National ArchivesA 19th century map detailing mines in Arizona. Feb 21, 2021. In December, 1931, The Arizona Republic reported on the recent discovery of a human skull 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. Clue 16 - Miliary Map. His skull with two holes in it identified as bullet holes was recovered about six months after he vanished, and the story made national news, thus sparking widespread interest in the Lost Dutchman's mine.[22]. The land contained parts of Arizona and New Mexico, including the Superstition Mountains. "Dutchman's Gold" was the season 4, episode 19 of, This page was last edited on 5 February 2023, at 00:14. Their bodies were never found. (In truth, Apaches make up just one of the tribes found in the area, but these were typically all lumped in as "Apache" by white settlers who didn't appreciate the differences in Native American tribes.). Photo: Marine 69-71 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. Because of poor health, Cox never returned to the mine, and it almost became forgotten. Apparently, he was rewarded. From this base he easily could have worked a gold mine in the Superstition Mountains. That ore was recently analyzed by spectrographic analysis, and the results indicate that his ore does not match the ore from any known source. Under his bed was a candle box containing some extraordinary rich gold ore. A 19th century map detailing mines in Arizona. Not only that, but some legends claim there were a number of shrines in the mountains filled with gold meant to be an offering to the Thunder God. Web. 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. Background Jesse Capen was born on June 2, 1974 in Colorado to parents David Capen and Cynthia Burnett. LIKELY TO SELL OUT*. Troubles with the Apaches made the familys mining operation dangerous. So where did all these rumors of lost gold in the Superstition Mountains originate? 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. This tale involves two German men, Jacob Waltz and Jacob Weiser. There was a catastrophic flood in Phoenix in 1891, and Waltz's farm was one of many that was devastated. The Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine (also known by similar names) is, according to legend, a rich gold mine hidden in the southwestern United States. Recommended. Even if the stories of soldiers looking specifically for the Lost Dutchman mine are true, there's no evidence they actually found anything at all and didn't just move on empty-handed, no mysterious deaths required. When and where we can get a direct line of sight, we use high tech Walkie talkies, to communicate with each other. File size. Is it possible he took his own life? Top ways to experience Goldfield Ghost Town and nearby attractions. The Weavers Needle rock column of Arizonas Superstition Mountains is often said to mark the location of the Lost Dutchman Mine. from. Regardless, Dr. Thorne helped the man and he recovered, according to Legends of America. But the map to the Peralta mine was said to be missing. This late 1800s ore chute is proof of mining activity in the Superstition Wilderness. He was a student of mining and was knowledgeable in geology. 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. This is what brought him to the Superstition Mountains (yes, that's their real name) near what is today the city of Phoenix, Arizona. . 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. He knew that gold had been found in the Superstition Mountains. It seems likely there was no Dr. Thorne, but there was a doctor in New Mexico who told a similar tall tale, except he was kidnapped by the Navajo tribe in his story. "Tex" Bradford of Globe Arizona went in search of the "Lost Dutchman Mine"; by October 1933 he had been missing for nine months. Dozens of prospectors in the Superstitions attempted to follow him to his secret mine. So from what you know about the mine let me know the . The Lost Dutchman Mine - Kindle edition by Ely, Sims. Jesse Capen was obsessed with the legendary Dutchman Gold Mine and was convinced he could locate the treasure hidden deep in the Superstition Mountains. 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. 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. Finding gold at the Lost Dutchman mine. Arcana Exploration has been there on four separate trips the first in October of 2015. In this story (actually two interconnected stories), members of the Apache tribe are said to have a very rich gold mine located in the Superstition Mountains. However, despite bankrupting herself and spending a very long time in the mountains, she and her search party never found any evidence of a hidden gold cache, per Arizona Report. The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine - Found! According to historian Tom Kollenborn, the Superstition Mountains were an unlikely place to strike it rich: [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". They came back from the mountains hauling a lot of gold and saying there was far more from whence it came. It appears no one ever bothered to just ask the Native Americans in the area if the mountains were sacred. And importantly I have hard facts that the Stones are linked to other historical information. Indeed, there's yet another legend purporting to explain where the Dutchman might have acquired his gold. As of mid-2017, he and his crew had spent about 30 production days in and around Apache Junction. Chances you could find the Lost Dutchman's Mine: It's probably not real, but don't let that stop you . Supposedly, the Peraltas actually found a very rich gold vein and set up a mining operation. December 09, 2019 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. Reading age. They also claimed to have seen the ghost of the Dutchman, and his Apache wife and young assistant. (From left) Eric Shervey, Ron Feldman and Josh Feldman discuss sweeping the area to ensure the tunnels are where they suspect. 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. This is their turf and only the highly experienced and prepared should venture forward. While the Jesuits were eventually allowed to return to the area, it seems they either forgot the treasure or couldn't find it, and so it was still in the mountains when it was perhaps discovered by none other than the Dutchman himself, Jacob Waltz. Finally, there really was a successful gold mining family named Peralta, but they were in California, not Arizona, according to Gold Rush Nuggets. Legend of the Superstition Mountains: With Keenan Johnston, Mark Dodson, Frank Augustine, Wayne Tuttle. [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=1137505190. Sadly, the 35-year-old became another target of the fables when he disappeared from the Tonto National Forest in 2009. First. During the miners escape to Mexico, Apaches attacked and 148 of the party were massacred. What there is documentation to support is that the Dutchman may have been a con man. As the story goes, Waltz and his partner befriended a Mexican who had been working a mine in the mountains. The Peralta Stones are a set of engraved stone tableted works that are approximately 18 inches long and weigh about 25 lbs. Thorne claimed that he was taken captive by Navajos in 1854, and that during his captivity he had discovered a rich gold vein. He really did die in 1891 of pneumonia. 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 have been many stories about how to find the mine, and each year people search for the mine. Then, see some astonishing photos taken at the height of the Klondike Gold Rush. In the next century, the Peralta family extracted gold from this mine. There, his blindfold was removed and he saw a cave full of gold. 1873. I feel the information on the Peralta stones is most likely from a very old map of Jesuit origin. Jesse Capen was obsessed with the legend of the lost gold, despite the lack of hard historical evidence. Despite his efforts, Willing was never able to recover the money he gave to Peralta. The body of George Mallory was found in 1999, while Irvine's body is still missing (allegedly). A note from Ruth saying he needed help and had discovered the mine was found in the Salt River. Grade level. This image was made from a tintype found in the Superstition Mountains by Bud Dunn, circa 1960. We will share as much as we can for now, but as I stated earlier we are preparing for a return trip, and the location has to remain secret. Image property of Arcana Exploration, photo taken at the Lost Dutchman Museum Apache Junction, Arizona. Great discoveries have been made in the name of hunting for hidden wealth, but much blood has been shed in those same pursuits, too. [27], Throughout the 20th century, various expeditions and individuals continued to search the Superstitions for the Lost Dutchman Mine. It is still a mystery if both explorers were able to reach the summit before passing away. Then, she took the map that was either from Waltz's imagination or her own and made a whole lot of money selling copies of it. This is very interesting and both are true. After this look at the Lost Dutchman Mine, read up on historys most fascinating sunken ships, some of which went down with legendary treasures. Kino is believed to have had a rich goldmine somewhere in the Superstition Mountains. All of these elements can be found in the search for the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, reportedly well hidden in Arizona's mysterious-looking (and aptly named) Superstition Mountains (pictured above). [4], Robert Blair wrote "[t]here have been at least four legendary Lost Dutchman's gold mines in the American West, including the famed Superstition mine of Jacob Waltz". Dr. George M. Willing Jr. paid Peralta $20,000 for the mining rights for an enormous swath of land about 3,000,000 acres (12,000km2) in southern Arizona and New Mexico based on a deed originally granted by the Spanish Empire in the 18th century. Jacob Walzer and Heidelberg (Germany) were punched in the edges of the tintype, leading Ron Feldman to think it could be of Jacob Waltz. Going on a year now. Over the next few weeks and months I will share some photos that will not give away the location but will show things that until now have never been shown before. As the legend grew, so did the size of the fortune. Much of the truth has laid obscured in old Spanish, Jesuit and Catholic Church documentation, including maps, expedition journals, and diaries and in many cases with those buried in long ago lost and forgotten graves. Lust for Gold: Directed by S. Sylvan Simon, George Marshall. Perhaps this is why many of the legends involve people bringing gold to the mountain and leaving it hidden there. It was supposedly discovered and kept secret by a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz in the 19th century, hence the . National ArchivesA band of Apache braves in Arizona. , The Waterbury Democrat. Supposedly, the Superstition Mountains have long been a sacred site for the nearby Apache tribe of Native Americans. The detailed record keepers the Mexican miners were, there is not another mine in here that would 'fit' for this time and location. There was indeed a Jacob Waltz who emigrated to the U.S. from Germany. 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". For one, the desert area bears remnants of the cliff dwellings of an ancient people whose identity is still unknown. After traveling to the region, Ruth stayed several days at the ranch of Tex Barkely to outfit his expedition. It is an easy thing Finally The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Is Found! After the land was ceded to the United States, the Peralta party was trespassing on U.S. soil. The Gold Rush was in full swing and Waltz wanted a piece of those potential fortunes. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. This is the story of the men who went searching for it's hidden gold our links: https://www.instagram.com/lostinthewoodspodcast/ However, despite several men claiming to have found the mine, no one ever came forward with the gold. THE TWO PEOPLE WHO HAVE RUN THE LOST DUTCHMAN . 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. It's not even out of the question the expedition was a misdirect to make it seem like she and her cohorts were looking for something to bolster the legend. In 1977, 292 acres (118ha) abutting the Tonto National Forest were set aside as the Lost Dutchman State Park. 2017. The Peralta Massacre is a legend that Apaches supposedly ambushed a mining expedition the Peralta family sent into the mountains. Now wait a minute isnt the fabled Lost Dutchman Mine located in the Superstitions? "[24], Authorities in Arizona did not convene a criminal inquest regarding Ruth's death. 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. This is very important! The Lost Dutchman Later I will give more details and then begin providing information on how things fit together. Jack Humphrey Cameron, Texas The Dutchman, like most lost, Writers sometimes discover their muse on their own, but sometimes their muse finds them. Arcadia Publishing. According to the story, in about 1912 Erwin C. Ruth gave some legal aid to Gonzales, saving him from almost certain imprisonment. After five years of research and four expeditions, Arcana Exploration has not only found the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, but has been able to match the most accepted clues with the physical evidence on the ground. 585K views 1 year ago #LegendoftheSuperstitionMountains Armed with a new clue that could unearth the location of the famed Lost Dutchman Mine, lifelong Dutch Hunter Wayne Tuttle, leads a team. In January 1932, human remains were discovered about three-quarters of a mile (1.21km) from where the skull had been found. There's even been a ban on mining in the Superstition Mountains since 1984 due to the number of people coming and getting killed in mining accidents searching for the Lost Dutchman's gold. Then around 1692, the Jesuit padre father Eusebio Francisco Kino arrived. 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." In the mountains east of Phoenix, a German prospector named Jacob Waltz began prospecting in the 1860s. 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. 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. I Hold for No One! Road Agents Attempt to Rob Kinnears Stage Near Contention, A Western Jubilee: Songs and Stories of The American West. The main shaft heads down to two tunnels. 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