Jesse James and the KGC: the Albert Pike Connection (Part 2)

(The top two lines of written "symbol" language were developed by Albert Pike.)

In my previous post on this subject I provided basic background information on Albert Pike, his deep sympathy for the Southern cause and the Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC), his secret symbol writing, and his possible association with Jesse James. That said, there is still much more about Albert Pike to be gleaned by serious treasure hunters.

Jesse James and the KGC: the Albert Pike Connection (Part 1)

(Albert Pike posing in Masonic regalia.)

Mysterious Looking Letter-Symbols

Thus far I've not made much mention of Albert Pike when discussing Jesse and Frank James and their possible involvement with the Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC). Pike was a highly intelligent and creative individual who was many things to just as many people.

Gold, Treasure, and the Meaning of Sacrifice

(Wounded Marines during the battle for Hue, Vietnam 1968...a terrible place to be as those of us who were there know only too well.)

What You Shouldn't Ever Forget

This Memorial Day weekend many of you are heading for your claims or your favorite gold mining or treasure hunting spots. With a bit of hard work and a little luck you'll probably come home with a tidy little poke of placer gold or a long-forgotten cache of silver coins.

What you shouldn't ever forget, however, is the pain and sacrifice that brought you this long holiday weekend. Over the years and even now, men and women of all ages and from all branches of the military services have and continue to place themselves in harm's way for you and yours...and, truth be told, for a nation that has treated them with utter disdain on more than one occasion.

Herman Wolfe's Lost Treasure

(Modern Flagstaff, Arizona is a staging area for visitors to the Grand Canyon.)

Scenic Southwestern City

One of the more scenic Southwestern cities you'll ever come across is Flagstaff, Arizona. Situated amid the mountainous terrain of the northern part of the state and about an hour's drive away from the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff has undergone tremendous growth in the past decade or two.

This untrammeled growth and popularity among those seeking retirement or a getaway from the huge urban "rat races" has had both positive, and not so beneficial impacts. But that's grist for another time and another story entirely. After all, we're here to talk about lost treasure.

Jesse James/KGC Treasure Trove in New Mexico?

(Main parts of the Glorieta Battlefield in Northern New Mexico.)

Kernels of Truth

It seems every time I turn around these days there is something new on television, in the media, or online about Jesse James and his possible relationship to the Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) and KGC treasure troves. Although much of what I have read or seen is overblown and sensationalized, there are kernels of truth to be found in all this "static" by discerning treasure hunters.

Top 10 Personal Mistakes to Avoid in Treasure Hunting (Part 2)

(Spanish silver from a Florida beach.)

 Here are the last five items in my top 10 list of personal mistakes to avoid in treasure hunting:

6. Failing to understand the essential nature of treasure hunting: novices or newcomers are most likely to make this mistake, but over the years I've seen a few veteran treasure hunters fall prey to this one as well. The bottom line is this: treasure hunting is not a get-rich-quick scheme nor is it typically a viable alternative to your current job or livelihood.