The nearly 70-year-old man was found dead about four miles south of his home on a trail near Rogers Canyon. In 1870, Waltz had a homestead of about 160 acres (0.65km2) near Phoenix where he operated a farm.[18]. In 1978, a man named Manuel Valdez was murdered in the Superstitions. Jacob Waltz moved to the Salt River Valley in 1868 and purchased a 160-acre farm on the north bank of the Salt River. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. 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. 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. The following February, his headless skeleton was found in a canyon, a good distance from his camp. People want to think the Lost Dutchman mine has gold hanging off the walls. His head had been severed from his body and was lying several feet away. So, if any of the earlier tales of gold founds are true, where did it come from? The start of the most famous legend to come from the mountains, that of the Lost Dutchman Mine, begins with these fortune-seekers. Another tale describes an eccentric prospector named Elisha Marcus Reavis, who was better known in the area as the Madman of the Superstitions or the Old Hermit. One of Arizonas most interesting characters, Reavis was actually college-educated and taught school before he began to prospect during the California Gold Rush. WebLost Dutchman Mine is a non-linear adventure game which puts the player in the role of a gold miner, circa 1860. For over a century, treasure hunters have sought the treasures supposedly lost in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona, but what do we really know about the events surrounding this tale? 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. 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. The first was the Gross Lode filed in the Walker Mining District. One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. It is thought that Apaches stole the gold and hid it in the mountains. Searchers should never enter the wilderness area by themselves, should take plenty of water, and pack lightly in order not to overexert themselves. WebLegend tells of the Lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the Superstition Mountains.. Apparently, he But the mine remains shrouded in mystery, so much so that it might not exist at all. All traces of the mine were covered up. 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. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. He was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. Blair suggested that "fragments of this legend have perhaps become attached to the mythical mine of Jacob Waltz".[6]. In the 1870s, Jacob Waltz (or Walz,) who had befriended one of the Peralta heirs, was allegedly told the location of the mine. [3] Former Arizona Attorney General Robert K. Corbin is among those who have looked for the mine. 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. 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. It does not. The following year, brothers, Richard and Robert Kremis, were found dead at the bottom of a high cliff. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "The St. Johns herald. The 66-year-old Ruth stayed at the ranch of Tex Barkely as he prepared for his expedition. 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. 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". 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. 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. Lewing claimed self-defense. 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 This account is usually dated to about 1870. Led by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, the conquistadors cared little about the Apache customs or beliefs, wanting only to find the legendary Seven Golden Cities of Cibola., Learning from the Apache, that the range did, in fact, hold gold, the Spaniards were intent upon exploring the area. 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. 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. [17] Note that tombstone pictured shows birth year as 1808. 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 discovery of a lost Roman city in an unexpected place. 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. The player can freely explore a town and a vast desert, limited only by the protagonist's necessity to eat and rest. Though the remains had been scattered by scavengers, they were undoubtedly Ruth's. 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. 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. The true story of a prospecting success. A day-use entrance is $10 per vehicle. However, Ruth ignored Barkely's advice, and set out for a two-week stint in the mountains. It does not. In 1976, a prospector named Howard Polling was found dead of a gunshot wound. But, they wouldnt make it. Fees: $25-$35 per campsite. Quick Facts: Lost Dutchman State Park Camping. As Curt Gentry wrote, "Dr. Hrdlicka positively identified the skull as that of Adolph Ruth. But the mine remains shrouded in mystery, so much so that it might not exist at all. However, before relocating to what is now Pinal County, Arizona, Waltz worked at the Henry Wickenburgs Vulture Gold Mine near Wickenburg, Arizona. [9] As of 1975, ruins of the Peralta mine were standing.[9]. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. Cravey said he would walk out of the mountains on June 28, 1947. 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. 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. In the summer of 1880, two recently discharged soldiers from Fort McDowell, showed up in Pinal, Arizona looking for work at the Silver King Mine. 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. 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. Most believed that Ruth died, probably from the extreme desert heat, and his body was carried away in parts by wild animals. Many believe it's hidden in the Superstition Mountains, and it's rumored a curse falls upon all those who try to find it. 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. As the Indians were subdued by the soldiers, a reservation was established near Fort McDowell, where Thorne began to provide his services. Though the coroner acceded that foul play might have been involved, the original statement was never changed. Another version of the tale states that Waltz actually learned of the mines location from Ken-tee. In 1949 a man named James Kidd disappeared in the Superstitions. Does the Lost Dutchman Mine really even exist, or is it nothing more than a tall tale perpetuated throughout the years? [10] Trouble came after Willing learned that the deed was entirely bogus. When nothing had been heard of Ruth for six days, the cowboys boss, a man named Tex Barkley, went looking for the treasure hunter. After traveling to the region, Ruth stayed several days at the ranch of Tex Barkely to outfit his expedition. The headlines were sensational alleging that Ruth had been murdered for his map. However, sometime later legend tells us that Dr. Thorne determined that he would try to find the place again. Skeptoid Media, 29 Jan 2013. 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. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. The coroners jury ruled that there was no evidence of foul play.. Quite literally so, according to Southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger. The short "Discovery Trail" is a clear route with several placards giving the natural history of the area. 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. 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. He sent friends back to his home to see if they could find the gold that he had kept there. In April of 1958, a deserted campsite was discovered on the northern edge of the mountain. 9 May 2022. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. It is easily accessible about 40 miles east of Phoenix via U.S. Highway 60, the Superstition Freeway. After a thorough search, the hunt was called off. While there, he met an Apache girl named Ken-tee, who despite the fact that Waltz was almost 60 years old, became his mistress. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. Camping: 135 sites (68 with electric/water) and cabins can be reserved year-round through Arizona State Parks. 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. 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. Whether out of greed or, some kind of dispute over how they would handle their new-found wealth, Hernandez killed his friend Ferreira. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. Not having much luck in California, he made his way to Arizona in the 1860s. 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. After the land was ceded to the United States, the Peralta party was trespassing on U.S. soil. Still, more men disappeared only to be found dead later, their bodies mutilated and their heads cut off. The earliest documentation of him in the U.S. is an 1848 affidavit in which Waltz declared himself to be "about 38 years old". Mason bought the ore from the men, outfitted them and entered a partnership with the pair to share in the profits. One of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. 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. 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. Quite literally so, according to Southwestern Folklore author and researcher Byrd Granger. 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. When Cravey failed to hike out as planned, a search was started and although his camp was found, Cravey was not. Ruth had in his possession what he claimed was a map giving the location of Almost immediately, men began to mysteriously vanish, to the point that warnings were given to never stray more than a few feet away from the rest of the group. A few years later Weiser disappeared without a trace. Said to be the most famous lost mine of all time, it continues to draw prospectors to the Superstition Mountains of Arizona in The following year another man named Dennis Brown, was also found dead of a gunshot wound. 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. 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. WebFor more than 120 years, the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine has haunted the minds and souls of treasure seekers throughout the world. 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 With the body were several gold nuggets. 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. Malm was later sent to the county poor farm, not doing much better himself. 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. Two more men who were hiking in the Superstitions that year became involved in some kind of dispute. Many believe it's hidden in the Superstition Mountains, and it's rumored a curse falls upon all those who try to find it. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. The public is encouraged to submit proposed articles and inquiries to dayspast@sharlothallmuseum.org. But, his condition was worsening as he suffered a stroke and was paralyzed to the point that he could barely speak. A short list of people reported as having found it, or to have found an abandoned mine they thought to be the Lost Dutchman Mine, include in 1900 Joe Mulhatton; in 1901 Charlie Wood and John Chunning (separate discoveries); in 1903 a man chasing his dog found it; in 1906 Henry Young Blood found it: in 1908 a man named Morton and his wife found it; and in 1909 the old prospector Barnscheldt found it. Afterwards, Waltz fell ill (he was rumored to have contracted pneumonia during the flooding). His bullet-ridden body was removed to the coroners, who ruled it a suicide. The Apache let him pick up as much as he could before the doctor was once again blindfolded for the return trip. The legends had begun. 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. People want to think the Lost Dutchman mine has gold hanging off the walls. Blair had little doubt that Waltz related to Thomas the location of an alleged gold mine. Clapp had been missing since July. Though the house was gone, searchers were later able to locate five sacks of gold worth about $15,000. WebLost Dutchman Mine is a non-linear adventure game which puts the player in the role of a gold miner, circa 1860. To this day, his death remains a mystery; however, it is but one more life claimed by the mountain and perhaps, its curse. 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. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. 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 However, before he could return to the spot, he had a heart attack. Gonzales claimed descendant from the Peralta family and said he had information on the whereabouts of the mine. The Lost Dutchman Mine is the most famous in American history. Upon arriving at Ruths camp, the rancher could tell that no one had been there for at least a day and reported Ruth missing. However, the original coroner said that he could not be positive the skull had bullet holes in it. To these, Waltz would give contradictory statements and directions.