Web10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About This abandoned old mining town, which has been refurbished as a tourist attraction, includes a mine tour, rides and shops. 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 location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. WebLost Dutchman State Park About Lost Dutchman State Park 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. So, if any of the earlier tales of gold founds are true, where did it come from? A further search found the rest of his remains and effects, but the maps were gone. The start of the most famous legend to come from the mountains, that of the Lost Dutchman Mine, begins with these fortune-seekers. The lost Dutchmans gold mine location Ramiro valdez Oct 28, 2021 2 Replies 38 Views 8K Sunday at 7:31 PM EDN E Peter's Canyon, The Jeauits, and the Lost Dutchman LDWhitneyAuthor Jan 22, 2023 2 3 Replies 55 Views 3K Feb 16, 2023 LDWhitneyAuthor Clue 4 Peaks Lined up as 1 ConceptualizedNetherlandr Apr 19, 2014 8 9 10 Replies 181 Views 23K People often asked of him the obvious questions Where was the gold coming from? But in the 1990s, roughly 100 years after the Dutchmans death, Feldman believes he found it. 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. Although there has been no proof that the mine exists many people have joined the search for the hidden gold. "Tex" Bradford of Globe Arizona went in search of the "Lost Dutchman Mine"; by October 1933 he had been missing for nine months. 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. According to legend, a family by the name of Peralta moved north from Mexico in the early 19th century to try their luck at mining in the American West and their efforts were They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. The Lost Dutchman story actually begins in the 1800s when the wealthy, Mexican Peralta family came to the region to work mines under a Spanish land grant. The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. The story of the Lost Dutchman Mine might have become just another obscure legend had it not been for an easterner named Dr. Adolph Ruth, an amateur treasure-seeker who ambled into the Superstitions in the summer of 1931. In the Spring of 1891, Waltzs homestead was caught in a flood and he was saved from certain death by two brothers named Herman and Reinhardt Petrasch. Two more men who were hiking in the Superstitions that year became involved in some kind of dispute. WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine (also known by similar names) is, according to legend, a rich gold mine hidden in the southwestern United States. Quick Facts: Lost Dutchman State Park Camping. Web10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About This abandoned old mining town, which has been refurbished as a tourist attraction, includes a mine tour, rides and shops. [1], The Lost Dutchman's is perhaps the most famous lost mine in American history. The mystery is shrouded in history, lore and several curious deaths. However, by 1877, he and another man by the name of Jacob Weiser (or Wisner,) returned to the Superstitions. [7] A man named Miguel Peralta and his family did operate a successful mine in the 1860s but near Valencia, California, not in Arizona. [27], Throughout the 20th century, various expeditions and individuals continued to search the Superstitions for the Lost Dutchman Mine. Jacob Waltz said the mine was a large funnel-shaped pit. These many variations and tales; however, only add to the intrigue of the Lost Dutchman enticing hundreds of treasure-hunting hobbyists, as well as seasoned prospectors, to continue to search for the elusive gold. [12] Thorne related his claims to three U.S. soldiers in about 1858. Richman, Irwin. 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. January 1933 a Mining electrican named J.A. According to legend, a family by the name of Peralta moved north from Mexico in the early 19th century to try their luck at mining in the American West and their efforts were It is thought that Apaches stole the gold and hid it in the mountains. The discovery of a lost Roman city in an unexpected place. WebThe Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Found! However, Ruth ignored Barkely's advice, and set out for a two-week stint in the mountains. He knew that gold had been found in the Superstition Mountains. Ruth had in his possession what he claimed was a map giving the location of Though the remains had been scattered by scavengers, they were undoubtedly Ruth's. "[24], Authorities in Arizona did not convene a criminal inquest regarding Ruth's death. WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine (also known by similar names) is, according to legend, a rich gold mine hidden in the southwestern United States. $89+ per night for cabins. All traces of the mine were covered up. The start of the most famous legend to come from the mountains, that of the Lost Dutchman Mine, begins with these fortune-seekers. However, before he could return to the spot, he had a heart attack. Troubles with the Apaches made the familys mining operation dangerous. There was indeed a Jacob Waltz who emigrated to the U.S. from Germany. On the northwest slope of the mountain, in an area now referred to as Massacre Ground, all but one of the miners were ambushed and killed by the Apache. The mine is named after German immigrant Jakob Waltz (c. 18101891), who purportedly discovered it in the 19th century and kept its location a secret. Led by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, the conquistadors cared little about the Apache customs or beliefs, wanting only to find the legendary Seven Golden Cities of Cibola., Learning from the Apache, that the range did, in fact, hold gold, the Spaniards were intent upon exploring the area. After the land was ceded to the United States, the Peralta party was trespassing on U.S. soil. Gonzales claimed descendant from the Peralta family and said he had information on the whereabouts of the mine. Blair suggested that "fragments of this legend have perhaps become attached to the mythical mine of Jacob Waltz".[6]. In his pack was gold ore, later discovered to be identical to that of the rich ore Jacob Waltz had found earlier. In January 1956, a man from Brooklyn, New York reported to police that his brother, Martin Zywotho, who he believed was searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine, had been missing for several weeks. There May Be a Long-Lost Gold Mine in the Arizona Mountains By: Mae Rice 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. Where was the mine? WebLost Dutchman Mine is a non-linear adventure game which puts the player in the role of a gold miner, circa 1860. Waltz was buried in Phoenix at what is now called the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park. 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. Just a week later he was killed in a cave-in without ever disclosing the location to anyone. Dr. George M. Willing Jr. paid Peralta $20,000 for the mining rights for an enormous swath of land about 3,000,000 acres (12,000km2) in southern Arizona and New Mexico based on a deed originally granted by the Spanish Empire in the 18th century. For more details, call the Museum at 445-3122 or visit the sponsors websites at www.sharlothallmuseum.org and www.prescottcorral.org. Apparently, he 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. Two months later, another prospector from Denver, Colorado named Walter J. Mowry was found in Needle Canyon. The soldiers are alleged to have presented some of the gold, but to have been killed or to have vanished soon after. Let the prospector keep on finding the old lost mine and he is made, no matter it is not the original.. His bullet-ridden body was removed to the coroners, who ruled it a suicide. Herman Petrasch accused his brother, Rhinehart, of not paying attention to Jacobs bedside clues and the disagreement led to their never speaking again. One of the boys legs was crushed. He sent friends back to his home to see if they could find the gold that he had kept there. 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. One of the most professional and serious-minded efforts was led by Oklahoma City private detective Glen Magill, who organized multiple expeditions in the late 1960s and early '70s, and claimed on at least two occasions to have identified the location of the mine, later to concede he was either mistaken or the locations were "played out," or bereft of gold. It was tied in a blanket and his skull was found about thirty feet away. The legend continued to grow and soon the lost mine was referred to as the Lost Dutchman, as many at the time confused the Germans with the Dutch. The cause of death was said to have been a perforated ulcer.. The Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine hit the headlines in 2009 when Denver native Jesse Capen, 35, disappeared in Arizona's Tonto National Forest during a search for the mine. In June 1947, a prospector named James A. Cravey made a much-publicized trip into the Superstition canyons by helicopter, searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine. One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. After traveling to the region, Ruth stayed several days at the ranch of Tex Barkely to outfit his expedition. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. WebBackground: The Lost Dutchman Mine was founded by a German prospector named Jacob "The Dutchman" Waltz in 1876. Skeptoid Podcast. [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". Suggest edits to improve what we show. The 66-year-old Ruth stayed at the ranch of Tex Barkely as he prepared for his expedition. Blair had little doubt that Waltz related to Thomas the location of an alleged gold mine. The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. WebLost Dutchman Mine is a non-linear adventure game which puts the player in the role of a gold miner, circa 1860. Here amongst this vast maize of volcanic interior, fixed and clinging to the mountain side, flanked on one side by a very small almost invisible ledge is the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, 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 Later that year, two easterners went looking for the lost mine. The player can freely explore a town and a vast desert, limited only by the protagonist's necessity to eat and rest. Four days later, an investigation determined it belonged to an Austrian student named Franz Harrier. Storm speculated that Adolph Ruth might have been a victim of the same sniper. Ruth had in his possession what he claimed was a map giving the location of Five days later, another skeleton was found, which was later identified as William Richard Harvey, a painter from San Francisco. Also in 1910, the skeleton of a woman was found in a cave high up on Superstition Mountain. Bohen was a Utah prospector who had been shot in the back. Lewing claimed self-defense. However, Thorne had to agree to be blindfolded for the 20-mile trip. Legend tells that they were attacked while on a mining expedition in 1848, and only a few survived to tell the tale. The path to these riches is paved in mystery and doom. Ruths son, a lawyer, had helped a man called Pedro Gonzales with a legal matter and in return, was given some old maps. However, these expeditions further enraged the Apache, who then began to prey on all trespassers. Now all we had to do was dig, and we would surely find one of the richest and most hunted treasures in the worldthe Lost Dutchmans Gold Mine, secreted in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix, Arizona. Some historians believe that any gold found in this rugged terrain was probably hidden there, perhaps even having been the fabled lost Aztec treasure. He knew that gold had been found in the Superstition Mountains. The official ruling was that the death was accidental. After a thorough search, the hunt was called off. He knew that gold had been found in the Superstition Mountains. Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. 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. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. See options Full view Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. Arriving in the area in May, Ruth convinced two local cowboys to pack him into the mountains, where they left him to his exploring at a place called Willow Springs in West Boulder Canyon around June 14th, 1931. Old Fort McDowell, photo by Tom McCurnin, courtesy Ghosttowns.com. Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, updated November 2019. The story of the Lost Dutchman Mine might have become just another obscure legend had it not been for an easterner named Dr. Adolph Ruth, an amateur treasure-seeker who ambled into the Superstitions in the summer of 1931. Waltz also filed on one mine in just his name, the General Grant, also in the Walnut Grove Mining District. WebA curved arrow on a mysterious map inscribed on stone surfaces pointed to the identical place, confirming the location. One man found it in the Four Peaks and extracted several thousand dollars of ore back when gold was $20 an ounce. Location: Apache Junction, AZ. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. It involves murder, secrets, and a whole lotta sweet, sweet gold. He was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. Yet, another year later, an old prospector by the name of Guy Hematite Frink was lucky enough to return from the mountain with a number of rich gold samples. 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. The next year, with the Mexican-American War in full swing, Pedro was the only one willing to return to Arizona, determined to extract as much gold as possible before their holdings became part of the United States. People want to think the Lost Dutchman mine has gold hanging off the walls. It was then that the pair moved near the Superstition Mountain range. 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. The legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine is a quintessential version of just such a story. In early 1952, a man named Joseph Kelley of Dayton, Ohio was also searching for the lost mine. In 1973, Charles Lewing shot Ladislas Guerrero at a mountain campsite. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Some months later, in December, a skull with two holes in it was discovered near the three Red Hills by an archaeological expedition. The pilot set him down in La Barge Canyon, close to Weavers Needle. 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). Ironically, it is also one of the most found lost mines in America. Willing died in 1874 before there had been a thorough investigation of the documents or opportunity to cross examine him on the stand as was later done with Reavis. WebLost Dutchman State Park About Lost Dutchman State Park 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. filed a transfer of claim to the Turkey Creek Mining District. He was one of the few who were well-prepared to prospect in unpromising locations. Afterwards, Waltz fell ill (he was rumored to have contracted pneumonia during the flooding). But, after five weeks, the three returned with nothing. In a story that echoes some of the earlier tales, Ruth's son Erwin C. Ruth was said to have learned of the Peralta mine from a man called Pedro Gonzales (or Gonzalez). People want to think the Lost Dutchman mine has gold hanging off the walls. Waltz; however, was able to escape and before long, was running a saloon in Tortilla Flats. The lost mine is thought to be located somewhere near Weavers Needle, the main landmark of the Superstition Mountains, even though the area has been diligently searched by hundreds of people. Many believe it's hidden in the Superstition Mountains, and it's rumored a curse falls upon all those who try to find it. Cravey said he would walk out of the mountains on June 28, 1947. Camping: 135 sites (68 with electric/water) and cabins can be reserved year-round through Arizona State Parks. WebThe Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine is a fabled gold mine located in the Southwest, though it's exact whereabouts are unknown. The cause of death was undetermined. It does not. The Lost Dutchman Mine is said to be a rich goldmine located somewhere in the southwestern American state of Arizona. In 1959, two men by the names of Stanley Hernandez and Benjamin Ferreira thought they had found the jackpot. However, what they actually discovered was pyrite, more often called Fools Gold. But, these two were sure they had found the elusive mine. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona. Over the years, many people have tried to find the Lost Dutchmans mine, and several have lost their lives searching for gold hidden in the Superstition Mountains. However, before relocating to what is now Pinal County, Arizona, Waltz worked at the Henry Wickenburgs Vulture Gold Mine near Wickenburg, Arizona. For more than 120 years, the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine has been told over and over, growing in proportions to such an extent that some claim the entire legend is nothing but a myth. His skull with two holes in it identified as bullet holes was recovered about six months after he vanished, and the story made national news, thus sparking widespread interest in the Lost Dutchman's mine.[22]. The coroner ruled it an accidental death resulting from a ricochet. He had metal pins in his leg, and used a cane to help him walk. Allowed to remove the blindfold, Thorne found himself in a canyon where a large unusual rock pinnacle loomed to the south. This does not deter the many seekers the search, itself, is simply too intriguing. Web. The game was the biggest success for its publisher, Magnetic Images. Although there has been no proof that the mine exists, from then on, many people have joined the search for the hidden gold. The game was the biggest success for its publisher, Magnetic Images. According to the story, in about 1912 Erwin C. Ruth gave some legal aid to Gonzales, saving him from almost certain imprisonment. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. WebOne of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. In 1865, Thorne was working as an army doctor at Fort McDowell, Arizona. The Peralta Massacre is a legend that Apaches supposedly ambushed a mining expedition the Peralta family sent into the mountains. As the Indians were subdued by the soldiers, a reservation was established near Fort McDowell, where Thorne began to provide his services. During this time, the Apache had turned their wrath against the Arizona settlers and the U.S. Army. He was a student of mining and was knowledgeable in geology. The Apache let him pick up as much as he could before the doctor was once again blindfolded for the return trip. [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 Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine hit the headlines in 2009 when Denver native Jesse Capen, 35, disappeared in Arizona's Tonto National Forest during a search for the mine. The Superstition Mountains can be seen behind these old buildings in nearby Goldfield,Arizona by Kathy Weiser-Alexander. He was living in Arizona in the 1860s and did mine for a living. While there, he met an Apache girl named Ken-tee, who despite the fact that Waltz was almost 60 years old, became his mistress. The Lost Dutchman is Americas most famous lost mine, and many people have risked their lives searching for it. The headlines were sensational alleging that Ruth had been murdered for his map. [12] The three soldiers set out to find the gold, but without success. The next year, a prospector by the name of Joe Dearing, who was working as a part-time bartender in Pinal, heard the stories of the two dead soldiers and began to look for the lost mine. The Superstition Mountains by Carol Highsmith. In November, he was found shot in the stomach on the side of a trail in or near La Barge Canyon. This tale involves two German men, Jacob Waltz and Jacob Weiser. The player can freely explore a town and a vast desert, limited only by the protagonist's necessity to eat and rest. Two years later, in 1980, the skeleton of a man named Rick Fenning was found. The earliest Lost Dutchman's mine in Arizona was said to have been near Wickenburg, about 180km (110mi) north-west of the Superstition Mountains: a "Dutchman" was allegedly discovered dead in the desert near Wickenburg in the 1870s alongside saddlebags filled with gold. The coroner could tell that the womans death was recent, but the gold was never explained. [19][20] After this was unsuccessful, Thomas and her partners were reported to be selling maps to the mine for $7 each. In the 1850s, two prospectors are said to have come upon three dead burros with intact pack saddles that contained some $37,000 worth of gold. They found gold in the 1840s but were ambushed by a local tribe of Apaches. In his search, Ruth utilized a map that his son had obtained in Mexico several years previous, which dated back to the period of the Mexican Revolution (1909-1923), and was later referred to as the Ruth-Peralta map. Julia Thomas became the first searcher for the lost mine. 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. Now all we had to do was dig, and we would surely find one of the richest and most hunted treasures in the worldthe Lost Dutchmans Gold Mine, secreted in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix, Arizona. Waltz relocated to Arizona in the 1860s, and stayed in the territory for most of the rest of his life. A group found the Lost Dutchman Mine in the Eastern Superstitions and extracted a considerable amount of rich gold ore. Mining records show that Jacob Waltz did file claims, two claims with others. The question is, if Jacob Waltz found a rich gold mine, why didnt he file a claim? The Apache; however, refused to help them, telling them that if they dared to trespass on the sacred ground, the Thunder God would take revenge upon them, causing tremendous suffering and horrible deaths. There have been at least three discoveries of the mine since the 1960s, and in all three cases, good gold was found. After the land was ceded to the United States, the Peralta party was trespassing on U.S. soil. The legend of the lost mine, as well as the tales of its curse, continued to grow over the years as more and more stories were told, relating mysterious deaths, disappearances, and small gold finds. Suggest edits to improve what we show. The game was the biggest success for its publisher, Magnetic Images. Troubles with the Apaches made the familys mining operation dangerous. The answer to the question involves fraud, Indian wars, destruction, claim jumping and death. When Cravey failed to hike out as planned, a search was started and although his camp was found, Cravey was not. A day-use entrance is $10 per vehicle. Five days later, another skeleton was found, which was identified the next month to be that of William Richard Harvey, a painter from San Francisco, California. However, Blair argued that there is a strong likelihood that there never was a second man named Weiser, but rather that a single person named Waltz was, over the years, turned into two men as the legend of the Dutchman's mine evolved. To this day, his death remains a mystery; however, it is but one more life claimed by the mountain and perhaps, its curse. The first was the Gross Lode filed in the Walker Mining District. In his 1945 book about the Lost Dutchman's mine. When people tried to follow him out of town, he would lose them in the many clefts and canyons on the peak. More than 20 years later, in 1927, a New Jersey man and his sons were hiking the mountain when rocks began to roll down on them from the cliffs above as if someone had pushed the boulders. The second was the Big Rebel filed in the Walnut Grove Mining District. Not having much luck in California, he made his way to Arizona in the 1860s. For over a century, treasure hunters have sought the treasures supposedly lost in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona, but what do we really know about the events surrounding this tale? An alternate view which better fits the lost mine legend is that he periodically appeared with large amounts of gold, The Sterling Legend by Estee Conatser reports that a Jacob Walzer sold $250,000 in gold to the U.S. Mint during the 1880s and had $1500 when he died in 1891. The Superstitions are now a federal wilderness area and Arizona State Park, so even if the gold were found it would have to be surrendered to the government. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. According to legend, a family by the name of Peralta moved north from Mexico in the early 19th century to try their luck at mining in the American West and their efforts were [17] Note that tombstone pictured shows birth year as 1808. (2004). They were never seen again. Allegedly, there were rifle shots and indications of foul play. The cause of death was unknown. "Dutchman's Gold" was the season 4, episode 19 of, This page was last edited on 5 February 2023, at 00:14. Ongoing discoveries of the Lost Dutchman Mine have continued for well over a hundred years. But, his condition was worsening as he suffered a stroke and was paralyzed to the point that he could barely speak. But the mine remains shrouded in mystery, so much so that it might not exist at all. Over the decades, this tale was gradually absorbed into the Lost Dutchman's story. Since Ruth's death, there have been several other deaths or disappearances in the Superstition Mountains. In December, 1931, The Arizona Republic reported on the recent discovery of a human skull in the Superstition Mountains. Two months later, Piper was found dead. WebLost Dutchman Mine is a non-linear adventure game which puts the player in the role of a gold miner, circa 1860. No trace of the camps occupant was ever found. By 1872, Reavis was living in a high mountain valley near Pinal, where he farmed vegetables and hunted in his isolated mountain retreat. A reward was immediately offered by the family and searchers combed the mountain for the next 45 days but Ruth was not found. One of the game's goals is to earn money, which can be achieved by searching gold in a river, mining for gold, or capturing wanted criminals. In the first decade of the 1700s, he began to explore the region, finding several sources of gold. If he had, we still wouldnt know where the mine is, but we would know where it isnt a useful piece of information, since the mine has been found multiple times in at least five counties. The Superstition Mountains west of Phoenix, Arizona by Carol Highsmith. However, sometime later legend tells us that Dr. Thorne determined that he would try to find the place again. Another tale describes an eccentric prospector named Elisha Marcus Reavis, who was better known in the area as the Madman of the Superstitions or the Old Hermit. One of Arizonas most interesting characters, Reavis was actually college-educated and taught school before he began to prospect during the California Gold Rush.