I'd Be a Complete Idiot
I've already covered a few of the treasure signs and symbols used by the Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) and I've also alluded to the fact that Jesse and Frank James (as well as some of their cohorts) were not only members of the KGC, but perhaps KGC "Sentinels" as well.
Since interest is very high right now in Jesse James/KGC treasure caches, I thought I'd pass the following information along to you about potential KGC treasure cache locations. No, this isn't specific information that'll lead you directly to KGC treasure troves (I'd be a complete idiot to provide that sort of info don't you think?). Instead, I'll provide you with general information that may help you narrow down your KGC treasure trove search area(s).
Potential Burial Locations
Old Mill Sites: It's said that KGC members were fond of burying treasure caches in and near sites that could be easily remembered and sought out again later. These locations included old grain or grist mill sites (and adjoining terrain), which were often used as cache burial locations.
Smelters or Furnaces: In days past, smelters and furnaces were commonly known and easily recognized focal points for folks living within a specific geographical area. These included not only furnaces or smelters for precious metals like gold and silver, but also included coal or coke ovens as well as charcoal ovens. According to a number of KGC researchers, KGC members or "Sentinels" buried treasure around or near sites such as these.
Metal Detectors
Cattle Trails: Cattle trails can be found throughout the Plains states, and the West and Southwest in general. The KGC buried caches along cattle trails, especially those that were well known at the time or were the most prominent or frequently used. Here's a tip for you, however: Don't get sidetracked by focusing on your average, cattle-going-to-water type of trail....place your focus instead on those trails where large numbers of cattle were driven, regardless of direction (for example, the old Chisholm Trail).
Livery Stables and Blacksmith Shops: Sites such as these were very prominent in the day-to-day life and society of the 1800s. Often, these two types of sites were combined in many rural communities of the day. If you're able to pinpoint the location of one of these as a potential KGC cache location focus your search efforts on the area immediately adjacent to or near the old livery or smithy, not inside the perimeter of the old structures themselves.
(Old livery stable.)
Railroads: Old railroad lines covered very large expanses of territory. When you're pursuing a KGC cache lead along railways consider the following points: Rights-of-way, water towers, switches or switch stations, and so on. Remember, something on or along that old railroad line was a key visual clue for the burial (and recovery) of KGC treasure caches.
Coach Stations or Traveler's Inns/Taverns: These sorts of early "motels" or lay-over locations were often used by KGC members because of their "strategic" locations along roads, trails, or rail lines. Again, your search efforts should be focused on the immediate vicinity and not the inside or atop the old structure sites themselves.
Wolverine Boots
Dickies Work Clothes
If you're truly interested in recovering KGC treasure caches, then do a bit of research first (a must for all significant treasure hunting activities). Despite the fact that most of the above-listed general KGC treasure burial locations no longer exist on today's maps, all of these CAN be researched by adept and patient treasure hunters who are willing to pore over old maps, photographs, and records.
If you liked this post, you may want to read: "25 Sacks of Gold"
(c) Jim Rocha (J.R.) 2012
Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com
