The Lost Dutchman's Mine Legend in the Superstition Mountains Documented by Timothy Draper Categories & Site Details: Famous Treasure Stories, Field Research, Gold, Gold & Doubloons, Metal Detectors, Mining Legends, Mysteries, Spanish History, Spanish Treasure, Treasure Sites in America Table of Contents Stories vary on how Waltz found this hidden treasure. There are lots of similar tales of gold-hunting soldiers, too, from all over the southwest. Recommended. Many people have dismissed them as a hoax. The Weavers Needle rock column of Arizonas Superstition Mountains is often said to mark the location of the Lost Dutchman Mine. Josh Feldman of the HEAT team assists in excavating the main shaft by pulling up debris, loaded one bucket at a time. The detailed record keepers the Mexican miners were, there is not another mine in here that would 'fit' for this time and location. The Lost Dutchman Mine: The Greatest Gold Horde Thats Never Been Found. The story of the missing mine started when the Peralta family moved to the area in the early 19th century to try their luck at mining. The conquistador ordered the men to stay close together so they weren't picked off, but this didn't help. Afterwards, Waltz fell ill (he was rumored to have contracted pneumonia during the flooding). RaksyBH/Shutterstock 1:00. In most variants of the story, the family of a man called Miguel Peralta discovered the mine and began mining the gold there, only to be attacked or massacred by Apaches in about 1850 in the supposed Peralta massacre. But the mine remains shrouded in mystery, so much so that it might not exist at all. It was supposedly discovered and kept secret by a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz in the 19th century, in Season 3, Episode 2, \"Guardians of Superstition Mountain.\" #AmericaUnearthedSubscribe for more from America Unearthed and other great HISTORY shows:http://histv.co/SubscribeHistoryYTFind out more about the show and watch full episodes on our site:http://www.history.com/shows/Check out exclusive HISTORY content:History Newsletter - https://histv.co/newsletterWebsite - https://histv.co/HistoryFacebook - https://histv.co/FacebookTwitter - https://histv.co/TwitterIn \"America Unearthed,\" host Scott Wolter uses hard science and intuitive theories to explain the most mysterious artifacts and sites in America. After a five-year wait, HEAT obtained a Treasure Trove Permit for the purpose of re-excavating a mine in the Superstition Wilderness. The Lost Dutchman While on a voyage to Mount Everest, George Mallory and Andrew Irvine disappeared, and with them a camera. So from what you know about the mine let me know the . That, in and of itself, is a separate legend. In many areas they cannot, and will not for any reason land, and actually have designated no fly zones. After growing up on the East Coast and California, Feldman moved in 1968 to Arizona where he established a successful stable offering trail rides and pack trips into the rugged mountains that were once home to the Apaches. For instance, about six of the maps are relevant, others may be relevant, but for now do not appear to be. They found what they were looking for and then some, according to Lost Dutchman State Park. According to the tales, a Spanish conquistador (often said to be Francisco Vazquez de Coronado, but sometimes reported as any number of other explorers, real and fictional) came to the Superstition Mountains in the mid-1500s searching for a mythical city of gold, one of the legendary Seven Cities of Gold, somewhere in the mountains, according to Legends of America. 1873. A note from Ruth saying he needed help and had discovered the mine was found in the Salt River. "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. In June 1931, Ruth set out to locate the lost Peralta mine. [25] Blair noted that the conclusion of the Arizona authorities was rejected by many, including Ruth's family, and "those who held onto the more romantic murdered-for-the-map story". In some versions, he's not just a man but the chieftain of the Apache tribe. Hola amigos - I am writing this post because of the continuing controversy over whether there is any real evidence of the famous Lost Dutchman's gold mine. Admission: $7 . Over the years, Feldman has accumulated a serious band of like-minded treasure seekers and Dutch hunters. According to historian Tom Kollenborn, the Superstition Mountains were an unlikely place to strike it rich: 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 man. The story continues that the Peralta family found and mined gold in the Superstition Mountains. per adult. It was loosely named Lost Deutschman or Lost German Mine, and to this day, anyone who researches or tries to find the gold are generally referred to as Dutch hunters. The U.S. Government issued the group one of few Treasure Trove Permits. In 1977, 292 acres (118ha) abutting the Tonto National Forest were set aside as the Lost Dutchman State Park. Over the decades, this tale was gradually absorbed into the Lost Dutchman's story. I've never done a forum before, so I am new to this. The permit allows Feldmans group to re-excavate the main shaft and drifts under strict controls and government supervision. The network's all-original programming slate features a roster of hit series, premium documentaries, and scripted event programming. He died on October 25, 1891, after having been nursed by an acquaintance named Julia Thomas (she was usually described as a quadroon). [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. 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. I've, Was the Lost Dutchman Mine real? Come on. 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. The earliest Lost Dutchman Gold Mine in Arizona was said to be near Wickenburg, where in the 1870's a Dutchman was found dead in the desert, together with some saddlebags filled with gold. The body of one dutch hunter (as they are known to locals) was found in the Superstition Mountains as recently as 2012. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. The exact location of the Lost Dutchmen's Mine remains a mystery. [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. Background: The Lost Dutchman Mine was founded by a German prospector named Jacob "The Dutchman" Waltz in 1876. "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). A 19th century map detailing mines in Arizona. Waltz found it in the mountains and came to grab gold out of it as needed. "[24], Authorities in Arizona did not convene a criminal inquest regarding Ruth's death. In Lost Dutchman Mine 3D the player takes on the role of Fred Homestake. Over the next few weeks we will provide some images and photos taken at or very near the site. $169.00. However, the Peralta Mine eventually became unprofitable and after the money was gone Miguel Peralta turned to fraud. [5] One Lost Dutchman's mine is said to be in Colorado, another in California; two are said to be located in Arizona. April Warnecke 4/11/2022. But they're even better known for something else: the legendary Lost Dutchman's Mine, a much-ballyhooed secret stash of wealth sought by daring adventurers known as "Dutch hunters." [10] Trouble came after Willing learned that the deed was entirely bogus. In 1748, the area now known as Arizona (along with the Superstition Mountain) was given by Spain as a land grant to a Mexican cattle-baron by the name of Don Miguel Peralta of Sonora. Adolph Ruth, a government veterinarian, had an obsession with finding the Lost Dutchman Mine. The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine is the most famous lost mine in American history. A fire broke out overnight at the Mining Camp Restaurant in Apache Junction and consumed the historic restaurant near Lost Dutchman State Park. It's likely this legend just got re-adapted to the Superstitions to boost the legend of the Lost Dutchman's mine. Nevertheless, the lore has led to the publication of several books (and, in turn, a few movies), although they mostly just embellish off the basics of the existing oral legend one of the great tales of treasure in modern history. Lemuria: The Fabled Lost Continent That Turned Out To Be Real Almost, How Al Jorden Made Doris Day's Life A Living Hell, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. Pingback: Legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Parts 2 & 3: Finally Found! 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. 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. [19][20] After this was unsuccessful, Thomas and her partners were reported to be selling maps to the mine for $7 each. History of the Lost Dutchman Mine The rugged range of mountains east of the Salt River Valley encompasses some of the most breathtaking, untouched wilderness recesses in America. The photographic evidence taken at the site along with a selection of maps combined with historical documentation together, links the most generally accepted and related informational evidence too present day boots on the ground reality. 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. Waltz relocated to Arizona in the 1860s, and stayed in the territory for most of the rest of his life. Finally, there really was a successful gold mining family named Peralta, but they were in California, not Arizona, according to Gold Rush Nuggets. In the years after the massacre, the legend around the Lost Dutchman Mine grew, attracting treasure-seekers who hoped to find the cache (perhaps worth about $200 million according to one estimate). [42] The park was expanded to 320 acres (130ha) in 1983. 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. As the legend grew, so did the size of the fortune. Jesse Capen, a 35-year-old bellhop from. Thomas admitted she drew the map herself but claimed she based it on descriptions given by the Dutchman, according to Skeptoid. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. According to the story, in about 1912 Erwin C. Ruth gave some legal aid to Gonzales, saving him from almost certain imprisonment. As Curt Gentry wrote, "Dr. Hrdlicka positively identified the skull as that of Adolph Ruth. Clay Worst says the Dutchman bounced all over America obsessed with finding gold---and found nothing. George Mallory's Lost Camera. ARIZONA, USA It's arguably the most famous legend in all of Arizona: A gold mine of unfathomable riches in the . Illustration by Jonathan Fehr. They came back from the mountains hauling a lot of gold and saying there was far more from whence it came. Lost Dutchman Mine. HISTORY is the leading destination for award-winning original series and specials that connect viewers with history in an informative, immersive, and entertaining manner across all platforms. Padre Kino founded many missions including Mission San Xavier del Bac near Tucson. Skeptoid Podcast. It is generally accepted that the Peraltas and roughly 400 peon miners were massacred by the Apaches sometime around 1848. Three Aitons, father and two sons, are reported to have found what was known the past fifty years as the "Lost Dutchman" mine in the Bradshaw mountains. There's some evidence to suggest he engaged in a shady practice called highgrading basically claiming ore is more valuable than it really is. Feb 21, 2021. The Superstition Mountains in Arizona are bound to be home to at least a few good stories by virtue of their name alone. 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. In 1891, German immigrant Jacob Waltz, nicknamed "the Dutchman," lay on his deathbed. Image property of Arcana Exploration, photo taken at the Lost Dutchman Museum Apache Junction, Arizona. Legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Parts 2 & 3: Finally Found! Take AZ-101 to U.S. 60 east of Scottsdale to approach the towering peaks of the Superstition Mountains looming large over the horizon. 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. "Waltz said it was a vein of gold surrounded by hematite in quartz," according to Tuttle. As of mid-2017, he and his crew had spent about 30 production days in and around Apache Junction. [17] Note that tombstone pictured shows birth year as 1808. We know today they're not actually sedimentary rock, but volcanic, according to Lost Dutchman State Park. But Blair suggested that this core story was distorted in subsequent retellings, comparing the many variants of the Lost Dutchman's story to the game of Chinese whispers, where the original account is distorted in multiple retellings of the tale.[15]. The Gold Rush was in full swing and Waltz wanted a piece of those potential fortunes. Today, the lost gold would be worth over 200 million dollars.
Mike Williams Deepwater Horizon Net Worth,
Marika Gombitova Vtipy,
What Do You Write In A Spanish Sympathy Card,
Boutiques In Oxford, Ms,
Articles L