Ghosts of the Lost Dutchman Mine near Apache Junction, Arizona

Just fifty miles east of downtown Phoenix, Arizona, The Superstition Mountains hold a deep mystery that has only grown over time.  The Legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine.  Many have searched for it, none have ever found it, and many have died trying.  And for some who tried and survived, they have lost their minds.  Some say the mountain is guarded by some unseen force. To the Native Americans, it was know as the Thunder God.

Weaver's Needle in the Superstition Mountains near Apache Junction, Arizona is the supposed locale of The Lost Dutchman Mine

It all started back in early 1800s when a Dutchman named Jacob Walz stumbled into a local town carrying with him gold that he claimed he discovered in the nearby Superstition Mountains.  However, Jacob died before he could reveal to any other the location of the mine.

Soon, the Spanish conquistadors began looking for gold in those hills.  Many of them disappeared without a trace.  Other prospectors began exploring the hills to find "The Lost Dutchman's Mine", only to be never seen again.  The Apache tribe who lived in the area, refused to offer anyone help in finding this lost treasure.  The ominous reputation of the Superstition Mountains had begun.

In addition to those who went missing, would-be treasure hunters often turned up dead.  More often or not, with their heads severed and/or missing.  A great number have been found with bullet holes in their skulls.  The most notable losses being from the Peralta Massacre where hundreds were found slain.  A number of these deaths were from Jacob Walz himself in an attempt to protect his find.  There are those who believe that he even killed his partner who was supposedly with him, but was never seen again after a while.

The Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix, Arizona is the center of mysterious disappearances and killings since the early 1800s.

The deaths and disappearances have continued on over the decades and into the late 1900s.  There are those who believe that the ghost of The Dutchman, Jacob Walz is responsible for the deaths and disappearances.  Still trying to protect his find after all of these years.  There are others who agree with the Apache in that there is an unseen force protecting the mountains, perhaps the "Thunder God".  And there is also the possibility that there is something deep in those mountains that someone does not want people to find.  Something that a group of people would do anything to prevent it from being found.  One possibility could be centered on the legendary Cebola, one of the lost "Cities of Gold".

Today, the Superstition Mountains are Federally owned park land and are still a dangerous place.  A place where you don't want to just wander into without being prepared for the hostile environment.  Part of the reason the location of the Lost Dutchman Mine still remains a mystery to this day.

Not far from the Superstition Mountains, is a tourist attraction known as Goldfield Ghost Town and is located four and a half miles northeast of Apache Junction.  This place is said to be home to a "Mystery Shack" that is supposedly covering a mine of sorts and is very haunted.  A connection to The Lost Dutchman Mine?  Who knows, but it may be worth a look.

Goldfield Ghost Town gateway to The Superstition Mountains near-Apache Junction, Arizona

Goldfield Ghost Town
4650 N. Mammoth Mine Road
Goldfield, Arizona 85219
480-983-0333
www.goldfieldghosttown.com

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