Lost Dutchman's State Park
Background Information
According to a legends tale, there is a rich goldmine hidden near Apache Junction specifically within the Superstition Mountains. That goldmine was named “The Lost Dutchman” after a German miner, Jacob Waltz. Waltz dedicated his entire life to searching for gold. Legend says that Waltz had a heaping amount of riches from the gold he had found within these mountains. Waltz kept the location of the gold hidden, however, he left clues of where the gold was hidden before he died. He actually found several different goldmines in several other states that he had kept hidden. However, till this day no one has ever found the gold in Arizona. In fact, there have been several deaths from tourists and other miners that were dedicated to finding it. The clue Waltz left read "From my mine you can see the military trail, but from the military trail you can not see my mine. The rays of the setting sun shine into the entrance of my mine. There is a trick in the trail to my mine. My mine is located in a north-trending canyon. There is a rock face on the trail to my mine." The public came to the conclusion that the Weavers Needle in the mountains is prominently where the mine might be located. The historical tale became so popular and mysterious that the area surrounding the needle was named the "Lost Dutchman's State Park." Open to the public it has become an area for tourists to hike, bike the trail, or just to sightsee. Although not recommended because of the scorching Arizona heat, people still search for this mine today. According to Arizona’s Mystery “the area of the Superstition Mountains Wilderness contains 242 square miles of rough mountainous terrain. Finding the mine would not have been an easy task at any time.” The mine has been searched for in the park since at least 1892. It is actually one of the most famous lost mines in American history.
This Glimpse of the needle is said to serve as a monument to those who searched for the Gold Mine, or have lost their life from seeking the riches hidden.
Lost Dutchman's Mine Arizona. Legends of America. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-lostdutchman/
History
Although some people don’t believe the tale, there have been several occasions where some gold has been found from the clues given out. Mining records have proven that Waltz did find some gold to prove he was not lying. The first recorded gold he found was “the Gross Lode filed in the Walker Mining District. Later, the Turkey Creek Mining District was carved out of the Walker District, and Waltz filed a transfer of claim to the Turkey Creek Mining District. The second was the Big Rebel field in the Walnut Grove Mining District” (Thomas Glover). There have been at least a few discoveries since the 1960’s to prove that some gold was in the places/clues that Waltz had left. Alternatively, there are several mysterious aspects of these discoveries. Most of these discoveries have led to murders. Specifically, “In 1984, a prospector named Walt Gassler, who had been searching for the Lost Dutchman for most of his life, was found dead in the Superstitions. In his pack was gold ore, later discovered to be identical to that of the rich ore Jacob Waltz had found earlier” (Lost Dutchman’s Mine Arizona). Some historians believe that the gold was hidden on purpose and could have possibly been the lost “Aztec Treasure” long before Waltz was alive. Other historians believe that the treasure is purposely hidden and “foul play” is behind those who have found it. The Lost Dutchman continues to be an enticing reason for treasure hunting hobbyists to search for the gold. That is why the park was named after the tale.
Walter Gasser (1902-1984)
The mysterious treasure of the lost dutchman mine. Unsolved Mysteries. (2020, August 19). Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://unsolved.com/gallery/arizonas-lost-dutchman-mine/
Importance of the Park
The Lost Dutchman’s Park has held importance to the community of Apache Junction. In 1972, The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) got in contact with the state park recreation board to where they decided Lost Dutchman's Park would be a great addition to Apache Junction. Although the gold was hidden in other states too, the "Lost Dutchman's State Park" is the only park in America that holds the name of the historical tale. The park is one of the most common areas for mysterious events to have occurred. Travelers from all over the world come to see this location. This is the most prominent historical landmark in Pinal County. Locals hold true to the beauty of the Superstition wilderness! It has been a day use recreation area for well over three decades. On December 5th, 1977, the park was officially dedicated to the tale, with Ron Craig in charge as park manager.
Secretary of State Rose Mofford & Ron Craig on December 5th, 1977
Park history. Lost Dutchman State Park. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman/explore/park-history
State Park Information
The park location is about 40 miles outside of Phoenix. The Dutchman's Park includes a gift shop, store, and interesting natural exhibits. Surrounding the trail, you can find a variety of desert wildlife and wildflowers. Some wildlife throughout the park includes desert mule deer, coyote, javelina, bobcat, and jackrabbit. The park can be known as the “gateway to the Sonoran Desert experience and memories” (Lost Dutchman State Park). There are brochures located there to help you learn more about the history of the park and other local attractions. There is even a local campground spot for those who want to camp out with their own equipment. However, if you would rather stay in a cozy space, there are five camping cabins available to rent for visitors. There are thirteen ramada rest stations for those in traveling groups. The park also contains four sandy and rocky terrain single-path trails just for biking.
Visitor center / Park Store
Lost Dutchman State Park. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman/explore/facility-information
Sources:
Arizona's Mystery of the Lost Dutchman's mine. Arizona Vacation Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.arizona-leisure.com/lost-dutchman-mine.html#:~:text=The%20Dutchman,the%20Superstition%20Mountains%20for%20gold.
Glover, T. (2019, July 3). The lost dutchman mine mystery solved? Havasu News. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.havasunews.com/lifestyle/the-lost-dutchman-mine-mystery-solved/article_68a852f4-9c48-11e9-805a-8bda13fc9b65.html
Lost Dutchman State Park. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman/explore/facility-information
Lost Dutchman's Mine Arizona. Legends of America. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-lostdutchman/
The mysterious treasure of the lost dutchman mine. Unsolved Mysteries. (2020, August 19). Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://unsolved.com/gallery/arizonas-lost-dutchman-mine/
Park history. Lost Dutchman State Park. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman/explore/park-history
Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, October 19). Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_Dutchman%27s_Gold_Mine
