lost dutchman mine

He was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. Mason bought the ore from the men, outfitted them and entered a partnership with the pair to share in the profits. Ruths treasure map was found at his original campsite. Later, Waltz was suspected of high-grading ore from the Vulture Mine and was dismissed. According to the story, in about 1912 Erwin C. Ruth gave some legal aid to Gonzales, saving him from almost certain imprisonment. All Rights Reserved. Jacob finally died on October 25, 1891. Blair insisted that the Peralta portion of the story is unreliable, writing: "The operation of a gold mine in the Superstitions by a Peralta family is a contrivance of 20th century writers". While there, he met an Apache girl named Ken-tee, who despite the fact that Waltz was almost 60 years old, became his mistress. In 1978, a man named Manuel Valdez was murdered in the Superstitions. Though it is not known if he found the fabled Dutchmans Mine, his forays did produce the coveted shining metal, adding more fuel to the legend of gold in the Superstitions. 2, or via email at archivesrequest@sharlothallmuseum.org for information or assistance with photo requests. WebA curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the identical place, confirming the location. In 1970, a seasoned prospector named Al Morrow was killed by a boulder that fell into a tunnel that he was digging. Location: Apache Junction, AZ. 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. Erwin passed the information to his father Adolph, who had a long-standing interest in lost mines and amateur exploration. Now all we had to do was dig, and we would surely find one of the richest and most hunted treasures in the worldthe Lost Dutchmans Gold Mine, secreted in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix, Arizona. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. He sent friends back to his home to see if they could find the gold that he had kept there. The mines location remains a mystery to this day. The lost Dutchmans gold mine location Ramiro valdez Oct 28, 2021 2 Replies 38 Views 8K Sunday at 7:31 PM EDN E Peter's Canyon, The Jeauits, and the Lost Dutchman LDWhitneyAuthor Jan 22, 2023 2 3 Replies 55 Views 3K Feb 16, 2023 LDWhitneyAuthor Clue 4 Peaks Lined up as 1 ConceptualizedNetherlandr Apr 19, 2014 8 9 10 Replies 181 Views 23K 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. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. Lost Dutchman Mine is a simulation game that casts the player in the role of a gold miner in the 1860's. [8] The mine was quite profitable, earning about $35,000 in less than one year; Blair described this as "an unusually good return" for such a small gold mine to earn in such a relatively brief period. After the land was ceded to the United States, the Peralta party was trespassing on U.S. soil. The shot in his skull was ruled an accidental shooting incident. [3] Former Arizona Attorney General Robert K. Corbin is among those who have looked for the mine. At the campsite were a bloodstained blanket, a Geiger counter, a gun-cleaning kit, but no gun, cooking utensils, and some letters, from which the names and addresses had been torn from. (St. Johns, Apache County, Arizona Territory [Ariz.]) 18851903, September 8, 1892, Image 2", Dunning, B. Famed Apache Geronimo is sometimes mentioned in relation to this story. Camping: 135 sites (68 with electric/water) and cabins can be reserved year-round through Arizona State Parks. However, sometime later legend tells us that Dr. Thorne determined that he would try to find the place again. 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. 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. 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. WebA curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the identical place, confirming the location. However, Ruth ignored Barkely's advice, and set out for a two-week stint in the mountains. 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. This does not deter the many seekers the search, itself, is simply too intriguing. In 1748, the Superstitions, as well as some 3,750 square miles of what is now Arizona, were given to Mexican cattle-baron, Don Miguel Peralta of Sonora, in a land grant. Lastly, the alleged mine directions Ruth had were from an 1895 newspaper account. Apache Before the Storm, Edwards S. Curtis, 1906. The fact of the finding of the mine for the past twenty years has kept alive the mining industries of the territory. "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. The Superstitions are now a federal wilderness area and Arizona State Park, so even if the gold were found it would have to be surrendered to the government. The 66-year-old Ruth stayed at the ranch of Tex Barkely as he prepared for his expedition. Ruth had in his possession what he claimed was a map giving the location of In retaliation, the Apache, who were convinced that Ken-tee had betrayed the site of their secret shrine, they attacked Waltz and his Indian mistress, seizing Ken-tee and cutting out her tongue. 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. 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. This and other Days Past articles are also available at https://sharlothallmuseum.org/articles/days-past-articles.l. The story of the Lost Dutchman Mine might have become just another obscure legend had it not been for an easterner named Dr. Adolph Ruth, an amateur treasure-seeker who ambled into the Superstitions in the summer of 1931. 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. 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. A century and a half later, having heard of the rich gold to be found in the Superstitions, Jesuit priest Eusebio Francisco Kino, whose objective was to establish missions and Christianize the Indians, was lured by the tales. The coroner ruled it an accidental death resulting from a ricochet. Arcadia Publishing. 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. Two years later, in 1980, the skeleton of a man named Rick Fenning was found. Said to be the most famous lost mine of all time, it continues to draw prospectors to the Superstition Mountains of Arizona in It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. Ruth disappeared while searching for the mine in the summer of 1931. Four days later, an investigation determined it belonged to an Austrian student named Franz Harrier. In 1976, a prospector named Howard Polling was found dead of a gunshot wound. In June 1947, a prospector named James A. Cravey made a much-publicized trip into the Superstition canyons by helicopter, searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine. WebBackground: The Lost Dutchman Mine was founded by a German prospector named Jacob "The Dutchman" Waltz in 1876. The two, sure that they could find the place, then headed towards Weavers Needle, but after two weeks had not returned. Searchers should never enter the wilderness area by themselves, should take plenty of water, and pack lightly in order not to overexert themselves. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. The earliest documentation of him in the U.S. is an 1848 affidavit in which Waltz declared himself to be "about 38 years old". The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. 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. In gratitude, Gonzales told Erwin about the Peralta mine in the Superstition Mountains, and gave him some antique maps of the site (Gonzales claimed to be descended from the Peralta family on his mother's side). 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. It would be his last. The rest of the treasure hunters body would not be found until the next month, in a small tributary on the east slope of Black Top Mesa. A few years later Weiser disappeared without a trace. 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. When Cravey failed to hike out as planned, a search was started and although his camp was found, Cravey was not. (However, in some versions,[14] the 'mine' is actually a cache put there by the Peraltas.). It was not his manner that earned him his eccentric reputation; rather, it was his appearance, his high intelligence and the isolated way that he lived. Location: Apache Junction, AZ. He was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. Although there has been no proof that the mine exists many people have joined the search for the hidden gold. A month later, the missing mans body was found with a bullet hole above his right temple. The legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine is a quintessential version of just such a story. The Lost Dutchman Mine is the most famous in American history. Quite literally so, according to Southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger. Allegedly, there were rifle shots and indications of foul play. The note ended with a Latin phrasetranslating to I came, I saw, I conquered.. However, before he could return to the spot, he had a heart attack. August 16, 1896: George Carmack finds gold in the Yukon | History 101, Ancient Roman city found off English highway | History 101. Generally speaking, this mine is claimed to be situated in the Superstition Mountains, described by one source as a collection of rough terrain that has gained the name of a single mountain which lies to the east of Phoenix, the Arizonan capital. But, Adophs son, Erwin, was convinced his father had been killed. However, before relocating to what is now Pinal County, Arizona, Waltz worked at the Henry Wickenburgs Vulture Gold Mine near Wickenburg, Arizona. His bullet-ridden body was removed to the coroners, who ruled it a suicide. Quick Facts: Lost Dutchman State Park Camping. 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. Although his gun was found under the body, the death was ruled suicide. When nothing had been heard of Ruth for six days, the cowboys boss, a man named Tex Barkley, went looking for the treasure hunter. Sinking dozens of shafts into the mountainside, they found little gold, other than some scarce remains from the Peralta Massacre. It does not. The Mojave County Miner reported in its 1901 October 12 issue: The Lost Dutchman mine has again been found. Later that year, two easterners went looking for the lost mine. Undaunted; however, Julia and the Petrasches made an expedition into the Superstitions that summer, trying to find the mine. This was the first official recording of the mines existence. In the first decade of the 1700s, he began to explore the region, finding several sources of gold. The Superstition range covers approximately 160,000 acres of desolate, rugged terrain, so arid that only a bit of desert vegetation and a few sparse strands of Ponderosa Pine are all that grows. The true story of a prospecting success. 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. The elder Ruth had fallen and badly broken several bones while seeking the lost Pegleg mine in California. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. They were discovered by the Apache, who killed them before they could escape with the gold. Blair cited evidence of the historical Jacob Waltz and suggested that additional evidence supports the core elements of the story that Waltz claimed to have discovered (or at least heard the story of) a rich gold vein or cache. Quick Facts: Lost Dutchman State Park Camping. In January 1961, a family picnicking near the edge of the mountain discovered the body of Hilmer Charles Bohen buried beneath the sand. The secret or the mystery as to why Waltz never filed another claim after leaving the Bradshaws is the question addressed in the presentation of The Lost Dutchmans Mine: A Mystery Solved? The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. After traveling to the region, Ruth stayed several days at the ranch of Tex Barkely to outfit his expedition. The land not only contained a rich gold mine, but also several silver mines. A German immigrant,Jacob Waltz,is supposed to have discovered the mine in the 19th century and became known as the Lost Dutchman. At the time, the term Dutch was used for people from the Netherlands and Germany. WebFor more than 120 years, the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine has haunted the minds and souls of treasure seekers throughout the world. As Curt Gentry wrote, "Dr. Hrdlicka positively identified the skull as that of Adolph Ruth. They were never seen again. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. [12] Thorne related his claims to three U.S. soldiers in about 1858. The first was the Gross Lode filed in the Walker Mining District. Superstition Mountain, Arizona by Kathy Weiser-Alexander. A note found in his checkbook claimed he had discovered the mine and included directions. A day-use entrance is $10 per vehicle. The player was free to roam around the desert and town at will constrained only by the need to make sure they had enough food to eat and a safe place to sleep. He was a student of mining and was knowledgeable in geology. Lewing claimed self-defense. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. In 1949 a man named James Kidd disappeared in the Superstitions. He soon returned to Pinal, saying that he had found an old mine, describing it as the most God-awful rough place you can imagine a ghostly place. Dearing; however, continued to work as a bartender until he could save enough money for the excavation. One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. The following year, brothers, Richard and Robert Kremis, were found dead at the bottom of a high cliff. The next person to come across the mine was a man named Dr. Abraham Thorne. Years later, a man called Dr. Thorne treats an ailing or wounded Apache (often alleged to be a chieftain) and is rewarded with a trip to a rich gold mine. Herman Petrasch accused his brother, Rhinehart, of not paying attention to Jacobs bedside clues and the disagreement led to their never speaking again. Richman, Irwin. Since Ruth's death, there have been several other deaths or disappearances in the Superstition Mountains. 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. The legends had begun. In 1977, 292 acres (118ha) abutting the Tonto National Forest were set aside as the Lost Dutchman State Park. 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. He sent friends back to his home to see if they could escape with the to... At archivesrequest @ sharlothallmuseum.org for information or assistance with photo requests mason bought the ore the. Missing mans body was found a bartender until he could return to the spot, he discovered... Place, then headed towards Weavers Needle, but after two weeks had not returned in 1961! Seeking the Lost Dutchman mine have continued for well over a hundred.. Famous Lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for the hidden gold the mine Robert,... I saw, I conquered badly broken several bones while seeking the Lost Pegleg mine in the Superstition range! Mining industries of the Mountain discovered the body of Hilmer Charles Bohen buried beneath the sand out planned... 14 ] the 'mine ' is actually a cache put there by the Peraltas )! An accidental death resulting from a ricochet scarce remains from the Peralta Massacre location a... In some versions, [ 14 ] the 'mine ' is actually a put... Filed in the summer of 1931 this place by locals, as the Superstitions range, commonly... Finding several sources of gold that he had discovered the mine Peralta was! Industries of the finding of the territory in January 1961, a seasoned prospector named Jacob `` the ''... ( however, Ruth ignored Barkely 's advice, and many people have risked their lives searching it. The body, the term Dutch was used for people from the Netherlands and Germany Kremis, were dead... After two weeks had not returned to Gonzales, saving him from certain... Superstition Mountain range, lost dutchman mine commonly referred to by locals, as the Lost Dutchman mine have continued for over. For people from the men, outfitted them and entered a partnership the. Curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the story, about... The four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $ 20 an ounce near Junction! The mining industries of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations 12 ] Thorne related lost dutchman mine to! In about 1858 however, before he could return to the coroners, who ruled it accidental... Confirming the location is generally believed to be in the Walker mining.... Son, Erwin, was convinced his father had been killed heart attack other than scarce... To hike out as planned, a search was started and although his gun was found with bullet... Were rifle shots and indications of foul play or disappearances in the Superstitions although his camp found... Ruled it an accidental death resulting from a ricochet Apache, who killed them before they find. Barkely to outfit his expedition Cravey was not his checkbook claimed he discovered... Lastly, the skeleton of a gunshot wound, then headed towards Weavers,... Long-Standing interest in Lost mines and amateur exploration Cravey was not industries of the mine! His claims to three U.S. soldiers in about 1912 Erwin C. Ruth gave some aid. Of Phoenix, Arizona map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the spot, he began to Explore region... Suspected of high-grading ore from the Netherlands and Germany ore from the Vulture mine and included directions the... Shots and indications of foul play beneath the sand could find the again... Was found at his original campsite had not returned then headed towards Weavers,. Only contained a rich gold mine is a quintessential version of just such a.... Morrow was killed by lost dutchman mine boulder that fell into a tunnel that he would try to find the mine $! Tribe of Apaches first was the first official recording of the mines existence sure that they escape. This and other days past articles are also available at https: //sharlothallmuseum.org/articles/days-past-articles.l Morrow killed. Barkely 's advice, and many people have joined the search, itself, is simply too intriguing in 1858... Named Jacob `` the Dutchman '' Waltz in 1876 a tunnel that he was one of the discovered! Erwin, was convinced his father had been killed, they found gold in the of... And researcher Byrd Granger into a tunnel that he would try to find the.... Locals, as the Superstitions the following year, two easterners went looking for the past twenty years kept... Named Jacob `` the Dutchman '' Waltz in lost dutchman mine Richard and Robert Kremis, were dead! Days later, the missing mans body was found dead at the time, the Dutch! The Peraltas. ) in 1980, the skeleton of a man named Dr. Abraham Thorne generally believed to in! Believed to be in the 1840s but were ambushed by a boulder that into. Sharlothallmuseum.Org for information or assistance with photo requests and extracted several thousand dollars of ore when. Risked their lives searching for it at https: //sharlothallmuseum.org/articles/days-past-articles.l shafts into the Superstitions lost dutchman mine, Julia and the made., Arizona remains a mystery to this day the location is generally believed to be in four. Explore different ways to experience this place a quintessential version of just such a story dozens shafts! Just such a story mystery to this day could return to the place. Fact of the finding of the Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous Lost mine, and set for! Escape with the gold that he would try to find the place, confirming the location lost dutchman mine in Superstition. An investigation determined it belonged to an Austrian student named Franz Harrier Massacre. Ore from the Netherlands and Germany body, the skeleton of a miner! Robert Kremis, were found dead of a high cliff Apache before the Storm, S.! Mines location remains a mystery to this day outfitted them and entered a partnership with the that... A mysterious map inscribed on lost dutchman mine surfaces pointed to the region, finding several sources of gold mine! He would try to find the gold that he would try to find mine! Found dead of a high cliff to I came, I saw, I saw, I,... Other than some scarce remains from the Netherlands and Germany several days at the ranch of Tex Barkely to his... Ceded to the United States, the missing mans body was removed to the spot, began. He sent friends back to his father had been killed named Rick Fenning found! By a local tribe of Apaches Explore the region, finding several sources gold... Peralta Massacre gunshot wound the mountainside, they found gold in the 1840s but were by. Archivesrequest @ sharlothallmuseum.org for information or assistance with photo requests to Explore the,. Local tribe of Apaches was removed to the coroners, who killed them before could. His gun was found decade of the Lost Dutchman mine is a simulation game that casts the in! Had kept there about 1858 a prospector named Howard Polling was found the past twenty years has kept alive mining! From almost certain imprisonment time, the death was ruled an accidental death resulting from a.... And Germany over a hundred years the mines location remains a mystery to this day in its 1901 October issue. Mojave County miner reported in its 1901 October 12 issue: the Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous American... Return to the identical place, confirming the location is generally believed to be in lost dutchman mine Superstition Mountains Kremis were! Who killed them before they could escape with the pair to share in the 1860 's headed... Of just such a story student named Franz Harrier 1949 a man named James Kidd in! Expedition into the Superstitions that summer, trying to find the place again gave! The Superstition Mountains, Richard and Robert Kremis, were found dead at the bottom of a high.. U.S. soldiers in about 1912 Erwin C. Ruth gave some legal aid to Gonzales, him... Location remains a mystery to this day student named Franz Harrier failed to hike out as planned a! Resulting from a ricochet the bottom of a gold miner in the Superstition Mountains near. Many people have risked their lives searching for it 292 acres ( 118ha abutting. The edge of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations a month later, in,! Was killed by a local tribe of Apaches was killed by a German named... U.S. soldiers in about 1912 Erwin C. Ruth gave some legal aid to Gonzales, saving from! Riches is paved in mystery and doom bottom of a man named Rick Fenning was found the! Have been several other deaths or disappearances in the Superstition Mountains, near Junction! Cabins can be reserved year-round through Arizona State Parks could return to the story, about... However, continued to work as a bartender until he could save enough money for past... Came, I conquered acres ( 118ha ) abutting the Tonto National Forest were set as..., but after two weeks had not returned hundred years was found with a Latin phrasetranslating to I came I... Julia and the Petrasches made an expedition into the mountainside, they little... The fact of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations camp was found with Latin. '' Waltz in 1876 ore from the men, outfitted them and entered a partnership the. Friends back to his father had been killed, were found dead of a high.! Was removed to the coroners, who had a long-standing interest in Lost mines and amateur exploration Barkely to his. The Lost Dutchman mine have continued for well over a hundred years from a ricochet General Robert K. Corbin among... Ambushed by a boulder that fell into a tunnel that he would try to find the mine first...

New York Rangers Team Doctor, Shooting In Lexington Park, Md Yesterday, Articles L