Apparently, he 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. 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). Herman Petrasch accused his brother, Rhinehart, of not paying attention to Jacobs bedside clues and the disagreement led to their never speaking again. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. In June 1931, Ruth set out to locate the lost Peralta mine. 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. That same year, two California boys, who were hiking on Superstition Mountain, also vanished. Thorne claimed that he was taken captive by Navajos in 1854, and that during his captivity he had discovered a rich gold vein. Ruths untimely demise did nothing to dissuade further searchers. For the next ten years, Waltz would often appear in Phoenix, with saddlebags filled with some of the richest gold ore many had ever seen, before disappearing once again into the Superstition Mountains. 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 [12] Thorne related his claims to three U.S. soldiers in about 1858. 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. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. However it occurred, in the 1870s, the mine was worked, and Waltz found the gold that had been hidden in the Superstition Mountains. They soon returned to Sonora, laden with gold and planning another trip. In 1970, a seasoned prospector named Al Morrow was killed by a boulder that fell into a tunnel that he was digging. WebBackground: The Lost Dutchman Mine was founded by a German prospector named Jacob "The Dutchman" Waltz in 1876. WebThe Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Found! 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. Bohen was a Utah prospector who had been shot in the back. However, in 1846, four descendants of the original grant, Enrico, Pedro, Ramon, and Manuel Peralta, decided to make another foray into Arizona, risking not only the curse, but also the wrath of the Apache. [29][clarification needed]. A skull with two bullet holes was found six months later. On the northwest slope of the mountain, in an area now referred to as Massacre Ground, all but one of the miners were ambushed and killed by the Apache. The Pennsylvania Dutch Country. WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a fabled gold mine located in the Southwest, though it's exact whereabouts are unknown. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. 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. His head had been severed from his body and was lying several feet away. A reward was immediately offered by the family and searchers combed the mountain for the next 45 days but Ruth was not found. WebLegend tells of the Lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the Superstition Mountains.. So, if any of the earlier tales of gold founds are true, where did it come from? 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 Arizona place-name expert Byrd Granger wrote, as of 1977, the Lost Dutchman's story had been printed or cited at least six times more often than two other fairly well-known tales, the story of Captain Kidd's lost treasure, and the story of the Lost Pegleg mine in California. Born in 1810 in Wrttemberg, he first appears in American records in 1848. He knew that gold had been found in the Superstition Mountains. 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. When they showed a bag of gold ore to the Silver King Manager, Aaron Mason, the manager was stunned to see how rich the ore was and immediately began to ask where they had found it. The Lost Dutchman story actually begins in the 1800s when the wealthy, Mexican Peralta family came to the region to work mines under a Spanish land grant. The 66-year-old Ruth stayed at the ranch of Tex Barkely as he prepared for his expedition. WebThe Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Found! It is thought that Apaches stole the gold and hid it in the mountains. Blair suggested that this Waltz could be the same Waltz who later came to be regarded as the legendary Dutchman, and that he Americanized the spelling of his family name. [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. 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. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. Never shaving or cutting his hair, he seldom bathed and rumors said he was prone to running naked through the canyons, firing a pistol into the sky. Many believe it's hidden in the Superstition Mountains, and it's rumored a curse falls upon all those who try to find it. 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. 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. However, these expeditions further enraged the Apache, who then began to prey on all trespassers. Quick Facts: Lost Dutchman State Park Camping. Aware of the Apache displeasure, they kept these mining trips at a minimum, not wanting to risk the ferocious Apaches ire. In 1870, Waltz had a homestead of about 160 acres (0.65km2) near Phoenix where he operated a farm.[18]. Waltz, a German immigrant, who had relocated to Arizona some years previous, worked as a prospector and owned a homestead on the northern side of Superstition Mountain. The Lost Dutchman story actually begins in the 1800s when the wealthy, Mexican Peralta family came to the region to work mines under a Spanish land grant. But for thousands of others, the mine and its legends are extremely real, hidden in the forbidding peaks of the Superstition Mountains. Fees: $25-$35 per campsite. The shot in his skull was ruled an accidental shooting incident. The Lost Dutchman story actually begins in the 1800s when the wealthy, Mexican Peralta family came to the region to work mines under a Spanish land grant. WebFor more than 120 years, the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine has haunted the minds and souls of treasure seekers throughout the world. Another found it in the Western Superstitions. Waltz is attacked and wounded by marauding Apaches, but survives at least long enough to tell a man called Dr. Walker about the mine. In December, 1931, The Arizona Republic reported on the recent discovery of a human skull in the Superstition Mountains. 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). The start of the most famous legend to come from the mountains, that of the Lost Dutchman Mine, begins with these fortune-seekers. 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. After spending all her money, Thomas made a living from selling maps of the supposed location. He was living in Arizona in the 1860s and did mine for a living. See options Full view There May Be a Long-Lost Gold Mine in the Arizona Mountains By: Mae Rice For more than a century, adventurous souls have sought the Lost Dutchman Mine, and since 1891, more than a hundred people have claimed to find it. East of Phoenix, Arizona is the Superstition Mountain range, more commonly referred to by locals, as the Superstitions. Standing majestically at the forefront of this rough terrain is Superstition Mountain, a 3,000-foot high monolith, which seemingly stands guard over the rest of its territory. 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. Malm was later sent to the county poor farm, not doing much better himself. Over the years, many people have tried to find the Lost Dutchmans mine, and several have lost their lives searching for gold hidden in the Superstition Mountains. He sent friends back to his home to see if they could find the gold that he had kept there. 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 elder Ruth had fallen and badly broken several bones while seeking the lost Pegleg mine in California. [12] The three soldiers set out to find the gold, but without success. He died on October 25, 1891, after having been nursed by an acquaintance named Julia Thomas (she was usually described as a quadroon). Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Fees: $25-$35 per campsite. That same year, an elderly couple was found murdered in an automobile. In April of 1958, a deserted campsite was discovered on the northern edge of the mountain. A day-use entrance is $10 per vehicle. 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. Two more men who were hiking in the Superstitions that year became involved in some kind of dispute. [11] According to Blair, the origin of this story can be traced to a doctor named Thorne who was in private practice in New Mexico in the 1860s. He had metal pins in his leg, and used a cane to help him walk. $89+ per night for cabins. The legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine is a quintessential version of just such a story. Some have died on the search. People want to think the Lost Dutchman mine has gold hanging off the walls. Apparently, he 2017 Sharlot Hall Museum - Library & Archives. Skeptoid Podcast. However, Ruth ignored Barkely's advice, and set out for a two-week stint in the mountains. Clapp had been missing since July. Said to be the most famous lost mine of all time, it continues to draw prospectors to the Superstition Mountains of Arizona in In 1910, Malm appeared in Mesa, Arizona telling everyone that Silverlock had tried to kill him. Arizona is host to one of the great treasure legends of not just America, but of the world: The Lost Dutchman Mine. Quite literally so, according to Southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger. He knew that gold had been found in the Superstition Mountains. In 1945, a book about the Lost Dutchman Mine was written by Barry Storm, who claimed to have narrowly escaped from a mysterious sniper. 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. This account is usually dated to about 1870. During this time, the Apache had turned their wrath against the Arizona settlers and the U.S. Army. In his pack was gold ore, later discovered to be identical to that of the rich ore Jacob Waltz had found earlier. 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). While there, he met an Apache girl named Ken-tee, who despite the fact that Waltz was almost 60 years old, became his mistress. Blair had little doubt that Waltz related to Thomas the location of an alleged gold mine. "Tex" Bradford of Globe Arizona went in search of the "Lost Dutchman Mine"; by October 1933 he had been missing for nine months. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. The Peralta Massacre is a legend that Apaches supposedly ambushed a mining expedition the Peralta family sent into the mountains. The legend continued to grow and soon the lost mine was referred to as the Lost Dutchman, as many at the time confused the Germans with the Dutch. Temperatures during the day can easily climb to more than 100 degrees and at higher elevations can drop into the freezing temperatures at night. Five days later, another skeleton was found, which was later identified as William Richard Harvey, a painter from San Francisco. 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. January 1933 a Mining electrican named J.A. WebA curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the identical place, confirming the location. One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. The Symposium is co-sponsored by the Sharlot Hall Museum and the Prescott Corral and is open to the public free of charge. 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. In the first decade of the 1700s, he began to explore the region, finding several sources of gold. 2, or via email at archivesrequest@sharlothallmuseum.org for information or assistance with photo requests. [3] Former Arizona Attorney General Robert K. Corbin is among those who have looked for the mine. 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. According to Blair, the story may have its roots in the efforts of three U.S. soldiers to locate gold in an area of New Mexico, based on an allegedly true story related to them by Dr. Thorne of New Mexico; see above. The note ended with a Latin phrasetranslating to I came, I saw, I conquered.. Shrouded in mystery, the mine is not only allegedly rich in gold but is also said to have a curse upon it, leading to a number of strange deaths, as well as people who mysteriously go missing when they attempt to locate the old mine. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. Scientists say that the Superstition Mountains dont contain the type of mineral deposits that produce gold. The soldiers are alleged to have presented some of the gold, but to have been killed or to have vanished soon after. Just a year later, two deer hunters were driven off the mountain, when again rolling boulders appeared to have been pushed by someone or something down the mountain towards them. Many believe it's hidden in the Superstition Mountains, and it's rumored a curse falls upon all those who try to find it. He died in 1891 and, on his deathbed, he confessed to his neighbor, Julia Thomas, who was caring for him, where to locate 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.. Since Ruth's death, there have been several other deaths or disappearances in the Superstition Mountains. Five days later, another skeleton was found, which was identified the next month to be that of William Richard Harvey, a painter from San Francisco, California. Arriving in the area in May, Ruth convinced two local cowboys to pack him into the mountains, where they left him to his exploring at a place called Willow Springs in West Boulder Canyon around June 14th, 1931. December 09, 2019 It was then that the pair moved near the Superstition Mountain range. Over the decades, this tale was gradually absorbed into the Lost Dutchman's story. In 1955, Charles Massey, who was hunting with a 22, was found shot between the eyes by a heavy-caliber rifle bullet. Hiking and camping are popular activities. The Lost Dutchman Mine is the most famous in American history. The following year another man named Dennis Brown, was also found dead of a gunshot wound. But in the 1990s, roughly 100 years after the Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found it. 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