The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition Mountain

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth
Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth

Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious disappearance in the Superstition Mountains in 1931. Ruth, a 66-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was drawn to the mine after receiving a set of maps allegedly showing its location. Despite warnings about the dangers of the rugged terrain and the mine’s deadly reputation, Ruth ventured into the Superstitions alone in June 1931. When he failed to return, a massive search ensued, involving local authorities, volunteers, and even aircraft. Ruth’s remains were discovered six months later, deep within the Superstitions, with his skull showing signs of a gunshot wound, sparking rumors of foul play.

The search for Adolph Ruth and the circumstances of his death only added to the mystique of the Lost Dutchman Mine, fueling speculation that the mine was cursed or guarded by violent forces. His disappearance and the discovery of his skull intensified public interest in the mine, drawing even more treasure hunters to the perilous mountains. Despite exhaustive investigations, the exact details of Ruth’s fate remain shrouded in mystery, and the Lost Dutchman Mine continues to elude those who seek it, keeping its secrets hidden within the treacherous landscape of the Superstition Mountains.

Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.
Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.

LOOKOUT STATION ON SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN


One of the last strongholds of the real West, rugged, defiant Superstition mountain, has at last been opened to curious Arizonians and visitors from other states. Through provisions made by a company which has established a lodge at the foot of the mystic peak 45 miles east of Phoenix, the mountain may now be climed to its summit. R. A. Bird, Mesa, and H. C. Johnson, Gilbert, have opened a temporary lodge near the base of the mountain, arranged to make trips from there to the peak.

From the latter point a great area of South-Central Arizona may be seen in panorama, as from an airplane. The Salt River and Gila valleys and the intervening mountains, the cities of the one valley, the ancient Indian landmarks of the other, are clearly visible.

The company lias announced plans to erect a lookout station on the highest peak of the Superstition mountian, and plans by next summer to have a lodge and camping accommodations.

The temporary lodge now is reached by turning off Apache Trail one and one fourth miles north of Goldfield. It is one and a half miles from the high way. The mountain trip will be made over the old Peralta trail, on which Adolph Ruth lost his life in June, 1931. Ruth was the ninth man known to have died in search of the fabled Lost Dutchman mine.

Guides on the trail trips are thoroughly familiar with the legends which have been woven about Superstition mountain, and on the trips will be able to point out the prominent features connected with them, such as the “Indian turned to stone” on the south ridge, the archeological evidence of inhabitation of the mountains, and the famed cactus orchards which appear at several points in the mountains.

The Coolidge Examiner Articles About Disappearance of Adolph Ruth

The desperate search for Adolph Rush as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still Futile

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the "Search for Ruth Still Futile" as he is lost looking…
Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth Suspended

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition…
The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains

The Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of…
Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.

The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition Mountain

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious…

References

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains

The Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of searching, the remains of Lost Dutchman searcher Adolf Ruth are found, it what some believe are mysterious circumstances.

The skull of Adolph Ruth being held by searcher Brownie Holmes.
The skull of Adolph Ruth being held by searcher Brownie Holmes.

Adolph Ruth was a treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious disappearance in the Superstition Mountains in 1931. Ruth, a 66-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was drawn to the mine after receiving a set of maps allegedly showing its location. Despite warnings about the dangers of the rugged terrain and the mine’s deadly reputation, Ruth ventured into the Superstitions alone in June 1931. When he failed to return, a massive search ensued, involving local authorities, volunteers, and even aircraft. Ruth’s remains were discovered six months later, deep within the Superstitions, with his skull showing signs of a gunshot wound, sparking rumors of foul play.

The search for Adolph Ruth and the circumstances of his death only added to the mystique of the Lost Dutchman Mine, fueling speculation that the mine was cursed or guarded by violent forces. His disappearance and the discovery of his skull intensified public interest in the mine, drawing even more treasure hunters to the perilous mountains. Despite exhaustive investigations, the exact details of Ruth’s fate remain shrouded in mystery, and the Lost Dutchman Mine continues to elude those who seek it, keeping its secrets hidden within the treacherous landscape of the Superstition Mountains.

The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931
The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931

SEARCH FOR ADOLPH RUTH IN SUPERSTION MOUNTAINS

The finding of a human skull by an archaeological party 10 days ago in the superstition range, believed to be that of Adolph Ruth of Washington, D. C. amateur prospector, has prompted another search by deputy sheriffs and veteran cattle men for the missing man, who was 65 years old and disappeared last June while hunting for the Lost Dutchman mine.

The Coolidge Examiner Articles About Disappearance of Adolph Ruth

The desperate search for Adolph Rush as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still Futile

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the "Search for Ruth Still Futile" as he is lost looking…
Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth Suspended

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition…
The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains

The Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of…
Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.

The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition Mountain

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious…

References

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth Suspended

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth
Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth

The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition Mountains.

Adolph Ruth was a seasoned treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious disappearance in the Superstition Mountains in 1931. Ruth, a 66-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was drawn to the mine after receiving a set of maps allegedly showing its location. Despite warnings about the dangers of the rugged terrain and the mine’s deadly reputation, Ruth ventured into the Superstitions alone in June 1931. When he failed to return, a massive search ensued, involving local authorities, volunteers, and even aircraft. Ruth’s remains were discovered six months later, deep within the Superstitions, with his skull showing signs of a gunshot wound, sparking rumors of foul play.

The search for Adolph Ruth and the circumstances of his death only added to the mystique of the Lost Dutchman Mine, fueling speculation that the mine was cursed or guarded by violent forces. His disappearance and the discovery of his skull intensified public interest in the mine, drawing even more treasure hunters to the perilous mountains. Despite exhaustive investigations, the exact details of Ruth’s fate remain shrouded in mystery, and the Lost Dutchman Mine continues to elude those who seek it, keeping its secrets hidden within the treacherous landscape of the Superstition Mountains.

The following is the follow up article of the Coolidge Examiner of July 13, 1931.

Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.
Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.

News Article

The furnace-like head of the Superstition mountains brought an end to active efforts to solve the disappearance of Adolf Ruth, amateur prospects of Washington D.C. The 66 year old man entered the desolate rage, June 12 to hunt for the Lost Dutchman gold mine. He has not been seen since.

The Coolidge Examiner Articles About Disappearance of Adolph Ruth

The desperate search for Adolph Rush as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still Futile

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the "Search for Ruth Still Futile" as he is lost looking…
Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth Suspended

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition…
The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains

The Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of…
Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.

The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition Mountain

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious…

References

The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still Futile

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth
Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth

The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the “Search for Ruth Still Futile” as he is lost looking for the Lost Dutchman Goldmine.

Adolph Ruth was a seasoned treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious disappearance in the Superstition Mountains in 1931. Ruth, a 66-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was drawn to the mine after receiving a set of maps allegedly showing its location. Despite warnings about the dangers of the rugged terrain and the mine’s deadly reputation, Ruth ventured into the Superstitions alone in June 1931. When he failed to return, a massive search ensued, involving local authorities, volunteers, and even aircraft. Ruth’s remains were discovered six months later, deep within the Superstitions, with his skull showing signs of a gunshot wound, sparking rumors of foul play.

The search for Adolph Ruth and the circumstances of his death only added to the mystique of the Lost Dutchman Mine, fueling speculation that the mine was cursed or guarded by violent forces. His disappearance and the discovery of his skull intensified public interest in the mine, drawing even more treasure hunters to the perilous mountains. Despite exhaustive investigations, the exact details of Ruth’s fate remain shrouded in mystery, and the Lost Dutchman Mine continues to elude those who seek it, keeping its secrets hidden within the treacherous landscape of the Superstition Mountains.

The desperate Search for Ruth Still Futile as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931
The desperate search for Adolph Rush as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931

THE SEARCH EOR RUTH STILL FUTILE

Airplane Combs Recesses Of Superstition To No Avail

Hope of finding Adolph Ruth, 66-y’ear old prospector lost in the Superstition mountain range for a month waned Wednesday after a combination air search and the efforts of men on foot and on horses failed to reveal new trace of the missing man.

For two hours Wednesday morning an air plane piloted by Charley Goldtrap and carrying E. D. Newcomer, Arizona Republic – Phoenix Gazette staff photographer, soared over the treacherous pinnacles and deep canyons of the Superstition range, making pictures and keeping a sharp lookout for any sign of Ruth. The air search was sponsored by the Phoenix Gazette.

Searchers hold three theories in regard to the possible fate of Ruth: that he met death in a fall into one of the canyons; that he met with foul play, and his body was disposed of; that he suffered loss of memory and wandered out of the mountains and probably still is wandering.

Ruth, it is believed, might have been slain for maps he possessed. The airplane trip over the mountains Wednesday was accompanied by numerous dangers. Several times wind conditions endangered the plane’s flight, and the two men reported several row escapes.

Dr. Erwin E Ruth, son of the missing prospector, is convinced that his father never will be found alive, but he said he is determined to continue the search in the hope of finding his father’s body.—Arizona Republic. No man could have gone more -surely to his death than Ruth, the aged man whose life was lost in a search for the Lost Dutchman mine, He has been described as the “aged prospector, ” He was not a prospector at all but an aged man whose life had been spent in a clerical position in Washington. He had been curiously obsessed by a purpose te find the mine for which prospectors and others had been hunting nearly a half century ago. He had studied official maps. He had learned what he could find from a study of the character of the country.

He knew nothing of prospecting and nothing at first hand of the perils of the desert which he invaded at a time of the year when actual prospectors were getting ready to retire for the summer. There could be but one end for such an adventure into one of the most forbidding sections of Arizona.

The Coolidge Examiner Articles About Disappearance of Adolph Ruth

The desperate search for Adolph Rush as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still Futile

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the "Search for Ruth Still Futile" as he is lost looking…
Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth Suspended

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition…
The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains

The Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of…
Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.

The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition Mountain

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious…

References

The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin
The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold by Helen Corbin

Helen Corbin’s The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold is the first book I have read on Jacob Watlz’s mine. The book does an excellent job of documenting the history of the most enduring legends of the American Southwest: the tale of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine. Nestled in the rugged Superstition Mountains of Arizona, the story of this elusive treasure has captivated adventurers, historians, and treasure hunters for over a century. Corbin’s book offers a comprehensive exploration of the legend, blending historical research, folklore, and personal accounts to create a rich narrative that is both informative and enthralling.

Engaging Narrative and Rich Historical Context

Corbin excels in setting the stage, providing a detailed historical context that enriches the reader’s understanding of the legend. She meticulously traces the origins of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine, starting with the enigmatic figure of Jacob Waltz, the “Dutchman” himself. Through Corbin’s vivid storytelling, Waltz comes to life as a complex character, shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The book doesn’t merely recount the legend; it delves into the socio-economic backdrop of the time, exploring the broader context of mining booms and the cultural tapestry of the American West.

Meticulous Research and Diverse Perspectives

One of the book’s strengths is its thorough research. Corbin has sifted through an array of sources, from historical documents and old maps to interviews with contemporary treasure hunters. This diligent research is evident in the depth and breadth of information presented. Corbin also presents various theories about the mine’s location and the curse supposedly protecting it, offering multiple perspectives that allow readers to form their own opinions. The inclusion of personal anecdotes and firsthand accounts adds a layer of authenticity and immediacy to the narrative.

Captivating and Atmospheric Descriptions

The author’s descriptive prowess shines as she brings the Superstition Mountains to life. Her descriptions of the harsh yet beautiful landscape create a vivid backdrop for the story, immersing the reader in the treacherous and alluring terrain where the legend unfolds. Corbin’s ability to convey the atmosphere of the mountains—their eerie stillness, the rugged beauty, and the palpable sense of mystery—enhances the overall reading experience.

Corbin strikes a balance between entertaining storytelling and scholarly analysis. While she doesn’t shy away from the more fantastical elements of the legend, she also provides a critical examination of the myths surrounding the Lost Dutchman’s Mine. This balanced approach allows readers to enjoy the story as a captivating legend while appreciating the rigorous historical inquiry that underpins the narrative.

The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold is a compelling read that will appeal to history enthusiasts, treasure hunters, and anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the American West. Helen Corbin’s ability to weave together historical facts, folklore, and personal stories results in a book that is as informative as it is engaging. By the end of the journey, readers will find themselves not only more knowledgeable about the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine but also deeply immersed in the enigmatic allure of the Superstition Mountains.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer in the legendary treasure, The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold offers a captivating exploration of one of America’s most intriguing mysteries.

Book Summary

TitleThe Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold by Helen Corbin
AuthorHelen Corbin
PublisherFox West Publisher
Pages237 Pages