Legend has it that in about the 1870s a German miner named Jacob Waltz found gold in the Superstition Mountains — recovered some, and then hid the mine. According to historians like Superstition Mountain Historical Society's Gregory Davis, there's some truth to that legend. GREGORY DAVIS: He did exist.

Was Dutchman's gold found?

For more than a century, adventurous souls have sought the Lost Dutchman Mine, and since 1891, more than a hundred people have claimed to find it. But the mine remains shrouded in mystery, so much so that it might not exist at all.

Can you prospect for gold in the Superstition Mountains?

Mineral prospecting has been banned since 1983 when the area became a national wilderness, yet every year many travellers hope that they will stumble across the fabled gold mine. Left: The Superstition Mountain & Lost Dutchman Museum treasure maps.

How much gold has been found in the Superstition Mountains?

mined the area, sinking three shafts and thousands of feet of drifts. The main shaft ran 1,000 feet, and during the company's years of operation, $67,000 worth of gold and silver were mined from 7,100 tons of ore.

How much is the Lost Dutchman's gold worth?

As the legend grew, so did the size of the fortune. Monagan wrote that some valued the mine at $40 million. Stories vary on how Waltz found this hidden treasure. But he was soon known as the Lost Dutchman.

Lost Mine found in the Superstition Mountains

43 related questions found

Is there still gold in Arizona?

Arizona is one of the best states in the US for gold prospecting. Not only is there a lot of gold here, but there is also good access to public lands that are open to prospecting. Gravity causes gold to concentrate in rivers, so they are always one of the best places to look for gold.

What is the Apache Black Legion?

The Black Legion is a group of Apache warriors with mythical powers who live in the Superstition Mountains and who make their appearance in the comic issues.

Is there hidden treasure in Arizona?

Arizona has more lost treasure tales than any other state in the nation. Between Coronado's expeditions to the Wild West days and tales of outlaw loot, the stories of hidden treasures can astound you and keep you busy searching for years to come.

What is the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine?

According to legend, the large party was ambushed by Apaches, and all were killed except for one or two Peralta family members who escaped into Mexico. This area is known today as the Massacre Grounds. A number of other people were supposed to have known the mine's location or even to have worked it.

Are there bears in the Superstition Mountains?

The region near the Tortilla Ranch is an excellent range to spot a Peccary. The remaining two large mammals of the Superstition are the Black bear and the Mountain lion.

Is there gold in Phoenix?

Arizona is a fantastic state for gold prospectors, and Phoenix is a great central location to many productive mining districts. There are many areas that gold can be found within just a short drive of the city. Phoenix is located in Maricopa County, which is the 5th leading gold producing county in the state.

Did they find Jesse Capen?

The remains found in late November in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix have been identified as those of Jesse Capen, "the gentle giant" who'd worked as a night bellman at the downtown Sheraton for almost a dozen years, all the while dreaming of searching for the Lost Dutchman.

How many have died in the Superstition Mountains?

Many say at least 600 people have lost their lives trying to find the treasure. Born of intense volcanic activity, the Superstition Mountains in Arizona were believed to hold the entrance to the underworld by Native Americans.

Which country has largest deposit of gold?

Australia and Russia hold the largest reserves of gold

Worldwide, the production of gold reached some 3,200 metric tons in 2020. China currently produces about 13 percent of the world's gold.

Where do you find gold in Arizona?

Here are some of the most popular spots to prospect for gold in Arizona:

• The Wickenburg Mountains.
• The Hassayampa River.
• Cave Creek area.
• The Agua Fria River.
• The Bighorn Mountains.
• Prescott – Lynx Creek.
• Stanton – Rich Hill.
• Black Canyon City.

What Indian tribe lived in the Superstition Mountains?

Thousands of years ago, the Apache Indians hid something remarkable deep inside this impassible mountain range. These foreboding hills are known as the Superstition Mountains, and buried deep within them is an amazing secret.

Can you hike to the top of Superstition Mountain?

Reaching the top requires some rock climbing, though there are plenty of holds to grab onto. Once that's done, prepare for what feels like the easiest stroll of your life as you make your way to Flatiron's peak. In case it isn't obvious, this isn't an easy hike.

Where is Jacob Waltz buried?

Jacob Waltz is buried in the old pioneers cemetery in Phoenix.

Is there gold in Estrella Mountains?

The Sierra Estrella Mountain Range is about 20 miles long and about 15 miles southwest of Phoenix. There are a plethora of legends about gold mines in this area. Unfortunately, hard facts required for substantiation are few and far between.

Is there gold in the Chiricahua Mountains?

The King of Lead Mine adjacent to the northeastern boundary of the Chiricahua National Monument was noted for its lead and zinc deposits. The mine, a lead, gold, zinc, copper and silver mine discovered in 1900 by John C.

Is there any buried treasure in Texas?

Texas has an estimated $340 million in buried treasure, more than any other state in the U.S. Many of the 229 treasure sites are hidden under layers of limestone and spread across acres of hardy oaks in the Texas Hill Country.

What is the story behind Superstition Mountain?

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.” The promise of a $200 million mother lode has lured thousands of treasure hunters and continues to claim the lives of those eager to decipher the legend's clues and ...

Are diamonds found in Arizona?

When you think of diamonds, you rarely associate them as being located in Arizona, the copper state. However, diamonds do occur in Arizona, where they are found at Meteor Crater, located about 18 miles west of the town of Winslow. ... Diamonds are located in both primary kimberlite deposits and secondary placer deposits.

What is the biggest gold nugget found in Arizona?

I found a very large 61.5 oz gold nugget in the mountains of Arizona.