They even had the old rock crusher up and working. Unexplained Deaths, Disappearances, and a Cursed Treasure in Arizona , Barry Storm declared to have nearly escaped from a mysterious sniper he later called Mr. In late November or early December 2009, Denver, Colorado citizen Jesse Capen disappeared in the Tonto National Forest. 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. Capens corpse was found three years later in November 2012 by a local search and rescue organization, stuffed into a crevice. This account is usually dated to about 1870. He was then led along a harsh, meandering route of an estimated 20 miles, after which they removed the blindfold and he was met with the sight of a pile of gold sparkling in the sun near an entrance into the presumed lost mine. 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. According to the account, 1912 Erwin C. Ruth gave s Gonzales legal aid, saving the riff-raff from almost certain imprisonment. 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. Fun, family friendly historical site with a lot to see including replicas of old buildings, plenty of hiking, a gift shop and free lectures by locals describing how life was like. Ruth did not return as scheduled, and no trace of him could be found after a brief search. German? Nobody has been able to interpret them correctly. Cute fun stop for anyone visiting the area to learn more about the history of the area. Finally - The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Is Found! And the answer is absolutely yes! 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. They trek into the mountains. Peralta Stones - Wikipedia [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". The Legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine - C&I Magazine But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 4: Volunteer Coordinator ZERO ZIP NADA!! TheLost Dutchmans Gold Mineis, according to folktales, a magnificent, rich, Scrooge McDuck like repository of gold hidden somewhere in southwestern United States. As to why his head had been carried off no one knows. Going on a year now. Skeptoid Media, 29 Jan 2013. "Tex" Bradford of Globe Arizona went in search of the "Lost Dutchman Mine"; by October 1933 he had been missing for nine months. Travis Tumlinson, a policeman, discovered the Peralta Stones on a roadside near the Superstition Mountains in the 1940s. Blair suggested that "fragments of this legend have perhaps become attached to the mythical mine of Jacob Waltz".[6]. [42] The park was expanded to 320 acres (130ha) in 1983. DARK MOUNTAIN is the chilling reconstruction from their footage of their last days. People off his Mine that he cover up with a ironwood tree :The books give me my Don Miguel Peralta was the head of a powerful and wealthy Mexican family from Sonora, and they were either ranchers or operated mines or did both. [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. Take a cinematic tour to the Superstition Mountains, home of the Lost Dutchman Mine. These steep, jagged volcanic mountains were formed over 29 million years ago and they cover an area of 160,000 acres. 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. 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. Mysteries Of The Superstition Mountains - Grunge.com Finally The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Is Found! Youve come to the ideal place. Somewhere deep within Arizonas Superstition Mountains lies the most famous lost gold mine in the worldthe Lost Dutchman Mine. Then around 1692, the Jesuit padre father Eusebio Francisco Kino arrived. In December of 1949 a man named James Kidd vanished without a trace in the area as well. The staff and volunteers at this Museum were all very friendly and helpful. 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. Barkely urged Ruth to abandon his search for the mine: the area and the mines cursed and full of devils.. [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. 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. Seniors $6.00 (65 and older) The praying hands formation at the Superstition Mountains range. But what they actually found has been a hidden secret that people have been trying to piece together for last 125 years. Wednesday Sunday However, the Peralta Mine eventually became unprofitable and after the money was gone Miguel Peralta turned to fraud. You need at a bare minimum, at least a three- man team. Starring Sage Howard, Andrew Simpson, and Shelby. The family is later attacked and butchered in the so-calledPeralta massacre. The man is barely alive. German? January 7, 2023 12:00 pm - April 29, 2023 3:00 pm, Desert Safety and Survival (March Sold Out), Weaving Class with Nanabah Aragon (March Sold Out). According to Blair, the story may have its roots in the efforts of three U.S. soldiers to locate gold in an area of New Mexico, based on an allegedly true story related to them by Dr. Thorne of New Mexico; see above. Ruth disappeared while searching for the mine in the summer of 1931. 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. Combine these with the legends of the indigenous Pima Indians and the mountains live up to their name. 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. The Hermit of the Superstition Mountains - YouTube A group of modern day treasure hunters search for the Lost Dutchman mine in the Superstition mountain range of Arizona. According to their folklore, the mountain guards an ancient storehouse of precious metals and treasures, and anyone who ventures forth to get the treasure is likely to die. The Dutchman " was a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz. 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. Over the next few weeks I will share some images that are safe for us to show. A must see if you are by the Superstition Mountains. Hardie agrees to join a father searching for his son who is seeking a lost gold mine in Arizona's Superstition Mountains. Starring Sage Howard, Andrew Simpson, and Shelby Stehlin. His campsite and vehicle were recovered shortly afterward. Want to climb a perilous cliff? Arcana Exploration. 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. As the mountains have a desert climate and few water resources, there is not much vegetation here. The area is filled with ghost tales, monster encounters, and, yes you cant have spooky mountains without an alien highway UFOs. These trails traverse from the desert floor up into the edges of the mountains. It is generally accepted that the Peraltas and roughly 400 peon miners were massacred by the Apaches sometime around 1848. [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. 2: Cashiers for questions about whats happening at the museum and local area but their camera was. In fact, after five years including thousands of hours of research and then four expeditions starting in 2015, The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine has been found by Arcana Exploration and Discovery. SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS GHOST, LOST MINES, MURDER AND MAYHEM, Geronimo was oftentimes sometimes discussed in the story. Lights, screams, and shadows of Apache armies have been reported. We miss it. [12] Thorne related his claims to three U.S. soldiers in about 1858. The short "Discovery Trail" is a clear route with several placards giving the natural history of the area. The soldiers are alleged to have presented some of the gold, but to have been killed or to have vanished soon after. Very sweet museum with great views of the Superstition Mountains. Originally an important feature of the Apacheland Movie Ranch, the Elvis Chapel is an amazing location to hold your special event. In March of 2011, three filmmakers disappeared in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona while documenting their search for the Lost Dutchman Mine. In 2012 his vehicle, wallet, cellphone, and backpack were located but there had been no sign of the missing man. January 1933 a Mining electrican named J.A. (Chris J / Flickr). Superstition Mountain Museum is located in an area full of legend, history and intrigue. 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. X., who seemed to be guarding the area. This is considered to be the starting and gathering point for most Dutch Hunters. Adults $7.00 There have been countless such deaths and disappearances in the region over the years, many of them with missing heads or gunshot wounds to the head. 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. Read on to find out if you should start planning your trip to a Dark Mountain. Searching for The Gold of the Lost Dutchman Mine in Superstition Mountain He further stated, after examining the two holes [in the skull], that it appeared that a shotgun or high-powered rifle had been fired through the head at almost point-blank range, making the small hole when the bullet entered and the large hole when it exited".[23]. 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). They are mysterious, they are cool as ice, and for all those Dark Tourism enthusiasts, they are full of legends and weird happenings. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The average high temperature in June, July and August, is 104 degrees. The Peralta family would go on to be suspected of having left some evidence behind of their discovery in the form of a series of odd stones mysteriously etched with codes, pictograms, and cryptic messages written out in imperfect Latin, which are said to hold the key to finding the treasure and which have been dubbed the Peralta Stones. These stones were allegedly written up by the family shortly before their massacre and left behind by Apaches who did not know their true meaning and so left them to rot away in the sun. 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. Hes led back to town and the tale spreads like wildfire. Its estimated worth is around 200 million dollars. The Superstition Mountains are a mountain range east of Phoenix and are known for their picturesque volcanic peaks and and jagged canyons. Brent Swancer is an author and crypto expert living in Japan. There are a lot of terrific shots and brilliantly edited moments -- especially, the opening montage as the characters drive to the Superstition Mountains. Here is a place of sprawling rugged wilderness, encompassing the Superstition Wilderness Area and drawing in hikers, rock climbers, campers, and all manner of those looking to enjoy the natural splendor and outdoor activities on offer. A TwinTygr Film. However, things can go wrong. The family is later attacked and butchered in the so-called, Jacob, meanwhile, the lone survivor, is near catatonic. If you loved watching old westerns you will love this place. [3] Former Arizona Attorney General Robert K. Corbin is among those who have looked for the mine. Ruth vanished while hunting for the mine in the summer of 1931. About Lost Dutchman State Park. 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. Beautiful gift shop with tons of great things to buy. You came here for the nasty bits that are constantly swept under the rug. Weiser was the mans best friend and confidant. At the time he had ventured out into the Tonto National Forest in search of the legendary treasure, having looked for it on several occasions in the past and accumulating hundreds of books and hundreds of pages of research on the matter. In June 1931, Ruth set out to locate the lost Peralta mine. Image property of Arcana Exploration, photo taken at the Lost Dutchman Museum Apache Junction, Arizona. Supposedly a mine with fabulously rich gold deposits. Tales of these other Lost Dutchman's mines can be traced to at least the 1870s. Without doubt the most controversial but easily the most studied, researched and written about of all the historical documentation involving the Superstition Mountains, are the famous Peralta Stones. The record high temperature is 128 degrees. , on the northeast side, includes a favorite trail that heads up to Fremont Saddle; picturesque panoramic views of most of the locale. One of the most prominent such tales is that of an affluent mining family from Mexico, the Peraltas, although some versions of the story say they were ranchers. In March of 2011 three filmmakers set out to find the mine and document their entire process. More please. Who killed him and then separated his head from his body remains unknown. [1], The Lost Dutchman's is perhaps the most famous lost mine in American history. We had a 7-hour drive ahead of us and we wanted to start early. Other storytellers claim that the Peralta Family escaped with gold, but another family died in the massacre. Legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Parts 2 & 3: Finally Found! The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable and I am looking forward to returning with my kids. A group of modern day treasure hunters search for the Lost Dutchman mine in the Superstition mountain range of Arizona. Web. The mine is named after German immigrant Jacob Waltz,18101891. 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. 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]. Dark Mountain (2013) - IMDb On Valentines Day Elvis was available at the church for weddings. The multi-acre museum site soon saw the addition of a historic Cossack 20-Stamp . If you find the above article inaccurate or biased, please let us know at[emailprotected]. These are tall, volcanic formations in the wilderness and are popular as hiking destinations. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The Apaches were either enraged over the violation of their sacred mountains or wanted to steal the gold from them. A note in a bottle found floating down the Salt River said that he needed help on account of his leg and that he had found the Lost Dutchmans gold mine. Get the latest on your favorite shows, plus updates on HISTORY events and more. Then the Apaches killed Jacob Weiser,or according to some, Waltz himself did it. While it is small, it is packed with information and visual stimulation if you enjoy history. The Superstitions are one of four mountains which mark the ancestral territory of the Apache People. The stones are named for an obscure "Peralta family", said to be an old and powerful Mexican family. Furthermore, Wilburn stated that geology indicates that there is no gold in the Superstition Mountains, which are igneous in origin. Tries to portray danger and incidentin fact nothing going on. Ruth ignored Barkelys help and set out for a two-week stint into cliffs. Producers included Tamara Blaich, Jennifer Harrington, and Megan Peterson with cinematography by Pyongson Yim and editing by Jennifer Harrington. 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. 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). Apache Junction, AZ 85119-8409, Phone options: What is important is the informational content recorded on the stones. Since Ruths death, there have been numerous other deaths or disappearances in the Superstition Mountains. 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. About Us - Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum 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. The Lost Dutchman State Park, which opened in 1977 and has the Peralta Trail, is also a nod at the legend. "Dutchman's Gold" was a chart hit in 1960 for, "When the Man Comes, Follow Him" episode of the, "The Peralta Map" episode of the CBS Radio series, The Lost Dutchman Mine ride was a popular attraction at, The Lost Dutchman's Mine features prominently in the, The Lost Dutchmans Mine is the subject of Season 6, Episode 10 of podcast Unexplained. The gift store was absolutely fantastic and was filled with high-quality books about Arizona and southwest history, folklore, Native Americans, and the Wild West. The hellhole supposedly also sends out tremendous winds, and these cause the infamous dust storms of the region. Long before Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and grifter-socialite Anna Delvey, we had the Gold Rush and even today, plenty of Americans are still fixated on an either long-lost or fictional gold mine in Arizona's Superstition Mountains.For more than a century, adventurous souls have sought the Lost Dutchman Mine, and since 1891 . Many other mysterious deaths in the Superstition Mountains followed that of Ruths in the subsequent years, including two soldiers from the U.S. Army. A raspberry into the face of common sense. Adolph Ruth is really the amateur explorer and treasure hunter that made the mines into a national phenomenon. Be sure to have a hat and water because it gets hot when youre walking around the grounds. For the price, this is well worth the visit. Over the next few weeks we will provide some images and photos taken at or very near the site. When they immigrated to Pennsylvania from Deutschland (Germany), the locals mistook Deutsch for Dutch. The main thing is that they supposedly accidentally found this ancient Apache treasure somewhere in the mountains, but it was to spell their doom. The Superstition Mountains and the Legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine George Johnston, who first tried to find the treasure in the 1950s, was still working for the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum up until his August 30, 2017, death at age 97. Children 10 and under The lost Dutchman Gold mine is generally believed to be somewhere near or in the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. They are encircled by U.S Route 60 on the south Arizona State 88 on the northwest, and Arizona 188 on the northeast. Kinos Mission San Xavier del Bac near Tucson unlike other missions in California was both massive and opulent, and still stands today. Arcadia Publishing. My husband has been enthralled with all the wonderful tales of the mountains since his college days a long time ago. We provide an historical context that includes the region's Native American people, the life of early western settlers, local geology and industry as well as the legends promoted through film and media. In March of 2011, three filmmakers disappeared in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona while documenting their search for the Lost Dutchman mine. TheSuperstition Mountains, furthermore, are the abode of the Thunder God, and he causes the frequent regional thunderstorms.