Alf Bolin’s Outlaw Loot, Missouri
Deep within the rugged, verdant landscape of the Ozark Mountains in southwest Missouri, a persistent legend whispers of hidden riches. This is the tale of Alf Bolin, a Missouri outlaw whose name is synonymous with daring raids, Civil War turmoil, and a potentially vast fortune buried somewhere in the Fox Creek Hills. The story of Alf Bolin’s Outlaw Loot, Missouri continues to captivate treasure hunters and history enthusiasts alike, promising a glimpse into a tumultuous era and the potential for untold wealth.
The legend centers around a specific area: the vicinity of Section 20, Township 22, Range 20 in Taney County, Missouri. This puts the supposed location approximately two miles southwest of the now-vanished Old Mincy Store and Mill site. According to local lore, an elderly man once visited a farm on Highway JJ south of Kirbyville, driven by a tip from a former member of Bolin’s gang. The outlaw, it was said, had concealed gold and silver from his numerous robberies near a cave in the Fox Creek area. The informant emphasized that the treasure wasn’t inside the cave itself, but rather nearby, using the cave as a recognizable landmark.
The activities of the Bolin Gang were heavily concentrated around a location known as "Murder Rocks," situated on Pine Mountain south of Kirbyville, Missouri. These formidable limestone formations, also referred to as the "Alf Bolin Rocks," can be found along Highway JJ, approximately 10 miles south of Forsyth, the county seat of Taney County. This region, characterized by its steep inclines and dense forests, provided an ideal backdrop for the gang’s illicit operations.
Imagine the scene: the Springfield-Harrison Road, a vital artery connecting Arkansas and Missouri, snaking its way up the mountainside. The present-day highway runs roughly 60 feet east of the original road, which once passed within mere feet of the imposing limestone rocks. These natural formations served as an ideal ambush point. The outlaws, concealed behind the rocks, commanded a clear view of travelers approaching from both the north and the south. Countless individuals were stopped, robbed of their possessions, and, tragically, some were even murdered, giving the area its grim moniker: "Murder Rocks". The legend of Alf Bolin’s Outlaw Loot, Missouri is intertwined with this violent history.
The American Civil War provided a fertile ground for outlaws like Alf Bolin. With able-bodied men away fighting for the Union or the Confederacy, the farms and settlements of northern Arkansas and southwest Missouri were left vulnerable, defended only by the elderly, women, and children. Bolin and his gang, numbering around 20 men, capitalized on this vulnerability, terrorizing the region with impunity.
The Union army, determined to bring Bolin to justice, dispatched soldiers to capture the elusive outlaw. However, Bolin’s intimate knowledge of the terrain, coupled with his gang’s skill as horsemen, allowed them to consistently evade capture. The soldiers, frustrated by their failures, devised a cunning plan to ensnare him.
Their plan involved a Confederate soldier named Foster, who was being held captive by the Union. Foster’s wife, residing near the Arkansas-Missouri border approximately three miles south of Murder Rocks, was approached by Union officers. They offered her a deal: if she assisted in capturing Bolin, her husband would be released. Despite the inherent danger, Mrs. Foster agreed to the risky proposition.
A Union soldier, identified as Thomas, was chosen to play a crucial role in the scheme. He posed as a sick and wounded Confederate soldier and was taken in by Mrs. Foster. As it happened, Bolin was known to frequent the Foster home for meals whenever he was in the vicinity. One fateful evening, Bolin arrived alone for dinner. During the meal, Thomas, who was staying upstairs, deliberately made a noise. Bolin, suspicious, inquired about the disturbance. Mrs. Foster explained that it was a wounded Confederate soldier on his way home. Unsatisfied, Bolin demanded that the man come downstairs, threatening to kill him if he refused.
Thomas, feigning weakness and difficulty in movement, reluctantly joined the pair at the dinner table. Bolin remained wary, placing his pistol on the table within easy reach. However, as the evening progressed, the outlaw’s vigilance waned. When Bolin turned his back to Thomas, the Union soldier seized the opportunity and struck Bolin with a fire poker. Though the blow was not immediately fatal, Thomas continued to attack him until he succumbed to his injuries. The date was February 1, 1863. Alf Bolin was only 21 years old.
Following Bolin’s death, his body was taken to Forsyth, Missouri. As a grim symbol of victory, his head was severed and taken to Ozark, where it was displayed on a pole, signaling the end of his reign of terror. The surrounding area rejoiced at the news of his demise.
During his reign as an outlaw, Alf Bolin amassed a considerable fortune through his raids along the Springfield-Harrison Road. Unable to deposit his ill-gotten gains in a bank, he supposedly buried his treasure near the cave on Fox Creek, close to the Missouri and Arkansas border. The precise location of this burial site, however, died with the outlaw. The mystery of Alf Bolin’s Outlaw Loot, Missouri remains unsolved.
For over a century, the treasure has remained hidden, fueling speculation and inspiring countless treasure hunters to search for the elusive cache. Was it gold coins, silver bars, or perhaps a collection of stolen jewelry and valuables? The exact nature of the treasure remains a mystery, adding to the allure of the legend.
The story of Alf Bolin’s Outlaw Loot, Missouri is more than just a tale of hidden treasure; it’s a window into a turbulent period in American history. The Civil War created an environment where outlaws could thrive, preying on vulnerable communities and exploiting the chaos of the conflict. Bolin’s story is a reminder of the lawlessness that plagued the region during this era and the impact it had on the lives of ordinary people.
The "Murder Rocks" themselves stand as silent witnesses to this violent past. Their imposing presence serves as a constant reminder of the dangers that once lurked along the Springfield-Harrison Road. The rocks have become a local landmark, a place where visitors can reflect on the history of the area and contemplate the possibility of hidden riches.
The allure of Alf Bolin’s Outlaw Loot, Missouri persists, drawing adventurers and history buffs to the Ozark Mountains. While the treasure remains elusive, the legend continues to inspire dreams of discovery and a connection to a bygone era. Whether the treasure is ever found remains to be seen, but the story of Alf Bolin and his hidden loot will undoubtedly continue to captivate imaginations for generations to come.
The quest for Alf Bolin’s Outlaw Loot, Missouri is a journey into the heart of the Ozarks, a landscape steeped in history, folklore, and the enduring promise of untold riches. It’s a story that reminds us of the enduring power of legends and the human desire to uncover the secrets of the past.