Mysterious bodies turned up in the Superstition Mountains all through the 1960s and 70s, with at least five people found dead with bullet holes to the skulls, and with other bodies found minus the heads, which were never found. See production, box office & company info, The Investigation: A Haunting in Sherwood, The Harrisville Haunting: The Real Conjuring House. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. You need at a bare minimum, at least a three- man team. There are a lot of terrific shots and brilliantly edited moments -- especially, the opening montage as the characters drive to the Superstition Mountains. Superstition Mountain Museum has a large collection of props, sets, posters and memorabilia connected to Western movie and television history. After moving to the area, Ruth lingered numerous days at the ranch of Tex Barkely to outfit his expedition. Lost Dutchman's Mine - Superstition Mountains - Treasures in America Waltz forms an expedition party; two Peralta descendants, an archaeologist, and Jacob Weiser. 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. In June 1931, Ruth set out to locate the lost Peralta mine. His skull with two bullet holes was recovered about six months after he disappeared. In his 1945 book about the Lost Dutchman's mine. 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The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable and I am looking forward to returning with my kids. 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. https://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/superstition-mountains/index.html, They were once known in Spanish as Sierra de la Espuma . Youve come to the ideal place. [28], One fact against the existence of "Lost Dutchman Mine" is that Waltz was a "placer miner"; while the gold pieces he had were in quartz, the Superstition Mountains are in fact volcanic. "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). each. We arrived at Shaun's house at 7:30 am in St. George Utah. Monday Sunday The hellhole supposedly also sends out tremendous winds, and these cause the infamous dust storms of the region. (However, in some versions,[14] the 'mine' is actually a cache put there by the Peraltas.). Many people took the landmark to be the Weavers Needle but had no luck finding any gold nuggets in its vicinity. Some have died on the search. ZERO ZIP NADA!! 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. Yet there are still all of these mysterious disappearances and death, these enigmatic decapitated corpses and their bullet-ridden heads. Hunting for the Lost Dutchman is typically a one-man journey, but lifelong Dutch Hunter Wayne Tuttle is breaking with tradition and partnering with a team of experts to follow a newly revealed clue that could finally solve the 500-year-old mystery of Americas most famous and deadliest buried treasure. 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. Their bodies were never found but their camera was. [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. Hanna-Barbara, Jean Giraud, and Don Rosa have incorporated the story in their cartoons. The family is later attacked and butchered in the so-calledPeralta massacre. Wasnt it Dutch? 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. 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 . We miss it. Its estimated worth is around 200 million dollars. The area is basically a free-for-all for wilderness lovers. We have imaging taken, with Go-pros, Sony 7000s; Osmo stabilized film cameras and Dji Phantom and Bee-bop drones. You came here for the nasty bits that are constantly swept under the rug. Dark Mountain is beautifully directed and filmed, it really took me by surprise. 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. Members of the Apache tribe were said to have a truly valuable 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. Arcadia Publishing. Lost Dutchman State Park | Arizona There are a few walking trails that are great for beginners and still enjoyable for more experienced walkers as well. 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. Starring Sage Howard, Andrew Simpson, and Shelby Stehlin. Non one really knows, but the answers just may lie out there in the desolate reaches of those desert badlands. However, the Peralta Mine eventually became unprofitable and after the money was gone Miguel Peralta turned to fraud. [8] The mine was quite profitable, earning about $35,000 in less than one year; Blair described this as "an unusually good return" for such a small gold mine to earn in such a relatively brief period. [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. 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. The man is barely alive. 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. There May Be a Long-Lost Gold Mine in the Arizona Mountains - Discovery She was oblivious, baffled, and would apparently later sell the map of the now dead treasure hunter to parties unknown. Indeed, in the decades since Waltz made his mysterious proclamation of the mine public, there have been numerous earnest attempts to try and track it down, and these have the sinister habit of meeting rather gruesome ends. The man is barely alive. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "The St. Johns herald. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Over the next few weeks I will share some images that are safe for us to show. Superstition Mountains and the Lost Dutchman Mine The lost Dutchman Gold mine is generally believed to be somewhere near or in the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. Barkely urged Ruth to abandon his search for the mine: the area and the mines cursed and full of devils.. Weavers Needle, a peak located in the Superstition Mountains. 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. 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. With cursed mountains said to drive men mad and a hidden fortune of gold worth killing for, the treasure hunters greatest danger may be the man at his side. In 1952 there was a man named Joseph Kelley, who went out into the mountains to find the treasure and proceeded to vanish from the face of the earth. 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. [7] A man named Miguel Peralta and his family did operate a successful mine in the 1860s but near Valencia, California, not in Arizona. All rights reserved. Others that it was Waltz. Most stories go like this, the family of a man called Miguel Peralta struck gold by accident they were just passing by and started drilling the mine. Lastly, the alleged mine directions Ruth had were from an 1895 newspaper account. Since Ruth's death, there have been several other deaths or disappearances in the Superstition Mountains. In many areas they cannot, and will not for any reason land, and actually have designated no fly zones. 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. Bands of roaming cannibals are said to hunt the area and the curse of the Lost Mine to many isnt a tall tale but a stark reality. Peralta Stones - Wikipedia This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Supposedly one of their 18 mines was very rich and they considered it their alfa mine. Be sure to have a hat and water because it gets hot when youre walking around the grounds. A group of modern day treasure hunters search for the Lost Dutchman mine in the Superstition mountain range of Arizona. The only thing slightly off the cuff, is that three of them do ride their Harleys from central Ohio to Sturgis and back on a regular basis, but more about them later. Later I will give more details and then begin providing information on how things fit together. Nobody has been able to interpret them correctly. 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]. 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. Eight months later their camera and cell phones were recovered along the western edge of LaBarge Canyon. The family is later attacked and butchered in the so-called, Jacob, meanwhile, the lone survivor, is near catatonic. 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Biology, nature, and cryptozoology still remain Brent Swancers first intellectual loves. OH, I almost forgot there is no cell phone service absolutely none. They were supposedly dug up in the desert, in area east of Gold canyon and Tucson in the late 1940s byTravis E Tomlinson. The neighboursJulia Thomas, Rhinehart Petrasch, and Hermann Petraschspent weeks looking for the gold, but failed to find it. 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 mysterious deaths and disappearances go on and on. Waltz is also said to make a deathbed confession to Julia Thomas, and draws or describes a crude map to the gold mine. Around 1860 a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz moved into the Wickenburg Arizona area about 80 miles from Phoenix. By what name was Dark Mountain (2013) officially released in Canada in English? 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. The roofs of the cave are blackened from centuries of Native Ameri Go Wildcats! 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. Treasure hunting at Superstition Mountains Arizona - The Lost Dutchman's 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. X while searching for the mines. The story became a national sensation and suddenly everyone knew about the mines and its horror riddled backstory. 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. Lost Dutchman State Park - Check out the Superstition Mountain and Museum plus the Lost Dutchman State Park.Goldfield Mine Legend tells of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine hidden somewhere. Im talking Smaug levels of the shiny stuff. The Pennsylvania Dutch Country. 2023 Copyright Phoenix Ghosts. 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. Intrigue Journal. For a small fee you can see items owned by locals and learn all about the local history. He was remembered as having been obsessed with finding the mine for several years. In 1870, Waltz had a homestead of about 160 acres (0.65km2) near Phoenix where he operated a farm.[18]. Jacob Waltz, the Dutchman, a mischievous canard if ever there was one, becomes obsessed with the mine. Many believe there is a connection and that they sold their families mine to Waltz and his partner. The Valentine State. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. There is a $7 day use fee to enter the park, which is waived if you're camping ($15/night). About Us - Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum The rest of his remains were found a month later about a mile away. Tantalizingly, Ruth's checkbook was also recovered, and proved to contain a note written by Ruth wherein he claimed to have discovered the mine and gave detailed directions. We are a non-profit corporation under Section 501 (c) 3, organized to collect and preserve the history and legends of Arizonas Superstition Mountains, and to support research, education and publications involving the region. 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 the mountains have a desert climate and few water resources, there is not much vegetation here. Ruth ignored Barkelys help and set out for a two-week stint into cliffs. Superstition Mountain (Yavapai: Wi:kchsawa, O'odham: Gakok) is a prominent mountain and regional landmark located in the Phoenix metropolitan area of Arizona, immediately east of Apache Junction and north of Gold Canyon.It anchors the west end of the federally designated Superstition Wilderness Area and is a popular outdoor recreation destination, home to numerous trails for hiking and . As the mountains have a desert climate and few water resources, there is not much vegetation here. January 1933 a Mining electrican named J.A. He had acquired maps that he was sure would lead him straight to the gold. The mine is named after German immigrant Jacob Waltz,18101891. The average high temperature in June, July and August, is 104 degrees. Arcana Exploration is made up of a group of five friends and supporters, from central Ohio, who until five years ago knew very little if anything about the LDM. These trails traverse from the desert floor up into the edges of the 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]. Fact Analysis: 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. In 1847-1848 during the time of the Hidalgo Treaty when Mexico sold the territory to the United Sates the Peraltas, knowing they would lose access to their mines made one last trip bringing hundreds of miners from Sonora to mine as much as they could, but were attacked by Apaches. Their bodies were never found, but their camera was." 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. 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). Mysteries of the Superstition Mountains 30.3K subscribers 251K views 2 years ago Ever heard of the Hermit of the Superstition Mountains or wondered what the legend was behind calling Elisha. 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. It was the fifth-largest fire in Arizonas history, it raged for over a month, despite the strenuous containment efforts of over 600 firefighters. Others, sure that more vile deadly creatures guard the mines. 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. It is believed that all were killed except for two Peralta family members who were severely wounded but managed to escape. SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS GHOST, LOST MINES, MURDER AND MAYHEM, Geronimo was oftentimes sometimes discussed in the story. , Barry Storm declared to have nearly escaped from a mysterious sniper he later called Mr. Over the years, subsequent search for the mines has only lead to heartache and death. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. He turned out to be the surviving Peralta, and, to express his gratitude, he gave them directions to his familys gold mine in the Superstition Mountains. Excellent place to learn a lot about the local history of the Superstition Mountains. He pursued mining and prospecting, but seems to have had little luck with either. 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. Dark Mountain (2013) directed by Tara Anase - Letterboxd 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). [19][20] After this was unsuccessful, Thomas and her partners were reported to be selling maps to the mine for $7 each. "The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine." This is very important! 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. Their bodies were never found. October through April Tries to portray danger and incidentin fact nothing going on. According to the account, 1912 Erwin C. Ruth gave s Gonzales legal aid, saving the riff-raff from almost certain imprisonment. Hrdlicka positively identified the skull as that of Adolph Ruth. A raspberry into the face of common sense. 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.". Arcana Exploration has been there on four separate trips the first in October of 2015. They even had the old rock crusher up and working. Blair suggested that "fragments of this legend have perhaps become attached to the mythical mine of Jacob Waltz".[6]. Arizona. Due to the out-of-control fire, the Arizona authorities were forced to close the State Route 88, and, along with it, public access to the Canyon, Apache Lake, Apache Campground, picnic sites, and trailheads. Waltz was buried in Phoenix at what is now called the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park. It is rumoured that if the stones are put together in the right way, they are a map to the Peralta Familys gold deposits. [volume], October 11, 1933, Page NINE, Image 9, "Arizona desert searched for missing Denver man seeking gold mine", "Mother of missing treasure hunter holds onto hope", "Body of man who hunted legendary 'Lost Dutchman's' gold mine believed found in Arizona mountains", "3 Utah men still missing on Arizona treasure hunt", "3 Search for men looking for Lost Dutchman's gold suspended", "More remains found in Superstitions; may be hiker's", "Escape - When The Man Comes, Follow Him", "The Lost Dutchman's Mine History and Bibliography", Arizona Mining Scams and Unassayable Ore Projects of the Late 20th Century, "Skeptoid #347: The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lost_Dutchman%27s_Gold_Mine&oldid=1137505190. The Legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine - C&I Magazine 5: Museum Administration and Membership matters, E-MAILVolunteering questions: [emailprotected]Site rentals: [emailprotected]Membership questions: [emailprotected]Retail and event issues: [emailprotected]Accounting issues: [emailprotected]Administrative and other issues: [emailprotected]FAX(480) 288-6524. Web. The short "Discovery Trail" is a clear route with several placards giving the natural history of the area. There were also strange stories among the Apache of a magnificent, hidden cavern full of gold, said to be a vast treasure long buried within the mountains and protected by spirits, troll-like beasts called Tuar-Tums, and even their Thunder God himself. The Lost Dutchman State Park, which opened in 1977 and has the Peralta Trail, is also a nod at the legend. Very similiar to big foot hunters. From this base he easily could have worked a gold mine in the Superstition Mountains. 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. But, loyal reader, you came here for the things the tourist board fails to mention. 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. [1], The Lost Dutchman's is perhaps the most famous lost mine in American history. The Superstition Mountains - YouTube (Latin Heart Reader / Wikimedia Commons). Superstition Mountain at night. , The Waterbury Democrat. Take a cinematic tour to the Superstition Mountains, home of the Lost Dutchman Mine. The Grand Canyon State. Along with the, The Superstition Mountain Museum presents a celebration of fine art from Mexico at this free three-day event, March 10-12, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 4, Private Events have become an important part of the Superstition Mountain Museum event schedule over the past few years, and next season will be no, As a member of the Apache Trail Attractions Committee, Superstition Mountain Museum shares in the concern with reopening Apache Trail (SR-88) from Apache Junction all, On November 25-27, 2022 and again on December 10-11, the museum will be hosting Holiday Boutiques featuring artists and merchants displaying and selling their unique, The Superstition Mountain Historical Society was awarded an Arizona Humanities grant in September, 2021 to build a public outdoor exhibit of an authentic Apache Wickiup. So, there, thats the skinny in case you want to pack a lunch and have a picnic. 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. 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. Director Tara Anase Writers Tara Anase (story) Tamara Blaich (story) Stars Ron Eagle D'Andre II Adam Haley Sage Howard Barkely urged Ruth to abandon his search for the mine: The headless remains of prospector James A. Cravey were discovered in the mid-1940s. 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 . 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.
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