More Colorado Treasures Just Waiting to Be Found
Colorado, the Centennial State, a land of towering peaks, sprawling plains, and rich history, holds within its borders more than just breathtaking scenery. Whispers of lost fortunes, stashed by outlaws, stagecoach robbers, and desperate individuals, echo through the decades, hinting at more Colorado treasures just waiting to be found. From the rugged mountains to the desolate canyons, the state is a veritable playground for treasure hunters, each county harboring its own unique legend. Let’s delve into some of the most intriguing tales of buried riches that continue to fuel the dreams of those seeking fortune in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Costilla County: The Fort Garland Paymaster’s Cache
Our journey begins in Costilla County, nestled in the southern part of Colorado, where the imposing Sangre de Cristo Mountains dominate the landscape. Here, the legend speaks of the paymaster of Fort Garland, a military outpost established in 1858 to protect settlers from Ute and Jicarilla Apache tribes. The story goes that the paymaster, entrusted with a substantial sum of money to pay the soldiers stationed at the fort, decided to hide his precious cargo along the banks of Trinchera Creek. Whether driven by fear of robbery or some other unknown motive, the paymaster’s treasure remains hidden to this day, a tantalizing prospect for those willing to brave the rugged terrain. The lure of more Colorado treasures just waiting to be found is hard to resist.
El Paso County: Butch Cassidy’s Monumental Loot
Venturing north to El Paso County, home to the iconic Pikes Peak and the bustling city of Colorado Springs, we encounter a tale of a different sort – one involving the infamous Butch Cassidy Gang. Known for their daring bank robberies across the American West, the gang is said to have stashed a significant portion of their ill-gotten gains near Monument, a small town situated between Colorado Springs and Denver. The loot, estimated to be around $100,000 – a considerable fortune in the late 19th century – was supposedly hidden somewhere in the vicinity, awaiting a time when the gang could safely retrieve it. However, as fate would have it, Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch met their demise in South America, leaving their Colorado treasure unclaimed. The prospect of unearthing a piece of Wild West history continues to draw treasure hunters to this picturesque region.
El Paso County: The Bloody Espinosas’ Visionary Loot
Staying within El Paso County, a darker chapter of Colorado’s history unfolds, involving the ruthless Espinosa Gang. In 1863, Felipe and Jose Espinosa terrorized the San Luis Valley, driven by a fervent belief that they were divinely ordained to drive the Anglo settlers out of the region. According to local lore, the Espinosas, claiming to have received a vision from the Virgin Mary, embarked on a campaign of robbery and murder, targeting Anglo communities. They were said to have buried their stolen treasure near the present-day town of Cascade, nestled in Ute Pass on the slopes of Pikes Peak. The gang managed to evade capture for a time, but their reign of terror was ultimately brought to an end by an army scout from Fort Garland, who famously returned to the fort with the heads of the Espinosa brothers in a sack. The location of their hidden treasure, a grim reminder of a turbulent past, remains a mystery.
Garfield County: Unrecovered Train Robbery Riches
Heading west to Garfield County, a region known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, we encounter a more straightforward tale of hidden loot. The legend speaks of a train robbery that occurred near Grand Valley, a small town situated along the Colorado River. The bandits, after successfully raiding the train, are said to have hidden their plunder somewhere in the vicinity, intending to return for it later. However, as with many of these stories, fate intervened, and the loot remains undiscovered, waiting to be unearthed by a lucky treasure hunter. The thought of discovering more Colorado treasures just waiting to be found is exciting.
Gilpin County: Gold Along Ralston Creek Road
Gilpin County, a historic mining region that played a pivotal role in Colorado’s early development, offers a tantalizing tale of a hidden chest filled with gold. The story goes that the chest was buried somewhere along Ralston Creek Road, a scenic route that connects the historic mining towns of Central City and Denver. Whether the gold was the result of a successful mining venture, a stagecoach robbery, or some other unknown event, its presence remains a local legend, inspiring countless treasure seekers to scour the area in search of their golden reward.
Huerfano County: Sefton’s Lost Barrels of Coins
Moving south to Huerfano County, we encounter a story centered around Henry Sefton and his lost barrels of coins. The tale unfolds at the Gomez Ranch, located in the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. According to the legend, Sefton, a man of considerable wealth, lost two barrels filled with coins somewhere on the ranch property. The circumstances surrounding the loss remain unclear, but the allure of finding these lost coins continues to draw treasure hunters to this remote and beautiful region.
Lake County: Jesse James’ Leadville Cache
Lake County, home to the historic mining town of Leadville, the highest incorporated city in North America, offers a connection to one of the most iconic figures in American outlaw history – Jesse James. Legend has it that James, known for his daring bank and train robberies, stashed some of his stolen wealth in Half Moon Gulch, a rugged canyon southwest of Leadville. While the exact amount and location of the treasure remain unknown, the mere association with Jesse James adds an extra layer of intrigue to this already captivating tale.
Larimer County: The Musgrove Gang’s Corral Treasure
Venturing north to Larimer County, we encounter the story of the Musgrove Gang, a notorious band of thieves and rustlers who roamed the American West in the mid-19th century. Led by the ruthless Lee Musgrove, the gang terrorized communities from Texas to Wyoming, engaging in theft, cattle rustling, and murder. However, their reign of terror was eventually brought to an end by Colorado lawman Dave Cook, who relentlessly pursued the gang, eventually capturing and arresting Musgrove in Wyoming Territory. Musgrove was subsequently jailed in Denver, but a vigilante mob stormed the jail and lynched him. The Musgrove Corral Treasure, consisting of gold and silver coins, is said to remain buried along the banks of the Cache la Poudre River, a testament to the gang’s ill-gotten gains.
Otero County: Buried Riches at Bent’s Fort
Otero County, situated along the historic Santa Fe Trail, boasts a treasure legend centered around Bent’s Fort, a prominent trading post that served as a vital hub for commerce and cultural exchange in the early 19th century. The fort, a bustling center of activity, is believed to be the location of numerous buried treasures, stashed by traders, travelers, and even Native American tribes. The exact nature and location of these treasures remain shrouded in mystery, but the historical significance of Bent’s Fort adds an extra layer of intrigue to this captivating tale.
Lincoln County: Gold Rush Loot Near Clifford
Lincoln County offers a story that links back to the California Gold Rush. In 1847, bandits supposedly stole $100,000 from Sacramento, California. The stolen gold was then hidden in a gulch a few miles east of Clifford. Three stones, each inscribed with the date 1847, were said to mark the spot. Adding credence to the tale, a flat stone bearing the inscription "D. Grover and Joseph Fox Lawe, Aug. 8, 1847" was discovered near Clifford years ago. This historical context enhances the allure of more Colorado treasures just waiting to be found.
Moffat County: Gold Ore in Dinosaur National Monument
Moffat County, home to the awe-inspiring Dinosaur National Monument, offers a treasure tale that combines the allure of hidden riches with the rugged beauty of the natural world. The story speaks of a cache of gold ore, valued at $10,000 at the time, that was buried somewhere in Pat’s Hole, a remote area within the monument’s boundaries. While the value of the ore has undoubtedly increased significantly over the years, its location remains a mystery, guarded by the towering cliffs and winding canyons of Dinosaur National Monument.
Moffat County: Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch Hideout in Brown’s Hole
Continuing our exploration of Moffat County, we encounter another connection to Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch. The remote valley of Brown’s Hole, situated along the Colorado-Wyoming border, served as a refuge for the outlaws, providing a safe haven from pursuing lawmen. It is believed that the gang cached a significant portion of their stolen loot in the area, taking advantage of its isolated location and the lack of law enforcement presence. The area, once a haven for outlaws, is now a place where the thought of more Colorado treasures just waiting to be found can come true. While little remains of this outlaw paradise, the legends persist, enticing treasure hunters to explore the rugged terrain and search for the remnants of a bygone era.
These are just a few of the many treasure legends that continue to circulate throughout Colorado. Whether you are a seasoned treasure hunter or simply a history enthusiast, the Centennial State offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the past and perhaps even strike it rich. The dream of finding more Colorado treasures just waiting to be found remains a powerful motivator, driving individuals to explore the state’s hidden corners and unravel the mysteries of its past. So, pack your bags, grab your metal detector, and embark on your own Colorado treasure hunt – who knows what riches await you in the heart of the Rocky Mountains?
