Adolph Ruth

Early Life and Background

Adolph Ruth was born in the mid-19th century and worked as a government employee in Washington, D.C. His passion for adventure and treasure hunting led him to explore various parts of the American Southwest in search of lost mines and legendary treasures. Ruth was particularly captivated by the tale of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, a legendary gold mine purportedly hidden in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona.

Adolph Ruth’s started his side career in treasure hunting in California’s Anza-Borrego Desert. While searching for another lost mine, the famed Peg Leg Smith Treasure, near Warner’s Hot Springs and Borrego Mountain, Ruth fell into a ravine and broke his hip on December 22, 1919. The injury almost cost his his life, and Ruth spent several hours lying in a desert arroyo before being discovered by a search party organized by his son.

The Legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine

The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine is one of the most famous treasure legends in American folklore. According to the story, Jacob Waltz, a German immigrant known as the “Dutchman,” discovered a rich gold vein in the Superstition Mountains during the 19th century. Waltz supposedly kept the location of the mine a secret until his deathbed, where he provided vague clues to its whereabouts. Over the years, countless adventurers and treasure hunters have sought the mine, drawn by the promise of immense wealth.

Adolph Ruth’s Search

Adolph Ruth’s interest in the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine intensified in the 1920s after he acquired a set of maps that he believed could lead him to the elusive treasure. The maps were said to have originated from Mexico by his son and were purportedly linked to the Peralta family, who were believed to have operated gold mines in the region during the 19th century.

In June 1931, at the age of 66, Ruth embarked on an expedition into the Superstition Mountains, armed with his maps and an unwavering determination to find the legendary mine. Despite warnings about the harsh and treacherous conditions of the terrain, Ruth ventured into the wilderness.

Disappearance and Death

Adolph Ruth’s journey into the Superstition Mountains was fraught with difficulties from the start. After several days without contact, concern for his safety grew among those who had assisted him in his expedition. Following a newspaper report by the Arizona Republic on June 26th,, 1931, a search party was organized. Initially, there was no trace of Ruth. The search was quite intensive and even included the use of planes and sponsered by the newspaper to try and located the lost treasure hunter.

In December 1931, six months after Ruth’s disappearance, his skeletal remains were discovered in a remote area of the Superstition Mountains. The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and have fueled speculation and intrigue. Some of Ruth’s personal belongings, including his journal and part of his skull with a bullet hole, were found near his remains, suggesting foul play. The official cause of death was listed as exposure, but the bullet hole led to various theories about possible murder.

Legacy and Impact

Adolph Ruth’s tragic end added a new layer of mystique to the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. His death reinforced the perilous nature of the quest and underscored the dangers of venturing into the unforgiving terrain of the Superstition Mountains in search of treasure. Ruth’s story has become a central part of the lore surrounding the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, captivating treasure hunters and enthusiasts for generations.

Ruth’s son, Erwin Ruth, continued to believe in the legitimacy of his father’s maps and the existence of the mine. He, along with many others, perpetuated the search for the fabled gold, contributing to the enduring fascination with the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine.

Adolph Ruth’s quest for the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine and his mysterious death in the Superstition Mountains have left an indelible mark on the legend. His story embodies the spirit of adventure and the relentless pursuit of dreams, even in the face of danger and uncertainty. To this day, the tale of Adolph Ruth serves as a cautionary yet inspiring narrative, reminding us of the enduring allure of hidden treasures and the lengths to which people will go to uncover them.

The Coolidge Examiner Articles About Disappearance of Adolph Ruth

Further Reading

References

• ADOLPH RUTH’S DIRECTIONS TO THE LOST DUTCHMAN MINE
• rootsweb.com
• The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold – Helen Corbin pg 203
• Apache Junction Public Library