Purgatory Canyon, Colorado Treasure
Purgatory Canyon, nestled in the rugged landscape of southern Colorado, is more than just a scenic gorge carved by the relentless flow of the Purgatoire River. It’s a place steeped in history, mystery, and the tantalizing whispers of lost treasure. For centuries, tales have circulated about conquistadors, lost expeditions, and hidden caches of gold, all converging within the confines of this dramatic canyon. The canyon’s very name, derived from "El Rio de Las Animas Perdidas en Purgatoir" (The River of Lost Souls in Purgatory), hints at the tragic events and enduring legends that cling to its rocky walls. This article delves into the history and lore surrounding Purgatory Canyon, exploring the historical expeditions, the rumored lost treasures, and the enduring allure that draws treasure hunters to its depths.
The story begins in the mid-16th century, with the early explorations of the American Southwest. The year 1539 marks an early, albeit unauthorized, foray into the region. A Spanish expedition, led by a Portuguese don and a jealous Spaniard, ventured north into what is now Colorado. This ambitious group, comprised of priests, soldiers, and miners, sought to expand Spain’s dominion and wealth. However, internal strife quickly marred the expedition. Fueled by envy and resentment, the Spaniard assassinated the Portuguese leader, seizing control of the group. This act so disgusted the priests that they refused to continue, returning to Mexico in protest against the "evil leader." The remaining members of the expedition pushed onward, deeper into the unknown territory, only to meet a tragic end at the hands of Apache warriors. This ill-fated journey, marked by betrayal and violence, likely contributed to the river’s ominous name, forever associating it with lost souls.
A year later, the renowned explorer Francisco Vazquez de Coronado traversed the region in 1540, driven by the allure of the mythical Gran Quivira, the legendary seven cities of gold. Coronado’s expedition was a massive undertaking, involving hundreds of soldiers, settlers, and livestock. While Coronado explored a vast territory, including parts of present-day Kansas, his search for the fabled cities proved fruitless. He returned to Mexico empty-handed, his dreams of finding untold riches dashed. Although Coronado’s expedition didn’t specifically focus on Purgatory Canyon, his presence in the general area adds another layer to the region’s rich history and the persistent hope of discovering hidden wealth.
The most compelling legend surrounding Purgatory Canyon involves a later Spanish expedition in the 1700s. According to the tales, a regiment was tasked with transporting twelve chests filled with Spanish gold coins from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to St. Augustine, Florida. This considerable sum of money was intended to cover payroll and other expenses for the Spanish garrison in Florida. Instead of taking a more direct southern route, the regiment, under the command of a man named Carrasco Rodriguez, inexplicably chose to travel through Colorado. The decision proved disastrous. As they navigated the challenging terrain, the regiment was caught in the unforgiving grip of winter. Forced to halt their journey near present-day Trinidad, Colorado, they waited for the arrival of spring. When the weather finally improved, Rodriguez led his caravan in what some considered to be yet another wrong direction, and the regiment vanished without a trace.
The fate of Rodriguez and his men, along with the twelve chests of gold, remains a mystery, fueling speculation and inspiring countless treasure hunts. One theory suggests that the Spaniards, overwhelmed by the harsh conditions and the weight of their cargo, decided to bury the gold along the banks of the Purgatoire River, hoping to retrieve it later. Another, more widely accepted, theory posits that the regiment was attacked by Native Americans. The attackers, it is believed, would have seized the Spaniards’ weapons, tools, clothing, and animals. However, the gold itself would have been of little use to them. Consequently, they may have discarded the chests in a cave or ravine, leaving them hidden within the rugged landscape of Purgatory Canyon.
Supporting this theory are several accounts of historical discoveries in and around the canyon. One such finding involved a suit of Spanish armor recovered along the banks of the Purgatoire River. The armor, corroded by time and the elements, serves as a tangible reminder of the Spanish presence in the area and the potential for uncovering other artifacts. In 1924, another significant discovery was made in a cave east of the Willow-Vogel Canyon junction: a human skeleton and an ancient firearm. These findings further bolster the narrative of a violent encounter and the possible abandonment of valuables within the canyon’s hidden recesses.
The lure of treasure in Purgatory Canyon extends beyond historical artifacts. Stories persist of individuals finding gold nuggets and Spanish gold coins along the trails that wind through the canyon. These accounts, often passed down through generations, keep the dream of striking it rich alive for modern-day treasure hunters. One particularly intriguing story recounts the discovery, around 1924, of a small, iron-bound chest containing a handful of thick gold coins. The chest was found hidden within a cave in Purgatory Canyon, along with a fragment of an old harness adorned with intricately carved silver trimmings.
The man who reportedly made this discovery became convinced that he was on the verge of finding the legendary twelve chests of gold coins. Overcome with excitement, he marked the location by driving a knife into a tree outside the cave, a symbol of his imminent return. However, fate had other plans. As he was leaving the area, he suffered a debilitating fall, breaking his leg. Stranded and in agony, he lay helpless for two days and nights. Eventually, he was discovered by two passersby, to whom he recounted his tale of treasure and the marked location. Sadly, the man succumbed to exposure before he could lead them back to the cave. His story, however, lived on, adding another layer of intrigue to the legend of Purgatory Canyon.
Purgatory Canyon stands as a testament to the enduring human fascination with lost treasure. The combination of historical events, anecdotal evidence, and the rugged beauty of the canyon itself creates an irresistible draw for those who dream of uncovering hidden riches. Whether the legends are based on fact or simply the product of wishful thinking, they continue to inspire adventurers to explore the depths of the canyon, searching for the lost gold of the Spanish conquistadors. The canyon’s name, a constant reminder of lost souls and tragic events, adds a somber note to the pursuit, reminding those who seek fortune of the risks and hardships that have plagued this region for centuries. The stories associated with Purgatory Canyon are not just about gold; they are about the ambition, greed, and desperation that drove early explorers and the enduring power of legends to capture the imagination.