It is easily accessible about 40 miles east of Phoenix via U.S. Highway 60, the Superstition Freeway. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. James Reavis tried to assert that the Peralta family had a Spanish land grant and a barony granted by the King of Spain, which included a huge swath of Arizona and New Mexico, including 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 The legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine is a quintessential version of just such a story. Most likely because Pedro de Peralta had been the Spanish Governor of New Mexico (in the 1600s) his family name of "Peralta" was the inspiration for a number of legends in the American Southwest. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. Some carved stones in the area are referred to as "Peralta Stones" and Spanish text and crude maps on them are considered by some to be clues to the location of a Peralta family gold mine in the Superstition Mountains, although others believe the stones to be modern fakes. Be well prepared if you plan to join the thousands of others who have searched for the lost mine, as conditions can be harsh in this rugged terrain. 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. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Ruths treasure map was found at his original campsite. 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. WebOne of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. [10] Trouble came after Willing learned that the deed was entirely bogus. A deeper dive Related reading from the 101, Theres gold in them hills! 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. In January 1961, a family picnicking near the edge of the mountain discovered the body of Hilmer Charles Bohen buried beneath the sand. WebLost Dutchman Mine is a non-linear adventure game which puts the player in the role of a gold miner, circa 1860. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. The following year another man named Dennis Brown, was also found dead of a gunshot wound. There are several paths that go through the brush and cacti. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. The true story of a prospecting success. Quite literally so, according to Southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger. It was even said a candle box containing high-grade gold ore was found under his bed. [19][20] After this was unsuccessful, Thomas and her partners were reported to be selling maps to the mine for $7 each. The Mojave County Miner reported in its 1901 October 12 issue: The Lost Dutchman mine has again been found. The discovery of a lost Roman city in an unexpected place. 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. The Superstition Mountains by Carol Highsmith. [42] The park was expanded to 320 acres (130ha) in 1983. WebThe Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Found! "[24], Authorities in Arizona did not convene a criminal inquest regarding Ruth's death. 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. In early 1952, a man named Joseph Kelley of Dayton, Ohio was also searching for the lost mine. As early as September 1, 1892, The Arizona Enterprise was reporting on the efforts of Thomas and several others to locate the lost mine whose location was told to her by Waltz. In 1870, Waltz had a homestead of about 160 acres (0.65km2) near Phoenix where he operated a farm.[18]. One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. That same year, Robert St. Marie, who was attempting to drill a hole all the way through Weavers Needle, was killed by prospector Edward Piper. The next year, with the Mexican-American War in full swing, Pedro was the only one willing to return to Arizona, determined to extract as much gold as possible before their holdings became part of the United States. There was indeed a Jacob Waltz who emigrated to the U.S. from Germany. Jacob finally died on October 25, 1891. The coroner could tell that the womans death was recent, but the gold was never explained. $89+ per night for cabins. Days Past is a collaborative project of the Sharlot Hall Museum and the Prescott Corral of Westerners International (www.prescottcorral.org). Richman, Irwin. But, after five weeks, the three returned with nothing. 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. Two months later, another prospector from Denver, Colorado named Walter J. Mowry was found in Needle Canyon. Two years later, in 1980, the skeleton of a man named Rick Fenning was found. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. Long before gold was found in these rugged cliffs and mesas, the area has been cloaked in mystery. When the doctor agreed, he was taken to a place that was allegedly near the mine, where a pile of gold ore had been stacked near the base of the canyon wall. 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. In February 1951, Dr. John Burns, a physician from Oregon, was found shot to death on Superstition Mountain. With the body were several gold nuggets. 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 was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. Quick Facts: Lost Dutchman State Park Camping. Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, updated November 2019. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. [13] In most versions of the tale, Jacob Waltz locates a rich gold mine in the Superstition Mountains (in many versions of the story, they rescue or help a member of the Peralta family and are rewarded by being told the location of the mine). [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. In April of 1958, a deserted campsite was discovered on the northern edge of the mountain. According to legend, a family by the name of Peralta moved north from Mexico in the early 19th century to try their luck at mining in the American West and their efforts were The cause of death was said to have been a perforated ulcer.. The nearly 70-year-old man was found dead about four miles south of his home on a trail near Rogers Canyon. 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. 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. 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. They were never seen again. Some searchers for the mine have disappeared in likely wilderness accidents. 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 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. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. It does not. The legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine is a quintessential version of just such a story. July 3, 1947 James A Cravey, age 62, a retired photographer, was reported missing after he had chartered a helicopter June 19, 1947 to drop him off in the Superstition Mountains to look for the Lost Dutchmans Mine. Malm was later sent to the county poor farm, not doing much better himself. Aware of the Apache displeasure, they kept these mining trips at a minimum, not wanting to risk the ferocious Apaches ire. A note found in his checkbook claimed he had discovered the mine and included directions. The soldiers are alleged to have presented some of the gold, but to have been killed or to have vanished soon after. But the map to the Peralta mine was said to be missing. 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. Later, the Turkey Creek Mining District was carved out of the Walker District, and Waltz et al. WebFor more than 120 years, the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine has haunted the minds and souls of treasure seekers throughout the world. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. However, sometime later legend tells us that Dr. Thorne determined that he would try to find the place again. The game was the biggest success for its publisher, Magnetic Images. 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. When the Peralta miners heard that the Apache might attack, they packed up, concealed the entrance to the mine, and with burros and wagons laden with gold, began to make their way back to Mexico in the winter of 1847-1848. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. Troubles with the Apaches made the familys mining operation dangerous. [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. People want to think the Lost Dutchman mine has gold hanging off the walls. But, his condition was worsening as he suffered a stroke and was paralyzed to the point that he could barely speak. For the next century, the Peralta family and their laborers would make infrequent forays into Arizona bringing out loads of ore. WebA curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the identical place, confirming the location. Although his gun was found under the body, the death was ruled suicide. The Lost Dutchman Mine is said to be a rich goldmine located somewhere in the southwestern American state of Arizona. Are these many deaths part of the old Apache curse? Lost Dutchman Mine is a simulation game that casts the player in the role of a gold miner in the 1860's. Suggest edits to improve what we show. WebThe Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Found! The pilot set him down in La Barge Canyon, close to Weavers Needle. Four days later, an investigation determined it belonged to an Austrian student named Franz Harrier. The legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine is a quintessential version of just such a story. He knew that gold had been found in the Superstition Mountains. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. Ruth disappeared while searching for the mine in the summer of 1931. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "The St. Johns herald. 2017 Sharlot Hall Museum - Library & Archives. Does the Lost Dutchman Mine really even exist, or is it nothing more than a tall tale perpetuated throughout the years? The cause of death was undetermined. The game was the biggest success for its publisher, Magnetic Images. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. According to legend, a family by the name of Peralta moved north from Mexico in the early 19th century to try their luck at mining in the American West and their efforts were Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a fabled gold mine located in the Southwest, though it's exact whereabouts are unknown. Over the decades, this tale was gradually absorbed into the Lost Dutchman's story. The fact of the finding of the mine for the past twenty years has kept alive the mining industries of the territory. See options Full view Real or not, the haunting tales endure, continuing to draw prospectors to the Superstition Mountains today, and making the story one of the most famous lost treasure tales of all time. If these many tales of intrigue are not enough, yet other reports suggest that the area is haunted, most likely by the many who have died there of mysterious deaths. One of the most professional and serious-minded efforts was led by Oklahoma City private detective Glen Magill, who organized multiple expeditions in the late 1960s and early '70s, and claimed on at least two occasions to have identified the location of the mine, later to concede he was either mistaken or the locations were "played out," or bereft of gold. 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. For more than 120 years, the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine has been told over and over, growing in proportions to such an extent that some claim the entire legend is nothing but a myth. Dr. George M. 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