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. Near Apache Junction, Arizona there is a place called the Supersition Mountains where legends and superstitions come alive to tell their ghostly tales. Yet the mountains and their cursed treasure would get their most well-known mystery with the arrival of a German immigrant named Jacob Walz, also often spelled Waltz, who was a gold prospector in the Phoenix valley in the late 1800s. Three documentary filmmakers set out on a journey into Arizona's Superstition Mountains to uncover the truth about the most famous lost gold mine in the world - the Lost Dutchman Mine, purportedly the home to a treasure worth 200 million dollars. STSTW Media strives to deliver accurate information through careful research. While it is small, it is packed with information and visual stimulation if you enjoy history. Among the many legends to have emerged from the area, one of the most enduring ones is that of The LostDutchmansGold Mine. Students 11-17 $4.00 The Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine (also known by similar names) is, according to legend, a rich gold mine hidden in the southwestern United States. And, where praytell do most folks believe said El Dorado is safely hidden Why, in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction. 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. The hellhole supposedly also sends out tremendous winds, and these cause the infamous dust storms of the region. A must see if you are by the Superstition Mountains. Back in those days, the American term for German was Deutsh one misspelling here, an illiterate vagrant telling tall tales over there, a shoddy reporter, and Deutsh suddenly transformed into Dutch. Hardie agrees to join a father searching for his son who is seeking a lost gold mine in Arizona's Superstition Mountains. For instance, about six of the maps are relevant, others may be relevant, but for now do not appear to be. Starring Sage Howard, Andrew Simpson, and Shelby. Very sweet museum with great views of the Superstition Mountains. 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]. 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. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. The mysterious deaths and disappearances go on and on. Admission , Barry Storm declared to have nearly escaped from a mysterious sniper he later called Mr. The short "Discovery Trail" is a clear route with several placards giving the natural history of the area. A group of modern day treasure hunters search for the Lost Dutchman mine in the Superstition mountain range of Arizona. There have been many stories about how to find the mine, and each year people search for the mine. Be sure to have a hat and water because it gets hot when youre walking around the grounds. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Thorne claimed that he was taken captive by Navajos in 1854, and that during his captivity he had discovered a rich gold vein. You'll find us in the rugged 160,000 acre Superstition Mountain range in the Tonto National Forest in Central Arizona. each. Ruths response? DARK MOUNTAIN is the chilling reconstruction from their footage of their last days. I will make a statement in the near future that will surprise a lot of Dutch Hunters it surprised me. When is the documentary goimg to start back up? 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. Ruth did not return as scheduled, and no trace of him could be found after a brief search. The lost Dutchman Gold mine is generally believed to be somewhere near or in the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Parts 2 & 3: Finally Found! 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. 2: Cashiers for questions about whats happening at the museum and local area In certain seasons, they also have gun fighters and mule/donkey rides for the kids as well. The 66-year-old Ruth, who was by all accounts absolutely and hopelessly obsessed with the location of the Lost Dutchmans Mine, ventured out into those badlands despite warnings against it, and shortly after vanished without a trace. [12] The three soldiers set out to find the gold, but without success. Fact Analysis: Next week I will list some clues that are absolutely relevant to what we have physically on site. These are tall, volcanic formations in the wilderness and are popular as hiking destinations. You came for the yellow rag gossip. Thorne fills every pocket, flap of clothing, and fleshy orifice with the nuggets. How he knew all of this no one knows, but one rumor has it that he learned the secret location of this massive stash of gold from the sole surviving Peralta family member. There are a few walking trails that are great for beginners and still enjoyable for more experienced walkers as well. The Superstitions are one of four mountains which mark the ancestral territory of the Apache People. The Superstition Mountain Museum collects, preserves and displays the artifacts, history and folklore of the Superstition Mountain region and the Apache Junction area. In any case, the event led to the naming of the Massacre Falls after it. Seniors $6.00 (65 and older) Ruth disappeared while searching for the mine in the summer of 1931. It was the fifth-largest fire in Arizonas history, it raged for over a month, despite the strenuous containment efforts of over 600 firefighters. 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. As to why his head had been carried off no one knows. Lastly, the alleged mine directions Ruth had were from an 1895 newspaper account. While this theory did not ignore the two holes in the skull, it did fail to explain how Ruth had managed to remove and bury the empty shell, then reload his gun, after shooting himself through the head". Erwin passed the information to his father Adolph, who had a long-standing interest in lost mines and amateur exploration. And the answer is absolutely yes! The Museum Gallery offers a detailed exploration of the history of this region with artifacts, multi-media, testimonials and docent-led tours. The Grand Canyon State. In January 1932, human remains were discovered about three-quarters of a mile (1.21km) from where the skull had been found. Intrigue Journal. As the mountains have a desert climate and few water resources, there is not much vegetation here. Get-rich-quick schemes are as American as the Fourth of July. The area is filled with ghost tales, monster encounters, and, yes you cant have spooky mountains without an alien highway UFOs. 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. The haunted state? Along with the body was found a mysterious note ensconced within a bottle, which said that he had broken his leg and needed help, but which also stated that he had had managed to find the legendary Lost Dutchmans 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. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "The St. Johns herald. This isn't another nauseating, shaky-cam mess. Everyone else? Waltz is attacked and wounded by marauding Apaches, but survives at least long enough to tell a man called Dr. Walker about the mine. X., who seemed to be guarding the area. Then the Apaches killed Jacob Weiser,or according to some, Waltz himself did it. They even had the old rock crusher up and working. Web. 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. Legend of the Superstition Mountains: With Keenan Johnston, Mark Dodson, Frank Augustine, Wayne Tuttle. Theyre filled to the brim with ghosts and spirits. 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. On July 11, 2010, Utah hikers Curtis Merworth, Ardean Charles, and Malcolm Meeks went missing in the Superstition Mountains while looking for the mine. By what name was Dark Mountain (2013) officially released in Canada in English? FREE with paid Adult In his 1945 book about the Lost Dutchmans Mine. The museum itself is clean and well organized for the small space it is currently occupying and boasts loads in local history. The staff and volunteers at this Museum were all very friendly and helpful. Animals like deer coyotes, pumas and bobcats live here, existing alongside birds, rodents, snakes, and other reptiles. The neighboursJulia Thomas, Rhinehart Petrasch, and Hermann Petraschspent weeks looking for the gold, but failed to find it. The praying hands formation at the Superstition Mountains range. Here he worked at the Vulture Mine as a paid miner. About this campaign You may also be interested in Gogopicks Funding The MOST PROFESSIONAL Smart Toothpaste Dispenser There are numerous hiking trails that hikers can access from multiple points, one of the more well-known ones being the Peralta Trailhead. His body has never been found. 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. Since Ruths death, there have been numerous other deaths or disappearances in the Superstition Mountains. However, Ruth ignored Barkely's advice, and set out for a two-week stint in the mountains. The Lost Dutchman's Mine has gone on to become a pop cultural legend, written of in countless books and appearing on numerous TV shows. 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. The Lost Dutchman State Park, which opened in 1977 and has the Peralta Trail, is also a nod at the legend. And, amazingly, a few of these people were also found in the same headless state as Adolph Ruth. There are many stories about hidden gold in the Superstition Mountains, and these usually mention the Peralta Family. Superstition Mountain Museum has a large collection of props, sets, posters and memorabilia connected to Western movie and television history. 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. "Most. 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. He was remembered as having been obsessed with finding the mine for several years. For a small fee you can see items owned by locals and learn all about the local history. The Superstition Mountains are a mountain range east of Phoenix and are known for their picturesque volcanic peaks and and jagged canyons. The stories differ from here onward. The University of Arizona is the oldest college in the state, existing before Arizona achieved statehood. After moving to the area, Ruth lingered numerous days at the ranch of Tex Barkely to outfit his expedition. 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. 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. Waltzs caregiver, a Julia Thomas, apparently listened to all of this but had no idea what to think of any of it. 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. On 8 June 2019, a fire broke out in the Superstitions Wilderness area and soon spread across 26,000 acres. The Supers are east northeast of Phoenix. Erwin gave the data to his father Adolph. Legend tells of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the "Superstition Mountains.". Cravey said he would walk out of the mountains on June 28, 1947. Skeptoid Media, 29 Jan 2013. But what they actually found has been a hidden secret that people have been trying to piece together for last 125 years. Padre Kino founded many missions including Mission San Xavier del Bac near Tucson. Cravey said he would walk out of the mountains on June 28, 1947. This account is usually dated to about 1870. 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. They trek into the mountains. It is easily accessible about 40 miles east of Phoenix via U.S. Highway 60, the Superstition Freeway. The museum does not disappoint! 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. The story of the Peralta Stones is that they lead you to a small almost invisible ledge, 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 man. We arrived at Shaun's house at 7:30 am in St. George Utah. (Chris J / Flickr). 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. A found footage thriller inspired on actual events, DARK MOUNTAIN is directed by Tara Anase and written by Tamara Blaich and Tara Anase. Come on down! 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. In March of 2011, three filmmakers disappeared in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona while documenting their search for the Lost Dutchman Mine. Everyplace had a lost mine. 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. This is very important! [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). According to the story, the Apaches quickly descended upon the family to ruthlessly slaughter all of them but one, left alive solely to tell the tale not to mess with the lost mine to anyone who would listen. The Lost Gold Mine At Superstition Mountain. Tries to portray danger and incidentin fact nothing going on. Over the next few weeks I will share some images that are safe for us to show. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. 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. About Lost Dutchman State Park. Over the decades, this tale was gradually absorbed into the Lost Dutchman's story. 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. In March of 2011, three filmmakers disappeared in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona while documenting their search for the Lost Dutchman mine. In an act of kindness, Throne treats an ailing Apache chieftain. It is believed that all were killed except for two Peralta family members who were severely wounded but managed to escape. The Peralta Stones are a set of engraved stone tableted works that are approximately 18 inches long and weigh about 25 lbs. Anyway, the great west after Grant decided to Manifest Destiny and promote those great plains maybe theyll forget all that Civil War squabble if they start to settle into lands without so much emotional baggage tended to promote El Dorado like tales. It is generally accepted that the Peraltas and roughly 400 peon miners were massacred by the Apaches sometime around 1848. 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. The stones are named for an obscure "Peralta family", said to be an old and powerful Mexican family. The blindfold is taken off, the shine of the yellow stuff rattles Thornes mind, the chieftain speaks, Take as much gold ore as you can carry.. Youll find us in the rugged 160,000 acre Superstition Mountain range in the Tonto National Forest in Central Arizona. OH, I almost forgot there is no cell phone service absolutely none. [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. For the price, this is well worth the visit. Their bodies were never found. 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. The Valentine State. Originally an important feature of the Apacheland Movie Ranch, the Elvis Chapel is an amazing location to hold your special event. The early Spanish the Peraltas the Jesuits and many others all came to the Superstition Mountains looking for legendary gold. After an intensive search, Ruths skull was was found at the bottom of a remote ravine, sitting out there all alone in the unforgiving desert. Two Pennsylvania Dutchmen, Jacob Waltz and Jacob Weiser, were prospecting for gold in the area, when, one night, they happened to save a mans life in a bar brawl. Some of you reading this may know a lot, about the Lost Dutchman Goldmine, others may be new to the story of the Lost Dutchman Mine, so before going much further, I will do a very quick overview. Interestingly it was found that he had amassed a small fortune in a short amount of time after starting his forays into the mountains, urging suspicions that he had found the lost mine. Wasnt it Dutch? 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. Arcana Exploration has been there on four separate trips the first in October of 2015. 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. Eight months later their camera and cell phones were recovered along the western edge of LaBarge Canyon. Fake AF. Barkely urged Ruth to abandon his search for the mine: the area and the mines cursed and full of devils.. Adults $7.00 (2004). 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. A corpse is later found and IDed as Weiser; coroners unable to state whether the wounds were caused by Apache weapons or American-made knives. They either mined or found enormous gold deposits in the Superstition Mountains. Months pass, years some say, until one day Jacob comes back battered and bloody atop a lame mule. Weiser was the mans best friend and confidant. The Pima Indians famously feared the mountain that they knew as Ain-we-gophon (Superstition Mountain). The average high temperature in June, July and August, is 104 degrees. Is this all just a spooky legend or id there something more to it? Superstition Mountain Museum is located in an area full of legend, history and intrigue. Our focus is on providing visitors with an experience of the Old West. The multi-acre museum site soon saw the addition of a historic Cossack 20-Stamp . The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable and I am looking forward to returning with my kids. In his 1945 book about the Lost Dutchman's mine. TheSuperstition Mountains, furthermore, are the abode of the Thunder God, and he causes the frequent regional thunderstorms. 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. [29][clarification needed]. The museum with its indoor and outdoor exhibits is a pleasant surprise and definitely worth your time if youre going on the Apache Trail or to the nearby Lost Dutchman State Park. In March of 2011, three filmmakers disappeared in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona while documenting their search for the Lost Dutchman mine. 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 . The rest of his remains were found a month later about a mile away. 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. In January 2011, three sets of remains assumed to be those of the lost men were retrieved. 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. Hes led back to town and the tale spreads like wildfire. They are mysterious, they are cool as ice, and for all those Dark Tourism enthusiasts, they are full of legends and weird happenings. Waltz was buried in Phoenix at what is now called the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park. 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. Pingback: Legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Parts 2 & 3: Finally Found! Get the latest on your favorite shows, plus updates on HISTORY events and more. Capens corpse was found three years later in November 2012 by a local search and rescue organization, stuffed into a crevice. VISIT Ruth ended his note with the phrase "Veni, vidi, vici. Furthermore, Wilburn stated that geology indicates that there is no gold in the Superstition Mountains, which are igneous in origin. 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. He would vanish into thin air for his efforts. It is here were you will reach areas that are barely penetrable, this is where most trails stop abruptly for safety reasons. DARK MOUNTAIN (2013) "In March of 2011, three filmmakers disappeared in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona while documenting their search for the Lost Dutchman mine. 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. Saturdays bring the added fun of gun fight shows with a friendly crew that welcomes photos during the show and posing with them after the show. There was indeed a Jacob Waltz who emigrated to the U.S. from Germany. 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. The Apaches told him he could grab as much of the gold as he could carry on his person, which he did before being led back out, never knowing the precise location, although he did mention a sharp peak of rock, which is thought to have perhaps been Weavers Needle, a popular landmark in the area. The area is basically a free-for-all for wilderness lovers. But they're even better known for something else: the legendary Lost Dutchman's Mine, a much-ballyhooed secret stash of wealth sought by daring adventurers known as "Dutch hunters." 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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]. 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. [27], Throughout the 20th century, various expeditions and individuals continued to search the Superstitions for the Lost Dutchman Mine. 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Summer Hours Weavers Needle, a peak located in the Superstition Mountains. Im talking Smaug levels of the shiny stuff. Subscribe Today! Are you ready to relive the last few moments of the lives of a group of people who were poking around where they shouldnt have been? The elder Ruth had fallen and badly broken several bones while seeking the lost Pegleg mine in California. 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.

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