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The White Cliffs Lost Gold Mine in Utah

Lost Mines in Utah

The White Cliff, a section of the famous Zion National Park of Utah is famous for the legend of the Lost Gold Ledge of 1800s.

According to the legend, in 1870, John Lorenzo Hubble a young fellow working in Mexico had a talk with an elderly prospector named George Brankerhoff. During their conversation, Brankerfoff told Hubble about a cave in the White Cliffs situated in Southern Utah that had white colored quartz icicles containing gold.

After that night Hubble never came across the old man again, although his story had created an impact on him. He decided to take a trip to Utah and search for this hidden cave of gold.



 

In search for the White Cliff Gold Ledge

 

After a few years when Hubble turned 20, he decided to travel to Utah to look for the ledge of gold. He followed the directions told by the old prospector and reached the bottom of the White Cliffs. From here he walked to the Deer Spring Wash where he was to come across a V-shaped opening. According to the old prospector this opening first appears to be sealed with sandstones, however if you search carefully, a small crevice leads inside which widens eventually. Inside the cave, hanging from its ceiling one could find the gold rich quartz crystals.

For many weeks Hubble kept exploring the area to find the V-shaped gateway but was never able to locate it. He then traveled back to a place called Panguitch to gather more information but got himself involved in a gun fight and was injured. He somehow escaped to Arizona and once he got better left for his home in Parajito. He soon built his business for Indian Trade Post and for the next few decades kept convincing other prospectors to look for the gold ledge by promising them with supplies. However, none could locate the ledge.

Also Read: The Lost Dutchman Mine in the Superstitions

And: The Lost Opata Mine – Hidden Silver Cache

found raw gold

 

Entrance to the Gold Ledge found by Peters

 

In 1891, Hubble came across an ambitious prospector named Warren Peters who was headed towards the Mogollon Mountains in search of gold. Hubble befriended Peters and shared the story of the Lost Gold Ledge. Peters, amused by the tale, agreed to go and look for the gold. He carried the rough map of the White Cliffs given by Hubble and set out on his journey.

The story goes that Peters was able to find the V-shaped crevice and the crystals full of gold. He removed many crystals and filled several bags with the gold chunks.

For the next few months, Peters made numerous attempts back to the White Cliffs but could not trace the V-shaped entrance. He told Hubble of his experience. The following year, although Hubble could not go with Peters due to his work, he sent his friend Henry and two Indians to go with him. While looking for the gold, the four men were assaulted by some cowboys who charged them of being cattle thieves and even shot Peters on his leg. The four escaped from the area and made their way to Hubble’s place.

Hubble decided not to go there again as it was unsafe. The others returned back to their homes and neither Hubble tried looking for the Gold Ledge again nor did he ask anyone else to look for it. Later there were stories that the cowboys had sealed the opening to the cave as they did not want any prospectors to come into their area. Some believe that the lost gold ledge is true and still exists.

Unfortunately for treasure hunters, the White Cliffs are now a part of the Zion National Park and prospecting for treasure is strictly prohibited there.


Gold Panning in Utah

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