous containment efforts of over 600 firefighters. There are other legends about gold in the Superstition Mountains. James Reavis tried to assert that the Peralta family had a Spanish land grant and a barony granted by the King of Spain, which included a huge swath of Arizona and New Mexico, including the Superstition Mountains. It is a ranger-guided hike focusing on the aesthetic . Many believe there is a connection and that they sold their families mine to Waltz and his partner. The story sometimes claims there were arrows all around, and so thus it must have been the Apache protecting their sacred mountains. Then the Apaches killed Jacob Weiser,or according to some, Waltz himself did it. [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). 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. There are lots of similar tales of gold-hunting soldiers, too, from all over the southwest. According to the story, in about 1912 Erwin C. Ruth gave some legal aid to Gonzales, saving him from almost certain imprisonment. Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a supposedly rich gold mine either in the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix, Arizona, or somewhere in Mexico. This is what brought him to the Superstition Mountains (yes, that's their real name) near what is today the city of Phoenix, Arizona. On the east side of Phoenix in Arizona lies the spectacular range of the Superstition Mountains that straddle the Tonto National Forest and the Superstition Wilderness area. If you find the above article inaccurate or biased, please let us know at[emailprotected]. In June 1931, Ruth set out to locate the lost Peralta mine. Chief Silver Mine Tour - Desert Adventures, Vail AZ For more. The praying hands formation at the Superstition Mountains range. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The Peralta Stones are a set of engraved stone tableted works that are approximately 18 inches long and weigh about 25 lbs. For the first time ever, Arcana Exploration has undeniable physical proof that the mine exists, proof that is to say, photographic physical documentation that many of the generally excepted clues, are in fact real and do exist and are physically present in one location. Mysteries of the Superstition Mountains - Just another WordPress site There have been many stories about how to find the mine, and each year people search for the mine. Do some math. That's not even counting those hunting the treasure in the ensuing years. Cox was a contrarian to the accepted Waltz lore of the day and had his own theories about thePeraltasand Waltz. Blair had little doubt that Waltz related to Thomas the location of an alleged gold mine. As Curt Gentry wrote, "Dr. Hrdlicka positively identified the skull as that of Adolph Ruth. The Apaches were either enraged over the violation of their sacred mountains or wanted to steal the gold from them. Supposedly, the Peraltas actually found a very rich gold vein and set up a mining operation. It is a prominent landmark located generally south and east of the Salt River, rising approximately 3,000 feet (910 m) above the Salt River Valley. The search has been a profound one and I discovered that it wasnt the mine I was looking for, but the story. Some have died on the search. Waltz found it in the mountains and came to grab gold out of it as needed. When you visit, follow the hard rock mining process from mine to bullion. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. Depending on the season, you'll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife. It is believed that all were killed except for two Peralta family members who were severely wounded but managed to escape. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Dec 18, 2016 #6 JFDIAFF: Regardless, Dr. Thorne helped the man and he recovered, according to Legends of America. 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. Cerro Rico: Devil worship on the man-eating mountain - BBC News This is only speculation, what I do know is that, people who have dismissed the information on the stones, no matter who carved the stones, those non believers have been badly mistaken. Further legends claim the conquistador and his men were bearing their own reserves of gold, looted from previous expeditions, but ended up leaving it behind when they escaped whatever was killing them. 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. 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). Sep 2, 2019 5 6 . Paperback $39.95 9 Used from $24.95 The Saga of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine legend. He said the bars were all stamped with what appeared to be a crown. He had metal pins in his leg, and used a cane to help him walk. First, let's talk about the geology of the mountains. 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. He had worked as a miner but was an amateur prospector at best. Skeptoid Media, 29 Jan 2013. It is easily accessible about 40 miles east of Phoenix via U.S. Highway 60, the Superstition Freeway. To recoup the costs of the search, Julia Thomas actually began to make handmade copies of Waltz's map and sell it to others. Thorne sold the ore for $6000 and became a wealthy man. Lastly, the alleged mine directions Ruth had were from an 1895 newspaper account. 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. [19][20] After this was unsuccessful, Thomas and her partners were reported to be selling maps to the mine for $7 each. The short "Discovery Trail" is a clear route with several placards giving the natural history of the area. The legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine is a quintessential version of just such a story. Considering that any mining activity in the area would be a federal crime, you can understand why folks might not be so forthcoming with information. The stories differ from here onward. Superstition Mountain, Arizona, by Kathy Alexander. We miss it. Padre Kino founded many missions including Mission San Xavier del Bac near Tucson. January 1933 a Mining electrican named J.A. Eventually, the conquistador ordered his men to flee and he never returned to the mountains, which they called Monte Supersticin, thus giving the mountains the name of Superstition. 12 People Who Vanished Looking For The Lost Dutchman Treasure - Ranker Many people took the landmark to be the Weavers Needle but had no luck finding any gold nuggets in its vicinity. They supposedly did and brought a good amount of gold back to town according to Tom Kollenborn Chronicles. Thorne claimed that he was taken captive by Navajos in 1854, and that during his captivity he had discovered a rich gold vein. "The St. Johns herald. The mine is there to be seen, appraised, and judged in any way you see fit, but the story of how it got there is the real treasure. As the mountains have a desert climate and few water resources, there is not much vegetation here. However, Ruth ignored Barkely's advice, and set out for a two-week stint in the mountains. When is the documentary goimg to start back up? In fact, the location fits well for both the Doc Thorn and the Two Soldiers stories. There's no evidence they ever came to Arizona at all. According to legends, a man named Jacob Waltz, the titular Dutchman (though he was actually German and not Dutch), came to America to seek out his fortune around the 1860s, according to Lost Dutchman State Park. (St. Johns, Apache County, Arizona Territory [Ariz.]) 18851903, September 8, 1892, Image 2", Dunning, B. each. The lost Dutchman Gold mine is generally believed to be somewhere near or in the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. It is rumoured that if the stones are put together in the right way, they are a map to the Peralta Familys gold deposits. The hellhole supposedly also sends out tremendous winds, and these cause the infamous dust storms of the region. Towards the very south of the Silvermine Mountains is the highest peak in the mountains, Keeper Hill or in Irish Sliabh . The Superstition Mountains and the Legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine Mining History - Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum ZERO ZIP NADA!! Home. People have been seeking the Lost Dutchman's mine since at least 1892,[2] while according to one estimate, 9,000 people annually made some effort to locate the Lost Dutchman's mine. Seniors $6.00 (65 and older) [12] Thorne related his claims to three U.S. soldiers in about 1858. [27], Throughout the 20th century, various expeditions and individuals continued to search the Superstitions for the Lost Dutchman Mine. However, things started going wrong immediately as men began to disappear, later being found decapitated. 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. Supposedly a mine with fabulously rich gold deposits. And importantly I have hard facts that the Stones are linked to other historical information. The Superstition Mountains to the east of Phoenix, AZ reportedly hold a legendary motherlode of gold known as the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine. Without going into a lengthy scientific explanation, I will say that geology defies the existence of gold in most of the Superstition Mountains, especially on the western side. While Francisco Coronado did exist and did explore what is now the southwestern United States, there's nothing indicating he ever visited the Superstitions. [10] Trouble came after Willing learned that the deed was entirely bogus. He reportedly said it came from a secret mine in the Superstition Mountains. Frank Jacobs. Pingback: Legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Parts 2 & 3: Finally Found! The Superstition Mountain Historical Society Inc is a non-profit corporation organized to collect and preserve the history, legends, and lore of Arizonas Superstition Mountain, to support research, education, and publications involving the region, and to maintain a historical museum devoted to these endeavors. [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=1148479290, All articles with bare URLs for citations, Articles with bare URLs for citations from April 2023, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from July 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. The neighboursJulia Thomas, Rhinehart Petrasch, and Hermann Petraschspent weeks looking for the gold, but failed to find it. And is that information relevant? The breathable air on some surfaces actually gets even hotter; this is the biggest killer in the Superstition Mountains and dont forget the rattle snakes, scorpions, tarantula spiders, Gila monsters plus huge mountain lions and dozens of other things that will take your life. The one, tangible piece of evidence still in existence are the samples remaining from the ore taken by Dick Holmes, namely the matchbox. Jesse Feldman, son of Ron Feldman, indicated his belief that the mine was in the Rogers Trough area in his book, . Still, there is by no means a consensus among Dutch Hunters and many dismiss it entirely, regardless of scientific evidence. The Supers are east northeast of Phoenix. 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. Sort by Popularity - Most Popular Movies and TV Shows tagged - IMDb This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. First you drive to the outskirts of Phoenix and find Apache Junction, then pick up the old Apache Trail (route88) and go about 35 miles to Tortilla Flat, site of the old stage coach Pony express stop, along the Apache Trail. Traditionally, the mountains were deemed to be part of the Slieve Felim Mountains. Explore The Mysteries. The Jesuit Treasure of the Superstition Mountains. A map is available in the gift shop and signage along the path explains the stages. Legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Parts 2 & 3: Finally Found! However, even armed with the clues and map, no one in the area could find the Dutchman's mine, thus giving it the name of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine. One day he travelled to the fabled site of the mother lode, Superstition Mountains near Phoenix, Arizona, and never came back. You need at a bare minimum, at least a three- man team. When the townspeople went to look for them, they found nearly all of the family slaughtered. Nobody has been able to interpret them correctly. Superstition Mountain is located within the greater Superstition Mountains range 43 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona, in the fringe of the state's central mountain region. However, things can go wrong. (Doug Dolde / Wikimedia Commons). The Legend Of The Lost Dutchman And His Gold Mine Explained Among the many legends to have emerged from the area, one of the most enduring ones is that of The LostDutchmansGold Mine. The Chief Silver mine is completely dry except for one area. "[24], Authorities in Arizona did not convene a criminal inquest regarding Ruth's death. As the story goes, Waltz had some minor success drawing gold out of the mountains, and eventually, he started coming back to town with huge loads of high-grade gold ore.