"Tales of Wells Fargo" Apache Gold (TV Episode 1957) - IMDb 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. 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. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. Lots to see on site from a barn, trains, petting zoo on Saturdays, little gift shop, and a labyrinth and even a chapel dedicated to Elvis. Many people have died trying to find it over the years, and, even with all the modern technology at our disposal today, the exact location of the mine in the vast wilderness still remains an enigma. So, there, thats the skinny in case you want to pack a lunch and have a picnic. Want to feel like youre in a horror movie and quite possibly high on Peyote? The mysterious deaths and disappearances go on and on. As to why his head had been carried off no one knows. The University of Arizona is the oldest college in the state, existing before Arizona achieved statehood. Waltz was buried in Phoenix at what is now called the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park. Most recently, in 2009 there was a would-be treasure hunter by the name of Jesse Capen, a 35-year old bellhop from Denver who was in his free time by all accounts fascinated and obsessed with the legend of the Lost Dutchmans mine. The weather in the Superstition Mountains is notoriously unpredictable, with storms seeming to come out of nowhere and accompanied by abrupt drops in temperatures. Waltz relocated to Arizona in the 1860s, and stayed in the territory for most of the rest of his life. The chieftain, overtaken by the act, blindfolds the doctor and takes him on a trip to the mines. Choice of of building material I like Ironwood +, There is a typo that should be alpha mine not alfa mine. The mans campsite would be found to hold many books on the lost mine, and this would join a further three more mysterious deaths in 2010 and 2011 in the same area, all of whom had been seeking the legendary Dutchmans Mine. He died of pneumonia in 1891 and, according to the three neighbours who cared for him, he left them the box of gold under his bed and directions to the gold mine. Later on came a long list of early and newly appointed Dons of Spain who also made forays into the Prima Alta looking for riches. Waltz would claim to have been out prospecting when he had come across an unimaginably vast vein of gold out in the mountains, curiously supposedly near Weavers Needle. Since the turn of the twentieth century, thousands of people have scoured the mountains in search of it, hundreds have lost their lives in the process, but not one has returned with an ounce of gold. https://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/superstition-mountains/index.html, They were once known in Spanish as Sierra de la Espuma . In January 1932, human remains were discovered about three-quarters of a mile (1.21km) from where the skull had been found. The Superstition Mountains and the Legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine But, loyal reader, you came here for the things the tourist board fails to mention. The glitches that periodically disrupt the footage are also particularly effective. Dr. On Valentines Day Elvis was available at the church for weddings. 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. [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". Waltzs caregiver, a Julia Thomas, apparently listened to all of this but had no idea what to think of any of it. Everything is well-maintained, and the staff are without exception friendly and helpful. Keep in mind for security reasons for now I have to be selective on what we divulge. Get the latest on your favorite shows, plus updates on HISTORY events and more. The photographic evidence taken at the site along with a selection of maps combined with historical documentation together, links the most generally accepted and related informational evidence too present day boots on the ground reality. We have imaging taken, with Go-pros, Sony 7000s; Osmo stabilized film cameras and Dji Phantom and Bee-bop drones. There have been other mysterious and ominous disappearances as well, including an abandoned campsite found in the mountains in 1958 complete with blood-soaked blankets, but no bodies and no suspect. There is a $7 day use fee to enter the park, which is waived if you're camping ($15/night). Find a wide array of distinctive and unique items including books, apparel, local Native American arts and crafts and seasonal gift selections. According to some storytellers, in September 1848, a band of Apaches slaughtered the entire Peralta Family, except one (someone had to live to tell the tale). Out in the remote badlands of the U.S. state of Arizona, just to the east of the Phoenix metropolitan area lies a sun scorched, dried up, arid moonscape of twisted peaks and sprawling expanse of badlands called the Superstition Mountains, at one time called the Sierra de la Espuma by Spanish settlers. The Supers are east northeast of Phoenix. In an act of kindness, Throne treats an ailing Apache chieftain. [19][20] After this was unsuccessful, Thomas and her partners were reported to be selling maps to the mine for $7 each. All Rights Reserved. There have been tales ofU.S. Armysoldiers that are said to have stumbled onto a river of almost pure gold in or near the Superstition Mountains. Since James Reavis, "the Baron of Arizona", was convicted of fraud when the Peralta family genealogy and other documents to support the land grant (and a barony associated with that land) were determined to be forgeries it also raises questions about the original purchase of the land grant by Dr. George M. Willing Jr. (the transaction had supposedly occurred at a primitive campsite to the southeast of Prescott without the benefit of the typical documentation; instead of a notarized deed, the conveyance was recorded on a piece of greasy camp paper bearing signature of several witnesses). FREE with paid Adult We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Dr. Thorne starts to investigate. In appreciation, Gonzales told Erwin about the Peralta mine in the Superstition Mountains and an antique map of the site. No sign of the filmmakers themselves has been found to date. They were supposedly dug up in the desert, in area east of Gold canyon and Tucson in the late 1940s byTravis E Tomlinson. The Native Apache people of the area had already long held this as a rather sinister scared place even before outsiders came in to settle the land. A month later the rest of the body was found about three-quarters of a mile away, with severely broken legs, and it was supposed that he had fallen and then after his grievous injuries died of starvation and the elements. They would be uncovered in the 1940s, but whether there is any truth to this story is anyones guess. Dont expect High Street class; do expect old West charm, plenty of local history and lore, and the beautiful backdrop of the Superstition Mountains, not to mention a surprisingly good gift shop. Seniors $6.00 (65 and older) The Apaches were either enraged over the violation of their sacred mountains or wanted to steal the gold from them. Though the remains had been scattered by scavengers, they were undoubtedly Ruth's. In the version in which the Apaches killed the Peralta Family, the surviving member then went on to get embroiled in a brawl fight years later. 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. About Us - Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum People off his Mine that he cover up with a ironwood tree :The books give me my Awesome place to visit. And is that information relevant? In the year 1870, with his consent, they blindfolded him and took him on a 20-mile trip to an unknown location piled with gold ore. Barkely repeatedly urged Ruth to abandon his search for the mine, because the terrain of the Superstition Mountains was treacherous even for experienced outdoorsmen, let alone for the 66-year-old Ruth in the heat of the Arizona summer. For the next 20 years, he falls in and out of consciousness, whenever he wakes its just garbled speak and horrific tales; hes enveloped in kaleidoscopic delirium Something, a doctor once told his family, having chewed at his sanity and left nothing but brittle bones. He dies, screaming from a nightmare in 1891. "Dutchman" was a common American term for a German ("Dutch" being the English cognate to the German demonym "Deutsch", and not a reference to the Dutch people). There are a few walking trails that are great for beginners and still enjoyable for more experienced walkers as well. To this end he lived for years among their ranks, learning their ways and tending to their sick and wounded. He died on October 25, 1891, after having been nursed by an acquaintance named Julia Thomas (she was usually described as a quadroon). They are bound on three sides by U.S. Route 60, Arizona State Route 88, and Arizona State Route 188, and are visible from miles away. Dark Mountain (2013) directed by Tara Anase - Letterboxd For more macabre tales check out our Top Ten list of haunted spots in Phoenix. After moving to the area, Ruth lingered numerous days at the ranch of Tex Barkely to outfit his expedition. In his 1945 book about the Lost Dutchman's mine. The family is later attacked and butchered in the so-called, Jacob, meanwhile, the lone survivor, is near catatonic. On our may trip in 2016 one day it reached 108 degrees, that same day up on the mountain, climbing on a surface of Granite and sandstone ours guys Trek watches read what they were breathing at an actual 119 degrees. There have been tales of, soldiers that are said to have stumbled onto a river of almost pure gold in or near the Superstition Mountains. (Chris J / Flickr). OH, I almost forgot there is no cell phone service absolutely none. Blair suggested that this Waltz could be the same Waltz who later came to be regarded as the legendary Dutchman, and that he Americanized the spelling of his family name. The Hermit of the Superstition Mountains - YouTube Beautiful gift shop with tons of great things to buy. The breathable air on some surfaces actually gets even hotter; this is the biggest killer in the Superstition Mountains and dont forget the rattle snakes, scorpions, tarantula spiders, Gila monsters plus huge mountain lions and dozens of other things that will take your life. Reports of inexplicable sounds, sightings, and events have led to claims of supernatural beings and even aliens. Tack a map onto a wall, toss a dart and chances are youd hit an outskirt of nowhere with a small Fort Knox in its hills. Legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Parts 2 & 3: Finally Found! Finally did a little digging and it sounded interesting. Thorne is said to be either unwilling or unable to relocate the mine. 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. Barkely urged Ruth to abandon his search for the mine: the area and the mines cursed and full of devils.. Then later the Mexicans including the powerful Peralta family made forays to the area from Sonora and are believed to have had 18 gold mines in the Supers. [29][clarification needed]. Furthermore, Wilburn stated that geology indicates that there is no gold in the Superstition Mountains, which are igneous in origin. 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. Another detail which casts doubt on the story is the fact that, according to Blair, there was never any Dr. Thorne in the employ of the Army or indeed of the Federal Government in the 1860s. 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 story of the Lost Dutchmans Mine would go on to become a persistent legend and obsession for many would-be treasure hunters over the years. 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. October through April There were other weird clues found about the body, such as the presence of two bullet holes to the skull from shots fired at point blank range, and it was speculated that he had perhaps been killed for his secret knowledge or committed suicide, but there was no weapon found. To begin with, there was never any real Dutchman involved with the lost gold mine. The multi-acre museum site soon saw the addition of a historic Cossack 20-Stamp . The Lost Dutchman Mine, Arizona - Legends of America Arcana Exploration. The Superstitions Mountains lie within the Tonto National wildlife refuge and consist of 242 square miles not counting other designated and preserved areas that boarder the Tonto National Forest and wildlife refuge. 2: Cashiers for questions about whats happening at the museum and local area There are many stories about hidden gold in the Superstition Mountains, and these usually mention the Peralta Family. If you find the above article inaccurate or biased, please let us know at[emailprotected]. After he had spent many years in their midst, the Apache Elders decided to reward his selfless service with gold. And, where praytell do most folks believe said El Dorado is safely hidden Why, in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction. The Lost Gold Mine At Superstition Mountain. Intrigue Journal. But what they actually found has been a hidden secret that people have been trying to piece together for last 125 years. If you loved watching old westerns you will love this place. A group of modern day treasure hunters search for the Lost Dutchman mine in the Superstition mountain range of Arizona. The earliest documentation of him in the U.S. is an 1848 affidavit in which Waltz declared himself to be "about 38 years old". This is their turf and only the highly experienced and prepared should venture forward. He would take this secret location practically to his grave, but as he lie dying from a bout of pneumonia in 1891 he allegedly told all, laying out the secret location of the lost and cursed Apache treasure, giving detailed but cryptic instructions on how to navigate the rough terrain to the entrance, as well as scrawling out a crude map to it all as he lay on his deathbed. 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. These include Barry Storms book Thunder Gods Gold, published in 1945, detailing his own efforts to find the gold, and the Glen Ford and Ida Lupino movie, Lust for Gold, from 1949. Join MU Plus+ and get exclusive shows and extensions & much more! There are numerous hiking trails that hikers can access from multiple points, one of the more well-known ones being the Peralta Trailhead. Image property of Arcana Exploration, photo taken at the Lost Dutchman Museum Apache Junction, Arizona. These are rectangular, cross-shaped, and heart-shaped stones with etchings of a horse, a priest, a dagger, a trail, topographic features, and Spanish inscriptions. Arcana has had the luxury of having had the site location for over three years, and for this reason we have been able to reverse engineer, historical information and put many of the pieces together. In later years there is the story of the adventurous Spanish born Doctor Abraham Thorne, who was at the time living among the Natives of the region and studying their medical practices. You came for the yellow rag gossip. Because of what we have discovered at the site, Arcana Exploration believes we have proof for the first time that there is a common link between Waltz and the Peraltas. His skull with two bullet holes was recovered about six months after he disappeared. The Lost Dutchman State Park, which opened in 1977 and has the Peralta Trail, is also a nod at the legend. We are currently in the process of planning for a return trip to further document our findings. Within the refuge are 14 trail heads that cover 190 miles.