In the 1870s, Jacob Waltz, "the Dutchman" (actually a native of Germany), was said to have located the mine through the aid of a Peralta descendant. But with the dollars decline in recent years, gold mining has experienced a sudden resurgence: From the Discovery Channels show. He later earned a teaching certificate, served asTheodore Roosevelts right-hand-man in the Rough Riders, and become an Arizona State Representative. Legends of lost gold have long been part of Arizona history. Almost every prospector, whether professional or tenderfoot, had his own pet lost mine that he looked for. A huge variety of Copper and Silver minerals covering all imaginable shades of blue and green abound throughout the state, and there is of course the famous rainbow petrified wood from the Petrified Forest National Park region, which . For More Information It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. These sites exist in some of the most rugged, dangerous wilderness areas of the U.S. Forest Service, said George E. Johnston, president emeritus of the Superstition Mountain Museum. But Ruth did indeed find the Lost Dutchman, according to a message in a bottle. Old time miners would sample gold bearing rivers following the wa. Copyright 2007-2023 & BIG THINK, BIG THINK PLUS, SMARTER FASTER trademarks owned by Freethink Media, Inc. All rights reserved. of gold. - arizona gold mine stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images In 1853, Pegleg organized a second search party which had no greater success in finding the butte where he found his treasured black-coated gold nuggets. He reportedly said it came from a secret mine in the Superstition Mountains. He died before he was ever able to return to the desert in search of his gold-covered buttes. It is a fact; however, that the Cibicu Indians of the Cherry Creek Valley knew of the existence of a rich placer field. 8248 Lost Mine Rd. Learn how your comment data is processed. But did you know the state is also home to a 30-square-mile sand dune field? In 2006, all of Arizonas gold production came as a fortuitous byproduct of copper mining. Pegleg Smith was a rugged mountain man who traded furs and supplies, rustled horses and trapped beaver. The mines involved usually contain a high-value commodity such as gold, silver or diamonds. Your email address will not be published. {notificationOpen=false}, 2000);" x-data="{notificationOpen: false, notificationTimeout: undefined, notificationText: ''}">, Copy a link to the article entitled http://A%20Map%20to%20the%20Lost%20Dutchman%20Gold%20Mine. The expedition never returned, and the members of the party were later found dead at the foot of the San Ysidro Mountains. The ore in the heaps was about the same character as that which had been brought into Wickenburg in the early days by the Lost Dutchman, but it didnt agree at all with the ore in the shallow prospect hole, which was not considered worthy of further development. Not only is it 600 miles of mountains, lakes and rivers, but leaving late in the season means the winter may derail their plans. The tests revealed the gold to be rich, but the man was never able to find the original dig site again. By the time the miners had excavated all of the gold at La Paz, they had retrieved eight million dollars worth. Jacob Snively hit the first major gold strike around 1857 with sizeable nuggets found in the Gila River near Gila City, Arizonas first boom town. Have found the lost Dutchman. Attempts have been made to locate it atleast since 1892. Adams understood to have been a San Bernardino colony Mormon, in 1886 heard from a Mexican, a story of a rich gold deposit, and forming a party of 22 men, struck eastward to a point supposed to have been near Fort Apache, where the Diggings were found. Lost Mines & Buried Treasure of the Southwest by Thomas Penfield, Lost Cities & Ancient Mysteries of the Southwest by David Hatcher Childress, Lost Gold and Silver Mines of the Southwest by Eugene L. Conrotto, Lost Mines & Buried Treasures of Arizona by W.C. Jameson, Southwest Treasure Hunters Gem & Mineral Guide: Where & How to Dig, Where to Find Gold in the Desert by James Klein, 3 Thrillseekers wanted to travel to Sweden, Ecuador or Canada in July with World Nomads, Worldwide: Getty Images Awarding $10,000 Grants to 3 Instagram Photographers, New Creative Opps for Travelers in Switzerland, Montana, Michigan, California & Marfa, Texas, Hey Dutchman Hunters! In the morning they found the spring fairly paved with gold nuggets. Experience this 4.0-mile loop trail near Gold Canyon, Arizona. Wild beaches, snow-capped mountains, dense woods, and lush rainforests can be found across America. Packing their booty onto a number of mules, they fled, heading northwest toward a remote pass through the Arizona/Mexico border. With Arizona's wild and violent past, you can bet there are quite a few that exist in our Southwestern state. While at the camp, she told the workers about the gold nuggets she found and left them with one of the nuggets before she continued on her way. The find might have been the later famous Bonanza, in a western extension of the mountain, from which several millions of dollars in free gold were extracted. Free, no day use fee. A medical examiner ruled that Ruth died of natural causes (i.e., that broken leg, plus starvation), but some maintain that he was murdered because he knew too much about the legendary mine. These tales have been told by prospectors, doctors, law enforcers, rangers and by every common person who believes enough to retell the tale. A man of that name was born in Wrttemberg in 1810 and emigrated to the U.S. From the 1860s onward, hehomesteaded in Arizona, pursuing mining and prospecting as a hobby a quite unsuccessful one. This evidence, along with the stories and records of gold transport issued by Waltz, confirms the legend of the Lost Dutchman. One searcher claimed to have found veins of gold in a narrow canyon just south of the Mazatal Mountains (near Four Peaks on Maricopa/Gila County borders). There is a Superstition Mountain Museum at 4087 N. Apache Trail, Highway 88 in Apache Junction. In May 1871 he was in Prescott, coming with several companions from Nevada, and in that month reached Phoenix from the North with about thirty men. Arizona Association of Gold Prospectors (AAGP), Phoenix. Lost Gold and Silver Mines of the Southwest by Eugene L. Conrotto, Dover Publications, 1991. Governor A.P.K. There, they spied the hat-shaped mountain, since known by the name of Sombrero Butte, and the men prospected widely through the Tonto Creek and Cherry Creek Valleys, and over the Sierra Ancha Mountains. By the 1860's large discoveries of gold were occurring in the Bradshaw Mountains, especially along the Hassayampa . Tragicomically, she and her team passed over two enormous gold mines on their search for the Lost Dutchman Mine, which they didn't find. Basin. They build files which contain details, bits and pieces of a legend so old and peculiar, they cannot rest until the mystery is solved. But will big risks lead to an even bigger pay out? During the 1840s, the Peralta family of northern Mexico supposedly developed rich gold mine(s) in the Superstition Mountains. The Lost Dutchman Mine is also the most sought after in American history. They are the tallest trees on Earth, with some reaching more than 250 feet tall. One story describes the journey of a discharged soldier who followed Pegleg's trail from Yuma to Los Angeles. Desert Rocks & Minerals: GOLD! At the time, he was living in Phoenix, reportedly on land owned by Julia Thomas, a local bakery owner. The Indian said he had seen much larger pieces of the same substance and started off to show him the treasure. Robsons Mining World, Wickenburg: Pan for gold with guided instruction and view the worlds largest collection of antique mining equipment.. Stars Jesse Feldman Josh Feldman Clark Moore See production, box office & company info Add to Watchlist Wickenburg initially worked the mine by himself, but sold the gold ore to other prospectors. The body of one "dutch hunter" (as they are known to locals) was found in the Superstition Mountains as recently as 2012. He died in Phoenix in 1880. Often, there is a map (sometimes called a "waybill") purportedly showing the location of the mine. The Lost Dutchman State Park, which opened in 1977 and has the Peralta Trail, is also a nod at the legend. Lost Cities & Ancient Mysteries of the Southwest by David Hatcher Childress, Adventures Unlimited Press, 2009. He claimed that he was the only survivor of a party that had found wonderful placer diggings somewhere near a hat-shaped hill over beyond the Tonto. He disappeared, as usual, one night, and never returned. Join DesertUSA as we continue the search for gold in the Desert. None of these maps featured any real location of the mine. Offers gold prospecting private instruction, day trips & vacationsin the Weaver Mountains from Sept-June. Doc is just one of an endless stream of treasure hunters in search of the. Wormley reached the river, almost demented from his sufferings, and was unable to guide a party back into the desert. But the mine remains shrouded in mystery, so much so that it might not exist at all. The records do not account for any gold that was sold locally or given to family or friends. The desire for gold can be so great that it motivates men to endure unbelievable hardships including starvation, dehydration and death. Gold Mining Clubs & Dig Sites It is said that Pegleg got drunk while in Los Angeles, started a brawl in the local saloon and was quickly kicked out of town by the authorities. As recent as January 2011, the. They keep hoping that one day soon, they will be the lucky one who discovers the long lost mine, the one which has been sought after for years by others with similar faith. What i, Magic hour castle walks. He had a very irritating habit of disappearing from the camp once in a while, going by night, and taking with him several burros, whose feet would be so well wrapped that trailing was impossible. Pegleg's Lost Mine - video Riding on Gold - Pegleg Smith But the mine remains shrouded in mystery, so much so that it might not exist at all. Two of their horses dropped of fatigue and thirst and their provisions ran out. The area is dotted with ancient cliff dwellings and caves, many showing signs of former habitation. Attempts have been made to locate it at, The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine has been situated in four quite distinct locales. New Evidence About the Lost Dutchman Mine Arizona is known for several mineral types in addition to the elements Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), and Copper (Cu). However, the story and possibility of stumbling across immense wealth has enticed hundreds of people to attempt searching for the gold mine and a fair number of those lives have ended in death. In the distance, he saw a high mountain, crowned with a peculiar rocky formation like a gigantic thumb turned backward (a description that might be Sombrero Butte) to the east of Cherry Creek Valley. Thank you! When Ashleys dad took a break to go into Phoenix on business, the young man decided to investigate a rumored lead deposit nearby. For almost 120 years now, theyve been looking for it. The lure, he said, continues to draw treasure hunters from all over the world to the Superstitions. Gold in Morgan City Wash: In 1934, Palmer Ashley was helping his father work a difficult, low-grade prospect near Morgan City Wash, 23 miles outside of Wickenburg. The famous legend began during a trapping expedition down the Colorado River in the late 1820s or early 1830s. Usually, the story ran that the Indians would bring in gold and silver, but would refuse to tell the secret of their wealth. It was against the tribal law and beliefs of the Apaches to tell others where the gold was located. The best times to visit this trail are September through May. Superstition Mountains, are able to present some of it to a third party but afterwards are killed or vanish. He was believed to be part of Pauline Weavers original exploration party that traveled along the Hassayampa River. Better evidence was secured a few days later in the discovery of the dead horse, with the gold ore strapped to his back. When he reached the top of the butte, he discovered free particles of gold scattered about. Many prospectors and historians wonder why he did not go back to the desert and search for the butte where he discovered the gold. Then, in 1891, he died . However, when asked if theyd been lucky as of late in their gold-seeking endeavors, one man was only willing to say that he finds enough to keep him interested.. In the desert somewhere west of Vurna, many expeditions have searched for the lost Peg-Leg Mine, said to have been discovered by a one-legged individual named Smith, about forty years ago. P.S. Rich Hill is the center of a vast 40 square mile placer mining area. When the mines closed, the towns died, and their remains have become ghost towns and tourist attractions. After he had conquered the epidemic, he was placed upon a horse and taken to a deep rock-walled canyon laced with a high ledge of quartz that glittered with flecks of gold. The Weaver - Rich Hill district is located near the intersection of four townships, each one being one of Arizona's top gold areas. It is said that more men have sought Pegleg's black nuggets than any other lost mine. 602.274.2521 Boettcher Mansion, Capitol Hill, Denver - built in, Always nice to have a solid noodle place with love, Red rock vistas, 2021. The deed was bogus, and Willing never recovered his money. Get counterintuitive, surprising, and impactful stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday. The story continues that after working for a while, eleven of the party started for the Pima villages for supplies. As recent as January 2011, the Arizona Republic reported more remains found in the Superstition Mountains, suspected to be three Utah friends who disappeared the previous July while searching for the riches of the fabled Lost Dutchman Mine. Common reasons for the mines being lost include: Pegleg and his party had acquired a large number of pelts during their trip and selected Pegleg and another member of the trapping party to take the supply of pelts across the desert to Los Angeles for sale. Rich Hill was the single richest discovery of gold in one place. Goldfield Ghost Town, Goldfield: Stop in at the Prospectors Palace to learn the art of panning from a gold historian. Each step into the desert may bring you a little closer to a fortune. Arizona Gold Mining Adventure, Phoenix. Gold mines subsequently popped up all over the state in riverbeds, hills, caves and mountains. So how to get started? He said there was a black man in the party, who the other miners called Ni**er Ben, and described him as a good man, who was the only one of the party who dared to prospect alone. Back in 1540 Francisco Vasquez de Coronado led a large expedition across Arizona in search of the mythical Seven Cities of Gold. This post card is a humourous version of the many serious treasure maps that undoubtedly circulated in Arizona and environs at the height of gold mine fever, at the end of the 19th century. He sold the mining rights to a large area in southern Arizona and New Mexico to Dr George M. Willing, Jr., based on a deed originally granted by the Spanish Empire. Lost mines are a popular form of lost treasure legend. Hunting lost Spanish gold mines for me started back in 1992 when I moved back to Sedona Arizona. Six Planets are Retrograde, What Does that Mean for You? Some 8,000 people each year try to find it. Night skies are getting 9.6% brighter every year, How skills-based training can build the workforce of the future, Parents, boys also have body image issues thanks to social media. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The differences are evident in the variance of descriptive landmarks, dates, and historical information. The Ashleys were never able to retrace Palmers path to the ledge. All human development, from large cities to small towns, shines light into the night sky. Chapter 12 of Thunder God's Gold by Barry Storm (John Clymenson), published in 1945, tells a very interesting story about a large piece of rich gold quartz found by William (Bill) Jenkins while on a picnic in the Superstition Mountains with his family in 1937. Superstition Mountains. It has been looked for in Colorado, California and in two places in Arizona the other one being near Wickenburg, 180 km north-west of the, Granger distinguished three main elements to the story, with the most complete version of the story incorporating all three legends. One of the most popular Arizona legends also happens to be one of the most deadly: the Lost Dutchmans gold mine. This is a popular trail for hiking and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. A passing prospector had told him to hike a half-mile up the wash to a 20-foot-high wall on the right bank. 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Share A Map to the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine on Facebook, Share A Map to the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine on Twitter, Share A Map to the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine on LinkedIn. Spaniard Don Joaquin conducted mining exploration in the Sierra Estrella Mountain Range south of Phoenix, Arizona in the mid-1800s. 8302 Lost Mine Rd. Just a few feet down the trail, we found several people swishing gold pans in the water, while others had more intensive operations with motors set up behind the screen of brush along the riverbed. We must ask ourselves the toughest question of all -- "Do I believe there is still gold to be found in the desert?" One of the best authenticated of these stories was of the Lost Soldier Mine. The story has had little embellishment and, in part, may be true. ( AAGP ), Phoenix and lush rainforests can be so great that it might not exist at all a... 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