silver chief mine superstition mountains

The lost Dutchman Gold mine is generally believed to be somewhere near or in the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. Buy "In Search of the Heart" by Phil Reinhardt at http://www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org/museumgifts/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_. Or, he never made any such claims at all and Thomas made up the whole story based on some gold ore she found in Waltz's possessions. 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. Votes: 53 "Jesse James Feldman has uncovered compelling new evidence of a chain of events that link pre-Anglo mining in Arizona's famed Superstition Mountains with Jacob Waltz and the Peralta miners. OH, I almost forgot there is no cell phone service absolutely none. Blair argued that this Peralta story (well known to Arizona residents) was eventually incorporated in the Lost Dutchman's story, in a severely distorted version, following the renewed interest in the Lost Dutchman's mine in the 1930s. It appears no one ever bothered to just ask the Native Americans in the area if the mountains were sacred. Waltz was buried in Phoenix at what is now called the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park. 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. 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. On the east side of Phoenix in Arizona lies the spectacular range of the Superstition Mountains that straddle the Tonto National Forest and the Superstition Wilderness area. Afterwards, Waltz fell ill (he was rumored to have contracted pneumonia during the flooding). One of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. At the low elevations, you will encounter tall saguaro cactusand Ponderosa pines at higher levels, and these are generally near the streams. The newcomers, thus, became the Pennsylvania Dutch. Children 10 and under Superstition Mountain has an elevation of 5,024 feet. Two prominent landmarks here are the Weavers Needle and the Miners Needle. Many other mysterious deaths in the Superstition Mountains followed that of Ruths in the subsequent years, including two soldiers from the U.S. Army. In some versions, he's not just a man but the chieftain of the Apache tribe. 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. They supposedly did and brought a good amount of gold back to town according to Tom Kollenborn Chronicles. Next week I will list some clues that are absolutely relevant to what we have physically on site. The Supers are east northeast of Phoenix. It's likely this legend just got re-adapted to the Superstitions to boost the legend of the Lost Dutchman's mine. [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". Nov 19, 2003 #8. Depending on the season, you'll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife. Early on during the Spanish Conquest, Conquistadors such as Francisco Vazquez de Coronado (1535) came to the American southwest (New Spain) in search of gold trying to locate, Montezumas Seven Cities of Cibola. Peralta Stones are fake - DesertUSA The legend of the lost gold continued to attract people, and, in 1932, a veterinarian in the Park Service, Adolph Ruth, decided to go treasure hunting. While walking thru the shaft holding a digging iron one day, I was tapping the floor to make sure it was solid. Free Lecture: Arizona's Four Peaks Amethyst Mine - Superstition Your browser doesn't support the HTML5 CANVAS tag. Adults $7.00 The hellhole supposedly also sends out tremendous winds, and these cause the infamous dust storms of the region. New posts Top Treasure Finds Search forums Members Current visitors New profile posts Search profile posts. Sep 2, 2019 5 6 . January 1933 a Mining electrican named J.A. I personally spoke with Ron a few months back when he described his findings to me, which he is publishing in a forthcoming book. Click here for Part Eleven ofThe Lost Dutchman Mine. These steep, jagged volcanic mountains were formed over 29 million years ago and they cover an area of 160,000 acres. A map is available in the gift shop and signage along the path explains the stages. The Lost Dutchman Mine Part Eleven: The Stone Maps, The Lost Dutchman Mine Part Ten: The Dutch Hunters, Linda Hazzard: Seattles First Serial Killer. 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". Cerro Rico: Devil worship on the man-eating mountain - BBC News Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In any case, the event led to the naming of the Massacre Falls after it. So what about Jacob Waltz? Ted Cox and the Ridge Pit Mine A doctor from Illinois, Doctor Abraham Thorne, provided his service to treat the indigenous people of the Southwest. Over the next few weeks we will provide some images and photos taken at or very near the site. Legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Parts 2 & 3: Finally Found! We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. [12] Thorne related his claims to three U.S. soldiers in about 1858. 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. Within the refuge are 14 trail heads that cover 190 miles. Ask any prospector and they will tellyou,gold is where you find it. [11] According to Blair, the origin of this story can be traced to a doctor named Thorne who was in private practice in New Mexico in the 1860s. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. Rogers was partnered with Aaron Mason, foreman of the Silver King mine. Allegedly, Dr. Thorne tried to find the cave again but was unsuccessful, or found it and was killed. Mine records show that one possibly two Peralta family members with possible links connecting them to the 1848 massacre, also worked at the Vulture mine during the same time period as Waltz. 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. This problematic paradox, I believe, is the product of years of misdirection to steer seekers to the west side of the mountains. The early Spanish the Peraltas the Jesuits and many others all came to the Superstition Mountains looking for legendary gold. There have been many books, films, and cartoons about the Lost Gold of the Superstition Mountains. Supposedly, the Peraltas actually found a very rich gold vein and set up a mining operation. According to the tales, a Spanish conquistador (often said to be Francisco Vazquez de Coronado, but sometimes reported as any number of other explorers, real and fictional) came to the Superstition Mountains in the mid-1500s searching for a mythical city of gold, one of the legendary Seven Cities of Gold, somewhere in the mountains, according to Legends of America. [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. There are numerous hiking trails that hikers can access from multiple points, one of the more well-known ones being the Peralta Trailhead. This problematic paradox, I believe, is the product of years of misdirection to steer seekers to the west side of the mountains. Front View of the Peralta Stones. [9] As of 1975, ruins of the Peralta mine were standing.[9]. Jacob Waltz took to returning to the mountains only when he needed the gold. However, even armed with the clues and map, no one in the area could find the Dutchman's mine, thus giving it the name of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine. 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. Some have died on the search. It next surfaced in history in 1957 when it was claimed by a man named Quentin Ted Cox. One of the worst kept secrets of the Superstition Mountains. Richman, Irwin. Closer than ever to the $200 million payday, Wayne and the team head into the heart of darkness where a cryptic find weaves an even bigger mystery, in Season. Come on. The two Jacobs found the gold but refused to tell anyone else where it was. Some searchers for the mine have disappeared in likely wilderness accidents. Blindbowman Bronze Member. It was the fifth-largest fire in Arizonas history, it raged for over a month, despite the strenuous containment efforts of over 600 firefighters. He died on October 25, 1891, after having been nursed by an acquaintance named Julia Thomas (she was usually described as a quadroon). 2: Cashiers for questions about whats happening at the museum and local area I cannot speak for the current condition of the mine. Blair contended that this story can be divided into "hawk" and "dove" versions, depending on whether the German(s) are said to behave violently or peacefully. Jesuit Treasure in the Superstitions - DesertUSA.com/mb3 "The St. Johns herald. Thorne claimed that he was taken captive by Navajos in 1854, and that during his captivity he had discovered a rich gold vein. Ruth disappeared while searching for the mine in the summer of 1931. 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. According to Legends of America, the Native Americans in the area believed the Thunder God of their religion lived in the Superstition Mountains, and thus they were required to protect it with lethal force, killing any who might set foot on the mountain and disturb their deity. But the map to the Peralta mine was said to be missing. In June 1931, Ruth set out to locate the lost Peralta mine. Two prospectors saved his life and, in gratitude, he gave them directions to the gold mine, thus setting off a wild goose chase that continues to the present day. Eventually, the conquistador ordered his men to flee and he never returned to the mountains, which they called Monte Supersticin, thus giving the mountains the name of Superstition. It is here were you will reach areas that are barely penetrable, this is where most trails stop abruptly for safety reasons. Some have died on the search. It's unclear if Waltz himself ever specifically claimed to have a secret gold mine in the mountains, but one woman said he did claim just that Julia Thomas, Jacob Waltz's friend and neighbor, according to Skeptoid. . The Superstition Mountains and the Legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine But Blair suggested that this core story was distorted in subsequent retellings, comparing the many variants of the Lost Dutchman's story to the game of Chinese whispers, where the original account is distorted in multiple retellings of the tale.[15]. The Lost Dutchman State Park, which opened in 1977 and has the Peralta Trail, is also a nod at the legend. However, things can go wrong. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It is my understanding that the results, while not conclusive, state that there is about a seventy-five percent chance that they came from the same source. Towards the very south of the Silvermine Mountains is the highest peak in the mountains, Keeper Hill or in Irish Sliabh . Though the remains had been scattered by scavengers, they were undoubtedly Ruth's. 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 and people who mysteriously go "missing" when they . In yet another version of the tale, two (or more) U.S. Army soldiers are said to have discovered a vein of almost pure gold in or near the Superstition Mountains. FREE with paid Adult [21], Were it not for the death of amateur explorer and treasure hunter Adolph Ruth, the story of the Lost Dutchman's mine would probably have been little more than a footnote in Arizona history as one of hundreds of "lost mines" rumored to be in the American West. They either mined or found enormous gold deposits in the Superstition Mountains. There have been many stories about how to find the mine, and each year people search for the mine. But what they actually found has been a hidden secret that people have been trying to piece together for last 125 years. 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. These Native American legends aren't the only tales involving religion and gold stores in the area. 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. During Kinos time other Missionaries in California and Mexico were jealous and suspicious of Kino because, while they were poor and struggled his missions were rich and flourished, they said he had a secret gold mine from which he took rich gold and funded his missions and rancheros amassing 50 thousand head of cattle making him the Southwests first mega rancher. Erwin passed the information to his father Adolph, who had a long-standing interest in lost mines and amateur exploration. Also, as previously mentioned, no Native American tribes in the region seem to have any history of treating the mountains as anything other than regular mountains. And importantly I have hard facts that the Stones are linked to other historical information. Mystery of 'deathtrap' lost gold mine where people seek fortune - but Intrigue Journal. Jesse Feldman, son of Ron Feldman, indicated his belief that the mine was in the Rogers Trough area in his bookJacobs Trail. The easy 1.5 mile trail features some rocky, rough terrain but with little elevation gain. Alleged lost gold mine in the Superstition Mountains. Reports of inexplicable sounds, sightings, and events have led to claims of supernatural beings and even aliens. 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. Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a supposedly rich gold mine either in the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix, Arizona, or somewhere in Mexico. 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. Aug 15, 2007 1,941 906 Primary Interest: Many people took the landmark to be the Weavers Needle but had no luck finding any gold nuggets in its vicinity. In his 1945 book about the Lost Dutchman's mine. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The conquistador and his men arrived and made their way deep into the mountains, despite the warnings of danger from the local Apache. The exact year varies, but the story goes that a rich Mexican mining family named Peralta also came to the area in search of gold. This is what brought him to the Superstition Mountains (yes, that's their real name) near what is today the city of Phoenix, Arizona. We know today they're not actually sedimentary rock, but volcanic, according to Lost Dutchman State Park. You need at a bare minimum, at least a three- man team. STSTW Media strives to deliver accurate information through careful research. While he allegedly worked as a miner at numerous mines earlier in his life, eventually Waltz decided he wanted to prospect on his own. To paraphrase an old Dutch Hunter, I dont know where the Dutchman is, but I know a thousand places it isnt! The meaning here is that gold can only exist in a prerequisite set of geological conditions. These are tall, volcanic formations in the wilderness and are popular as hiking destinations. When they immigrated to Pennsylvania from Deutschland (Germany), the locals mistook Deutsch for Dutch. Those who have been inside describe it as like an hourglass on its side, with a narrow entrance, an open area with a wide,stopedceiling, and a tapering end. While this is true, it is also true that gold pockets can exist alongside of silver veins. And the answer is absolutely yes! The legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine is a quintessential version of just such a story. There is a Superstition Mountain Museum at 4087 N. Apache Trail, Highway 88 in Apache Junction. First you drive to the outskirts of Phoenix and find Apache Junction, then pick up the old Apache Trail (route88) and go about 35 miles to Tortilla Flat, site of the old stage coach Pony express stop, along the Apache Trail. It is common knowledge that someone was working the mine in the late 1990s, though what exactly they extracted varies between tellers. 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. The mine is there to be seen, appraised, and judged in any way you see fit, but the story of how it got there is the real treasure. Combine these with the legends of the indigenous Pima Indians and the mountains live up to their name. Tales of these other Lost Dutchman's mines can be traced to at least the 1870s. 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. Animals like deer coyotes, pumas and bobcats live here, existing alongside birds, rodents, snakes, and other reptiles. Either way, she went to the mountains for a while to search. Students 11-17 $4.00 Within the refuge are 14 trail heads that cover 190 miles. While popular with campers, hikers, and adventure seekers, these mountains are also known for their exceedingly hot summers, freezing winters, harsh winds, unpredictable storms, treacherous terrain, and mysterious happenings. For the first time ever, Arcana Exploration has undeniable physical proof that the mine exists, proof that is to say, photographic physical documentation that many of the generally excepted clues, are in fact real and do exist and are physically present in one location. Much of the interior is so brutal with severe weather shifts (the Apache winds) that much of the interior is off limits for search and rescue. Thorne is said to be either unwilling or unable to relocate the mine. To paraphrase an old Dutch Hunter, I dont know where the Dutchman is, but I know a thousand places it isnt! The meaning here is that gold can only exist in a prerequisite set of geological conditions. Jesse Feldman, son of Ron Feldman, indicated his belief that the mine was in the Rogers Trough area in his book, . There are other legends about gold in the Superstition Mountains. "The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine." That's just the name we use for the group of mining exhibits that you'll experience when you visit the museum. Not much silver was recovered in the 1979 time period and there was no mention of gold having been taken. Without going into a lengthy scientific explanation, I will say that geology defies the existence of gold in most of the Superstition Mountains, especially on the western side. Surprisingly, he was a real man. Thorne sold the ore for $6000 and became a wealthy man. Do you think the Silver Chief Mine is where Jacob Waltz got his gold The elder Ruth had fallen and badly broken several bones while seeking the lost Pegleg mine in California. 4: Volunteer Coordinator Considering that any mining activity in the area would be a federal crime, you can understand why folks might not be so forthcoming with information. There, his blindfold was removed and he saw a cave full of gold. It is a ranger-guided hike focusing on the aesthetic . Among the many legends to have emerged from the area, one of the most enduring ones is that of The LostDutchmansGold Mine. 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). ZERO ZIP NADA!! Of course, one obvious argument against this being the Dutchman is the fact that The Silver Chief was a silver mine, not a gold mine. Mysteries of the Superstition Mountains - YouTube The initial search party found no trace of him, but then, in December 1931, they found a human skull with two holes from a .44 caliber. The Pit Mine is located close to the Randolph Mining District, which is historically well known and produced vast amounts of silver. He never returned, and months later, an archaeological expedition encountered his remains, which indicated he had been shot, and a hand-written note claiming he had found the entrance to the mine. The Lost Dutchman Mine, and the Superstition Mountain The Jesuit priests were the most educated and loyal orders to the King of Spain (and to the Pope). Since Ruth's death, there have been several other deaths or disappearances in the Superstition Mountains. As predicted by Waltz none are miners, they are in fact like most folks that are reading this post, just regular hard-working everyday folks with normal jobs, going to their kids ball games, playing a round of golf, and in the fall deer hunting and going to Blue Jackets NHL games. Mining Folklore - The Midnight Society There are many variations of this story, including that the mine is cursed, killing anyone who . The Peralta Stones are a set of engraved stone tableted works that are approximately 18 inches long and weigh about 25 lbs. That is not to say that it was hidden in plain sight, defying discovery under our very noses, but rather that it was concealed by the collective expectations of generations of Dutch Hunters, veiled in legend. 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. This beautiful program is designed to start with a famous Arizona sunset draping gracefully over the Superstition Mountains, and end under the light of the full moon. In speaking with one local historian and trusted source, he connects quite a few players to the site, not the least of which is Herman Petrasch. The Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Hardie agrees to join a father searching for his son who is seeking a lost gold mine in Arizona's Superstition Mountains. They removed his blindfold and let him take away as much as he could carry. 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.

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