Dutch Oven Mine of San Bernardino County, California – Legends of America
The arid landscapes of southeastern California, particularly within San Bernardino County, hold secrets as deep and captivating as the canyons that carve through them. Among the many tales of lost treasures and forgotten fortunes, one stands out for its intriguing details and enduring allure: the legend of the Dutch Oven Mine. This story, set against the backdrop of the rugged Clipper Mountains, speaks of a chance discovery, fleeting riches, and the enduring mystery of a mine lost to time.
A Railroad Worker’s Discovery
The year was 1894. Tom Scofield, a railroad worker engaged in surveying activities near the Clipper Mountains, a range northwest of the now-ghost town of Essex, California, decided to indulge his curiosity. Venturing into the untamed terrain, Scofield’s explorations led him to an intriguing find. About three miles up the mountainside, he stumbled upon the ruins of an old stone house, its weathered appearance suggesting it had been abandoned long ago.
Driven by a sense of adventure, Scofield continued his trek. Approximately nine miles further, he encountered a spring, a vital source of life in the parched landscape. Following a trail that snaked over a hill, he arrived at a remarkable geological formation: a massive boulder, as large as a house, split cleanly in two. The trail beckoned him to pass through this natural gateway.
Beyond the split rock, Scofield found himself in what appeared to be an ancient Spanish camp. This wasn’t just any campsite; it was a natural shelf, a flat area perched high above the surrounding terrain, enclosed by towering rock walls. Through openings in the walls, Scofield estimated the shelf to be about 500 feet above the ground. The split rock served as the sole entrance and exit to this secluded haven.
The remnants of the abandoned camp told a story of past human presence. Rusty mining tools lay scattered about, alongside worn-out pots and pans, fragments of a tattered bedroll, and a seemingly ordinary iron Dutch oven. These artifacts hinted at the camp’s purpose: a mining operation, long since deserted.
The Golden Surprise
Further exploration revealed a mine shaft, a dark and silent opening into the earth. Inside, Scofield discovered the skeletal remains of seven burros, their lives likely spent toiling in the service of the mine. Adjacent to the shaft was a mine dump, a pile of discarded rock and debris. Among this refuse, Scofield noticed stones containing rich gold quartz, a promising sign of the mine’s potential wealth.
As the day drew to a close, Scofield realized that returning to his base camp was no longer feasible. With nightfall approaching and the desert chill setting in, he decided to spend the night on the shelf. He bedded down, anticipating a return to civilization at daybreak.
The following morning, as he prepared to leave, fate intervened. Scofield tripped over the Dutch oven, sending it tumbling. As it fell, it dislodged a mound of pure gold nuggets, revealing a hidden treasure beneath. Stunned by his discovery, Scofield gathered as many nuggets as he could carry and hastily made his way back to his base camp.
A Lost Fortune
From his base camp, Scofield boarded a train to Los Angeles, eager to capitalize on his newfound wealth. He spent the next two months in a whirlwind of extravagance, indulging in gambling and living a life of excess. But his fortune was fleeting. Sober and broke, Scofield found himself with nothing to show for his golden windfall.
Two years later, Scofield returned to the Clipper Mountains, determined to reclaim the "Dutch Oven Mine." But the landscape seemed to have shifted, the landmarks altered. Despite his best efforts, he could not retrace his steps. Disheartened, he eventually abandoned the search.
A Tale Retold
Decades later, in 1936, two men named Walter H. Miller and George Haight sought out Scofield, who was then 84 years old and living in an abandoned store in the Mojave Desert outside Danby, California. Initially, Scofield was reluctant to share his story. He had been pestered by treasure hunters for years, all seeking information about the mine. Despite his weariness, he maintained that his account was true.
The Mine’s Enduring Mystery
To this day, the Dutch Oven Mine remains lost, its location a mystery. No one has ever come forward with credible evidence of having rediscovered it.
The Clipper Mountains, where the mine is said to lie, are located in the Mojave Desert of southeastern California. The range is situated just south of Interstate 40 and the Clipper Valley, between the freeway and National Old Trails Highway, northwest of the small community of Essex. The area is known for its harsh beauty, with rugged peaks, sparse vegetation, and extreme temperatures. The range is also home to several springs, which provide vital water sources for wildlife and, historically, for miners and travelers. The Tom Reed Mine, another mining site in the area, is a testament to the region’s mining history.
The legend of the Dutch Oven Mine serves as a reminder of the allure of hidden riches and the enduring power of the human spirit to seek them out. It’s a tale that speaks to the dreams of fortune seekers and the mysteries that lie hidden within the vast and unforgiving landscapes of the American West. Whether the mine will ever be found remains to be seen, but its story will undoubtedly continue to captivate and inspire for generations to come.