City of Rocks Treasures in Idaho
The City of Rocks Treasures in Idaho National Reserve, a geological wonderland sculpted by time and the elements, stands as a silent sentinel in the southern part of the state. Here, granite spires rise majestically from the earth, forming a labyrinth of sculptured boulders and winding canyons. This breathtaking landscape has not only captured the imagination of countless visitors but has also woven itself into the rich tapestry of American folklore, becoming a focal point for tales of hidden treasures and lost fortunes.
The allure of the City of Rocks Treasures in Idaho extends beyond its stunning scenery. Throughout the 19th century, it served as a vital crossroads for westward expansion, witnessing the passage of hundreds of thousands of pioneers driven by the promise of a better life. The discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California, in 1848, ignited a frenzy, sending waves of fortune seekers along the Oregon and California Trails. Later, gold strikes in northern Idaho and Montana further fueled the migration, transforming the City of Rocks into a bustling thoroughfare.
Despite its relative isolation today, the City of Rocks Treasures in Idaho was once a vibrant hub, connecting the burgeoning gold camps of the north with the established settlements to the south. From the 1840s through the 1890s, wagon trains rumbled through its canyons, carrying dreams, hopes, and, as the legends suggest, considerable wealth. This wealth, often in the form of gold dust and bullion, became the target of outlaws and desperadoes, adding a layer of intrigue and danger to the region’s history.
One of the most enduring, though perhaps dubious, tales associated with the City of Rocks Treasures in Idaho is the story of the Almo Creek Massacre. A historical marker stands as a testament to this alleged event, depicting a tragic scene where an immigrant caravan of approximately 60 wagons was ambushed by Native Americans. The legend claims that around 300 pioneers bravely defended themselves for days, but ultimately, all but five were killed.
While the story of the Almo Creek Massacre has been passed down through generations, modern historians have cast doubt on its authenticity. The lack of corroborating evidence in military records and contemporary newspaper reports raises serious questions. A massacre of such scale would undoubtedly have garnered significant attention, yet no such accounts exist. It is now believed that the historical marker, erected in 1938, may have been intended to attract tourists rather than commemorate a genuine historical event.
Regardless of the truth behind the Almo Creek Massacre, the City of Rocks Treasures in Idaho continues to beckon treasure hunters with the promise of untold riches. Tales abound of hidden caches along the roadways and trails that once connected the gold camps of northern Idaho and Montana with Salt Lake City. These routes, heavily trafficked by miners, merchants, and outlaws, became prime targets for robberies and ambushes.
The discovery of gold in northern Idaho, starting with the Clearwater River in 1860, triggered a series of rushes that transformed the region. The Salmon River in 1861, the Boise River in 1862, and the Owyhee River in 1863 all yielded their precious bounty, attracting prospectors from far and wide. Across the border in Montana Territory, even richer deposits were found along Grasshopper Creek in 1860 and Alder Gulch in 1861. Boomtowns such as Idaho City, Silver City, Florence, Virginia City, Nevada City, and Bannack sprang up almost overnight, catering to the needs of the burgeoning population.
However, the gold strikes also attracted a less desirable element: outlaws seeking to profit from the hard work of others. The boomtowns, flush with gold dust and lacking effective law enforcement, became havens for criminal activity. By 1863, organized gangs were preying on stagecoaches, freight wagons, and individual travelers.
One of the most notorious figures of this era was Henry Plummer, the elected sheriff of Virginia City and Bannack, Montana, in 1863. Unbeknownst to many, Plummer was also the leader of a ruthless gang of outlaws. Before being hanged by vigilantes in January 1864, Plummer allegedly hid over $100,000 in stolen loot somewhere along the trail between Virginia City and Idaho. This legendary cache continues to fuel the dreams of treasure hunters to this day.
Another captivating tale revolves around the Portneuf Canyon Stage Robbery. In 1863, a man named Ed Long and his partner stole nearly $100,000 in gold dust and nuggets from a stagecoach traveling from Montana to Salt Lake City. Long, a former stage driver familiar with the area, had meticulously planned the robbery, learning about planned gold shipments. The sheer volume of gold in the stagecoach strongbox exceeded their wildest expectations.
Knowing that a posse would soon be in pursuit, Long and his partner fled west towards the City of Rocks Treasures in Idaho, hoping to bury their loot and blend in with the countless travelers passing through. After burying the stolen gold, the outlaws were cornered by a Brigham City posse near Birch Creek. During the ensuing gunfight, Long was killed, and his wounded partner was captured. Despite intense questioning, the partner refused to reveal the location of the hidden gold and was eventually extradited to Texas, where he was wanted for other crimes. The treasure from the Portneuf Canyon Stage Robbery remains lost to this day.
Adding to the allure, another Portneuf Canyon Stage Robbery occurred two years later in almost the same location as Ed Long’s. It is widely speculated that the stolen gold, valued at approximately $86,000 at the time (over $1.6 million today), was also hidden in or around the City of Rocks Treasures in Idaho.
Even after the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, stage and freight lines continued to operate, transporting goods and valuables from the northern goldmines to the depot at Kelton, Utah, located about 40 miles southeast of the City of Rocks Treasures in Idaho. In 1878, a stagecoach bound for a U.S. military camp in Boise was robbed near Goose Creek, just north of the City of Rocks. The stolen treasure, consisting of heavy gold bullion valued between $90,000 and $200,000, was so cumbersome that it had to be dragged.
A posse quickly picked up the trail, following the tracks left by the laden strongbox. The tracks led to the City of Rocks before mysteriously disappearing. One of the outlaws was killed in the ensuing confrontation, and the other was captured days later. It is believed that the outlaws buried the cache at the base of what is now known as Treasure Rock. The captured outlaw died in prison without ever divulging the location of the stolen loot.
Further adding to the legends of the City of Rocks Treasures in Idaho, tales also recount a hold-up near Oakley, Idaho, where five outlaws seized approximately $100,000 in gold. Pursued by a posse, the outlaws were cornered in a box canyon within the City of Rocks, where all five were killed in a gunfight. The stolen gold, however, was never recovered.
Over the years, the Portneuf Canyon area earned a reputation as "Robber’s Roost" and "Hell’s Half Acre," reflecting the prevalence of outlaw activity. The local lore of hidden treasures has captivated imaginations for over a century, inspiring countless individuals to search for the lost riches of the City of Rocks.
One such individual was Leander Whittaker, a resident of Newton, Idaho, who was approached by a stranger from Texas claiming to have met Ed Long in prison. The Texan sought Whittaker’s assistance in locating the hidden treasure, alleging that Long had revealed its location before his death. Despite spending many days searching the City of Rocks Treasures in Idaho, the pair returned empty-handed. Whittaker later discovered that the Texan was wanted in Texas on seven counts of murder.
Another notable figure who sought the Ed Long cache was Glovemaker Jim, a Rocky Mountain trapper since the 1830s. He spent the entire summer of 1873 searching for the stolen gold near the Twin Sister Boulders, but his efforts proved fruitless.
By the 1930s, numerous individuals had scoured the City of Rocks Treasures in Idaho, searching for its hidden riches. Whether anyone ever succeeded in finding anything remains a mystery, as any discoveries were kept tightly guarded secrets.
The City of Rocks Treasures in Idaho continues to inspire treasure hunters and history enthusiasts alike. Its rugged beauty, combined with its rich history and captivating legends, makes it a truly unique and unforgettable destination.