Publisher's Synopsis
Learn what it was like to search for The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine when that legend was still a vibrant, living thing. Every year, that story drew hundreds of prospectors and adventurers from all over the world to the Superstition Mountain region. The legend enticed adventurous souls with the dream of becoming the one who finally solved the puzzle, perchance to become fabulously wealthy and famous in the process. What it gave some of them was a chance to become part of history, as it did for the author, who has been recognized by the Victory Club for his contributions toward solving the mystery and keeping the legend alive, as with this book.
See what it was like to inhabit, if only occasionally, what was then the most dangerous place in North America. This was where the Old West was still alive, the place the dying vestiges of that part of history lasted the longest. Many of these stories describe interactions with other prospectors, some cordial, some difficult, and some downright dangerous. Included is a chapter describing how the legendary Colorado Boys went about packing into The Mountain and how they went about prospecting for the lost mines and treasures reported to have been located and secreted in that wild and woolly country. With 219 pages, 36,000 words, and 143 pictures, this book is a fascinating read for those interested in knowing what it was like to search for a legendary lost gold mine. These are true accounts of genuine adventure, not contrived or imaginary adventure - the real thing, with real danger. This pursuit put ones life on the line, every time. Those who suspect this is an exaggeration simply do not understand! The annual toll of deaths from misadventure, homicide, and murder in those mountains during that era will never be known but it was sufficient to justify the statement that this was, then, the most dangerous place in North America. Many of those who did not understand just how dangerous it was paid the ultimate price - the Colorado boys met three of those unfortunates, none of whom deserved the fate the evil miscreants who roamed those hills brought them.
