Canada's Lost Lemon Mine (Part 1)

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Lost Mine Legends Abound in Canada

Lost gold mine mine legends abound in countries scattered around the globe and Canada is no exception to this general rule. One persistent legend of lost gold in Canada concerns Alberta where, in the early 1870s, two American prospectors from Montana supposedly stumbled across rich diggings in the southwestern part of the Province.

Interestingly enough, this part of Alberta (and the Province as a whole) is not noted for gold mineralization or lode or placer gold formations as is its neighbor to the west, British Columbia (B.C.). As a small-scale placer gold miner and treasure hunter with over 30 years of experience under my belt, I must admit that this fact raises a red flag for me in terms of the overall validity of this lost mine treasure tale.

However, stranger things have happened so I'll leave the ultimate appraisal of this up to you, the reader. That said, here's the gist of the story that has become known over the years as the "Lost Lemon Mine:"

"Color" in Their Gold Pans

Sometime around 1870, 1871, or 1872 (take your pick) 2 American prospectors named Blackjack and Lemon (Note: No first names are typically given and I am unable to determine if "Blackjack" was just a nickname. J.R.) found themselves hunting for gold in the mountains north of present-day Coleman, Alberta. As Blackjack and Lemon prospected their way up a small river they found slight indications of "color" in their gold pans.

Although nothing to proclaim "Eureka!" about, the 2 prospectors were finding enough placer gold to hold their interest. They continued to sample the river's gravels at likely deposition points until they came to location where the gold indications increased substantially.

Unbelievably Rich Gold Placer

What Blackjack and Lemon ultimately found was an unbelievably rich placer with gold found from the surface and increasing in richness as they got closer to bedrock. This was no small paystreak zone or pocket, but an extensive placer with ounces of gold turned up in every shovelful of dirt and gravel.

In the first few hours after their discovery the 2 prospectors turned miners panned out dozens of ounces of placer gold from their new-found diggings and were seized by the relentless demon known as "gold fever." Now the loose placer gold they were finding was no longer satisfactory to the two men....greed had overcome Blackjack and Lemon.

(1.5 grams of placer gold I recently recovered here in New Mexico.)

They were now driven to locate the source of all this gold. Find the source and they would be wealthy beyond belief, like King Midas of old. Grabbing their picks and shovels, Blackjack and Lemon began feverishly sinking test pits along the nearby slopes, not stopping for food or rest and meeting nature's call where they stood.....

I'll continue with the tale of the Lost Lemon Mine in my next post. Until then be safe and keep the faith.

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "U.S. Treasure Caches Still Being Found (Part 2)"


(c) J.R. 2009

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

U.S. Treasure Caches Still Being Found (Part 2)

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As promised, here is my second installment on small-to-medium sized treasure caches recovered in the U.S. over the past 10 years or so. Once again I'll remind you that some details of these treasure trove recoveries have been changed or omitted to protect the privacy of the finders.

More U.S. Treasure Recoveries

Large amounts of pre-1964 silver U.S. type coins of varying denominations were recovered in 2003 by 2 treasure hunting partners from the site of a "major transportation accident" in one of the Western states. Although most of the coins were recovered immediately after the accident occurred in the mid-to-late 1950s, many coins remained lost in place awaiting recovery. (Note: There's a good chance metal detectors were not used in the original "salvage" attempt since commercial detectors were in their infancy at the time and the available technology consisted primarily of WWII mine detectors. J.R.) None of the recovered silver had strong numismatic value, but the sheer amount of coins recovered helped compensate for this fact. Estimated value at today's prices: $4,000-$6,500.

(Note: By the way, the existence of this trove was brought to my attention in the early 1980s by another treasure hunter. I did not pursue this lead further since most of my efforts were devoted to placer gold mining at the time. So it goes....J.R.)

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Antique silver and gold jewelry, numerous gold coins, bond certificates, and other historic documents were recovered in 2005 from the walls of a 140-year old estate undergoing renovation in a deep South state. An enterprising treasure hunter did his research on the original property owner and discovered he had a proclivity for stashing goodies in and around the house. He then worked out a split deal with the property's current owners. (Note: Many people hid valuables in the wall of their homes in days past. I've known quite a few treasure hunters over the years who've made some pretty decent "scores" by searching them. J.R.) Estimated value: $40,000-$55,000.

A cache of over 500 coins of all denominations (including a number of Indian Head and early date "Wheatback" pennies) was unearthed by a treasure hunter searching an old abandoned logging camp in Minnesota in 2007. This treasure hunter pinpointed the site of the camp by researching historical accounts and state and county records going back into the late 1800s. Estimated numismatic value: $2,500-3,500.

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If you liked this post, you may want to read: "U.S. Treasure Caches Still Being Found (Part 1)"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2009/10/ustreasure-caches-still-being-found.html

(c) J.R. 2009

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

U.S.Treasure Caches Still Being Found (Part 1)

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The Answer is Yes

One recurring question I receive via e-mail from many readers of "Treasure Trove Dreams" concerns whether treasure caches are still being found in the United States. My answer is a resounding "Yes!"

First, allow me to qualify this response. If you are wondering whether these caches are big ones worth many millions of dollars like the late, great Mel Fisher's finding of the Spanish treasure ship "Nuestra Senora de la Atocha" off the Florida Keys then I'd have to say no. Those sorts of finds are mostly once-in-a-lifetime events.

What are being found however, are many small and medium-sized treasure caches ranging in value from a few thousand dollars on up to 5 figures. Like their bigger (and richer) treasure trove cousins, finding and recovering these sorts of caches typically requires a good lead up front, thorough research, and a a great deal of patience, persistence, and perseverance.

Certain Details Omitted

Listed below are a just a few of the caches that have been found over the past 10 years by treasure hunting friends, acquaintances, and/or associates. I've omitted certain details about each cache to protect the privacy of these individuals and to avoid "giving up" their exact recovery locations.

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Also take heed that none of these successful treasure hunters "broadcasted" their finds to the general public nor did they deliberately identify themselves in order to brag about their successes in online treasure forums. (Note: There's a message here for those of you willing to learn it.... J.R.).

Recovered Caches

A small hoard of crudely cast silver ingots (each weighing about 50 troy ounces) was found by a treasure hunter using a metal detector in an old mining district in California's Mojave Desert region in 1999. Thorough research of old mining records and personal accounts going back to the turn of the century were fundamental in enabling this particular treasure hunter to track down leads and locate this trove. Estimated value at today's prices: $7,500-$10,000.

Over 200 silver dollars and at least two dozen gold coins buried in old glass preserve jars (Note: Mason-type jars. J.R.) were unearthed on the grounds of an old home site in 2001 in one of the Southeastern states. Most of the coins (including a few rare mint types) were dated from the early 1870s on up to the mid-1880s and many were in nearly uncirculated condition. The treasure hunter who recovered this trove first learned about its possible existence from an elderly relative. He then researched personal diaries and letters from former property owners. Estimated numismatic value: $25,000-$35,000.

Six and a half troy ounces of placer gold nuggets and coarse flakes were recovered in 2002 from a 1930s-era lard tin buried near the fireplace of the ruins of an old cabin in California's Northern Motherlode region. The site once housed a small community of miners trying to eke out a living during the Great Depression. The lucky treasure hunter who recovered this trove of precious metal was using his metal detector to search for historic artifacts at the time. Estimated value at today's prices: $6,000-$8,500 (Note: A higher price would be realized if the nuggets were sold individually. J.R.).

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So there you have it. In my next post on this subject I'll include 3 more U.S. treasure trove recoveries for you to ponder.

Meanwhile, good hunting to you!

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "Treasure in Arizona: $300,000 in Buried Gold (Conclusion)"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2009/10/treasure-in-arizona-300000-in-buried_18.html

(c) J.R. 2009

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

Treasure in Arizona: $300,000 in Buried Gold (Conclusion)

(Some of the terrain near Winslow, AZ.)

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I now continue with the saga of the ex-'49er Darlington and a possible treasure trove near Winslow, Arizona:

A Coffin of Extraordinary Weight

The members of Darlington's small party helped bury his wife, uttered a few words on her behalf, and then began the arduous journey east once again. However, this was done with no small amount of complaining, especially concerning the weight of Darlington's wife's coffin.

Only Darlington himself knew why his wife's crudely constructed coffin was so heavy and this secret he kept until his dying day. It was then and then only that an elderly Darlington confided to a close friend that he had buried half of the gold (Note: Both coins and placer gold. J.R.) he had accumulated in the California goldfields in the coffin with his wife.

Darlington Tells All

When his friend expressed surprise and, in truth, the secret thought that Darlington must have been crazed with grief at the time, the dying man verified at least part of this theory. "Yes, I was stricken with inconsolable grief at my beloved's passing," croaked Darlington from his deathbed. "But that's not the real reason I buried half of my goods with her. No sir."

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Darlington drew a deep, ragged breath and continued. "You see, she was my 'Pard in more ways than one. And, by God, that woman earned her half of the gold the same as me. Life in the goldfields was hard, very hard, for man and woman alike. Do you understand what I am saying?" When his friend nodded his assent Darlington smiled one last time and expired.

Little Faith in This Tale

So goes the tale of Darlington's gold and the possibility of a fortune in gold buried somewhere near the Sunset Crossing of the Little Colorado River outside modern-day Winslow, Arizona. Depending on who you listen to however, Darlington's trove (or should I say his wife's trove?) runs from a high of $300,000 down to a "measly" $90,000 or so.

How much faith do I personally have in this treasure legend? Not much if the truth is told. There are far too many inconsistencies and gaps in this tale of lost gold:

1) I have been unable to verify Darlington's existence (or that of his wife, for that matter).

2) Who in their right mind (despite their great grief over the loss of a loved one) would bury a fortune in gold with the body?

3) This tale shares similarities with a number of other lost gold treasure troves in the West concerning an ex-'49er returning home with a fortune in gold (a variation on a theme perhaps?).

4) The truth of the matter is that most of the '49ers and those that followed hard on their heels to the California goldfields returned home broke or nearly so, if they returned home at all. Very few of these aspiring miners were able to wrest a fortune in gold from the Motherlode's rich placer grounds.

On the Flip Side

On the flip side of the coin, however, there is no doubt about the location of this teasure legend. The Sunset Crossing of the Little Colorado River beyond Winslow was widely used in the mid-to-late 1800s by most travelers, including supply trains and military columns.

So it is possible that someone named Darlington buried his wife there. By contrast, it's also possible that someone named Smith buried his brother there too. Or his favorite dog.

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The real question of course is this:

Is a fortune in gold buried with a woman's remains somewhere at or near Sunset Crossing?

Do your research and answer this question to the affirmative and you may be on your way from "rags-to-riches," figuratively speaking of course.

Good hunting to you.

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "Treasure in Arizona: $300,00 in Buried Gold"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2009/10/treasure-in-arizona-300000-in-buried.html

(c) J.R. 2009

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

Treasure in Arizona: $300,000 in Buried Gold

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A Trove That Defies Logic

Nearly $300,000 in gold coins as well as placer gold fines, flakes, and nuggets may be buried not far from Winslow, Arizona. How this trove purportedly came to be buried near Winslow is highly unusual and, to a certain extent, defies basic logic.

Why I make this latter statement should become apparent after you read this tale of buried treasure. Here is the first part of the story:

Homeward Bound from the Goldfields

By early 1855 a '49er named Darlington (sometimes spelled Darlinton) had made his fortune working placer mines in the Motherlode goldfields. Realizing that the best days of the California Gold Rush were over and weary of mining, Darlington decided to cash in his "goods" and head east for his boyhood home (Note: No details are given as to exactly where "home" was for Darlington. J.R.).

Accompanying Darlington were his wife, at least 6 other ex-'49ers heading for home, and nearly $300,000 worth of privately minted gold coins as well as large amounts of loose placer gold. Not long into the journey Darlington's wife became seriously ill, her condition worsening with each passing hour.

Heavier in Death than in Life

By the time the Darlington party reached the vicinity of modern-day Winslow, his wife was on death's door. The small group pressed on but 5-6 miles farther south and east Darlington's wife exhaled her last lungful of air.

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The site of her death was known as the Sunset Crossing of the Little Colorado River. Here, stricken with grief, Darlington asked the others for help in preparing a crude coffin and digging his wife's grave. This they did and then left Darlington alone with his wife so he could bid her his final farewells.

The following day the men lowered Darlington's wife into her final resting place, not a few of them straining with the effort. They were puzzled as to how a woman as slight as Darlington's wife could be heavier in death than in life....

There is more to come in a subsequent post. Until then, good hunting to all!

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "Treasure Hunting Questions and Answers: Part 3"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2009/10/treasure-hunting-questions-and-answers.html

(c) J.R. 2009

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

Treasure Hunting Questions and Answers: Part 3

(A Spanish treasure galleon.)

Periodically I post answers to the most frequent questions sent me by readers of "Treasure Trove Dreams." Here is the 3rd such question and answer installment for your perusal:

If I'm going on a serious treasure hunt should I be worried about how many people know about it? Yes, absolutely. This is especially true if you are embarking on a search where the cache's estimated value is in the high five figures or above. Remember, people will actually rob or even murder others for a few hundred dollars. Granted, this sort of violence is an extreme example but it can happen and has happened to other treasure hunters in the past.

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Additionally, by limiting the number of people who share your treasure hunting "inner circle," you also limit the potential legal or land owner threats that can arise from any large-dollar recoveries, because once others know you hit the "big one" they'll be clamoring for a piece of your action whether they deserve it or not. The only exception to the above is when you are trying to raise cash or backers for your treasure hunting or salving operations. Then it makes sense to broadcast your intentions, to some degree. But understand that the outside threats remain regardless.

Where's the best place to get info about the Spanish treasure fleets? Information about the Spanish treasure fleets can be gathered at any number of places, including the internet and local and state library systems. But if you are deadly serious about researching the Spanish treasure fleets in the New World the only places to visit are the Spanish Maritime Archives in Madrid and Menorca Spain. If you are a dedicated researcher and want every last bit of information concerning the treasure fleets, you may want to take a trip to Cartagena, Colombia and study the Spanish maritime records there as well.

Have you ever found a "post-hole" bank? Yes I have, in fact 2 to be exact. I found both back in the 1980s on old homesteads using a Garret "Deep Seeker" metal detector. The first bank was buried inside an old Mason jar and the second was stashed inside an old rusted-out metal box. The Mason jar bank held a little over $8.00 face value in U.S. type silver coins (including a 1904S Barber quarter) while the box had over $10.00 face value including silver, old nickels and pennies, and some pot-metal costume jewelry pieces. I didn't strike it rich but finding these "post-hole" banks was a lot of fun just the same. There are probably hundreds of thousands (if not more) of these small treasure caches still hidden out there across the United States.

I've seen online where some folks claim to have found the Lost Dutchman Mine and the Lost Adams Diggings. Are these guys for real? These individuals may be for real in terms of actually existing, but I have some serious doubts concerning their claims of finding these 2 big-time treasure troves. None of these individuals has produced any significant amount of physical evidence (gold ore, nuggets, etc.) to support their unsubstantiated claims. My belief is that if a professional treasure hunter had found either of these famous lost mines, he or she would not be bragging about it online (and elsewhere) but quietly and unobtrusively stashing their goodies away in a safe place.

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Can you treasure hunt on state or Federal lands? This question comes up quite often and I always have the same answer. For the most part state and Federal lands, especially those containing parks or sites of historic significance, are off limits to treasure hunting activities. In isolated instances "split" deals can be worked out with state or Federal authorities but these usually involve offshore treasure recoveries. Addtionally, I don't recommend that any treasure hunter try and circumvent state or Federal regulations to recover a trove....if you get caught in the process it won't be fun. At the very least you'll receive a stiff fine or two and at the very worst, jail time.

That's it for this round. Good hunting to you!

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "Treasure in Texas: 'Many Mines of Fabled Richness'"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2009/10/treasure-in-texas-many-mines-of-fabled.html

(c) J.R. 2009

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

Treasure in Texas: "Many Mines of Fabled Richness"

(Small section of the Llano River in Texas.)

Persistent Rumors of "Mineral Riches"

As they did in many other areas of the southwestern United States, early Spanish explorers, adventurers, and colonistas left a lasting imprint on the history and cultural development of Texas. One of these Spaniards was Don Bernardo de Miranda who, in the mid-1750s, was a Lieutenant General serving at the will of the Governor of the (then) Spanish Province of Texas.

Mining Equipment

In the winter of 1756 Miranda and a small party of soldiers, civilians, and an Indian interpreter rode out of the small village of San Fernando (now known as San Antonio) to investigate persistent rumors of "mineral riches" a week's march to the northwest. Eight days later Miranda and his column reached the vicinity of a tributary of the Rio de las Chanas (Llano River) which Miranda called El Arroyo de San Miguel (now Honey Creek).

Here (liberally reconstructed) is what Miranda had to say about what he found at this location:

"A Cave of Great Richness"

"Not more than one fourth of a league (Note: One league equals about 3 miles. J.R.) from our camp a prominence rose above the surrounding earth, its color so red as to appear as red ochre. To this I prominence I gave the name 'El Cerro del Almagre' (Note: Almagre means having the color of red hematite or red ochre. J.R.) which I found most proper and fitting."

"Along the flanks of 'El Cerro del Almagre' was discovered a cave that bore signs of great richness in 'puro plata' (Note: Pure silver. J.R.) and other metals of unknown quantity and consequence. I was most pleased by this discovery and gave this mine (Note: Miranda now uses the Spanish word mina, meaning mine here. J.R.) the name 'San Jose de Alcazar' in the hope that he would bless its enterprise."

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"A Silver Vein More Than 2 'Varas' in Width"

"After much time and more exploration it is apparent that many more mines of fabled richness lie deep within 'El Cerro del Almagre' and I am most sanguine concerning the wealth to be wrested from them. These mines are so numerous that I guarantee one to each settler in the Province of Texas."

"The silver vein within 'San Jose de Alcazar' alone is more than 2 'varas' in width (Note: A vara is about 33.3 inches. J.R.) and its westward lead appears to be of immeasurable thickness. Not only this, but we are blessed to find ample water, pasturage for stock, and plentiful wood for fuel and mining close at hand."

Rich Ore Indeed

Although extremely worried about being attacked by hostile Comanches, Miranda and his party tarried long enough at El Cerro del Amalgre to establish at least a dozen or more mining claims before breaking camp and heading back to San Fernando. Once there, Miranda sent word of his find to the governor and even the Viceroy of Spain himself.

To back up his claims of the richness of El Cerro del Almagre, Miranda displayed over 3 pounds of silver ore containing at least 10 troy ounces of free-milling silver as well as smaller amounts of gold (Note: In today's precious metals market this would be rich ore indeed. J.R.). Plans were immediately made to organize a large expedition to return to the vicinity of El Cerro del Almagre, establish a fort, and begin mining operations.

The Spaniards Retreat

Thus the legend of the what many consider to be the Lost "San Saba" Mine was born. When the Spanish returned to El Cerro del Almagre to work the rich mines they were set upon by the Comanche and nearly wiped out. The Spaniards retreated, never to return to that area.

Over the years many treasure hunters and not a few prospectors and miners have searched for evidence of these rich silver veins to no avail. Whether Miranda's find was the Lost "San Saba" Mine or simply a hill rich in native silver is open to debate.

What is true however, is that the Spanish kept meticulous records in the New World and were no slouches when it came to prospecting and mining for gold and silver. Miranda existed and so does El Cerro del Amalgre.

There it is.....

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Good hunting to you.

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "Waybill to a Possible Jesse James Treasure Cache"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2009/10/waybill-to-possible-jesse-james.html

(c) J.R. 2009

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

Library of Congress Treasure Maps (List 3)

I've been a bit taken aback (and pleased, I might add) by the level of interest out there in my Library of Congress Treasure Maps posts. With that in mind, here is the 3rd installment of old treasure maps for your perusal:

"Map of the Lost Dutchman and Other Legendary Mines in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona." Produced by Allan J. Stiratt, his map is highly interesting in that it depicts various roads, washes, springs, trails, cliffs, mines, and prospect pits in the Superstitions. Date: 1948. Scale: 1:30,800. Size: 16 1/2" x 21 1/2." The locations of old Spanish miners' signs and symbols are featured on this map as well as a brief narrative. If you're a hard-core "Dutch Hunter" and don't have this one, you'll probably want it in your map library. Map Number: G4332.S9 1948.S8.

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"The Deek Gladson Map of Nevada Ghost Towns." This map contains descriptive text on and about 115 ghost towns in the Silver State. Date: 1962. Scale: 1:1,013,760. Size: 31" x 21." The late, great Karl Von Mueller had a hand in promoting and distributing this map. Karl was a treasure hunter's treasure hunter, so if he had a hand in things, this one has to be good. Map Number: G4354.A11 1962M5.

"Map of Sunken Treasure: History of Piracy and Spanish Gold Fleets, Old Wreck Locations, Recovered Treasure Salvage, and Identification in Florida and the Caribbean." Whew! F. Logan and J.C. Pike (producers of this map) should have opted for a less unwieldy title. Despite the verbiage, this colorful map contains some very good information including brief descriptions of various treasure troves. Date: 1959. Scale: 1:6,500,000. Size: 25 1/2" x 31 1/2." This map contains a list of 24 recorded treasure locations keyed to numbers on the map itself. Map Number: G4391.E75 1959.L6.

"A Chart of Wrecks of Vessels Sunk or Captured Near Wilmington, N.C. Circa 1861-1865." Produced by C.H. Foard, this chart lists around 74 Civil War-era sunken vessels in the Wilmington area. Date: 1962. Scale: 1:182,000. Size: 23 1/2" x 15." If you are a Civil War history buff (as I am) or a treasure hunter in North Carolina this detailed chart may prove invaluable. Map Number: G3701.S522 1962.F6.

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"Treasure Map of Arizona." This map was produced by the Arizona Development Board and contains many well-known lost mines and treasure legends/troves. Date: 1962. Scale: 1:3,600,000. Size: 11" x 9." There are 18 total treasure sites listed by names and symbols on this small map. Map Number: G4331.E75 1962.A7.

"Oklahoma's Buried Treasures." This pictorial map was compiled from various sources, some historical and others less well documented. Date: 1960. Scale: 1:3,041,180. Size: 17 1/2" x 12." Over 47 Oklahoma treasure cache sites (1723-1930) are keyed by descriptive notes and position numbers in this map. Associated sites and value estimates are included as well. Map Number: G4021.E75 1960.J6.

Once again, let me point out the fact that almost all of these maps are at least 40 years old or more. That, my friend, is a double-edged sword.

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One one hand they are out of date compared to current treasure knowledge, but conversely since they are old they may contain leads and information that has since been forgotten. If you examine any of these maps or charts, please do so thoroughly bearing in mind what I have just stated.

Good hunting!

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "6 Little-Known California Treasure Caches (Part 2)"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2009/09/6-little-known-california-treasure_28.html

(c) J.R. 2009

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com