The Superstition Mountain Museum collects, preserves and
displays the artifacts, history and folklore of the Superstition Mountains,
Apache Junction and the surrounding region.
Perhaps nowhere in the entire United States is there an area
full of legend, history and intrigue as the rugged 160,000 acre Superstition
Mountain range in Central Arizona.
Archeological evidence indicates that people were here some
9000 years ago. Later inhabitants included the Salado, Hohokam and Apache
Indians, followed by Spanish explorers and Mexican Gold Miners. Early American
trappers and adventurers migrated to the area and were soon followed by
cattlemen and farmers. Eventually, the U.S. Cavalry was sent in to establish
forts to protect this rapidly growing population.
As modern times approached, men and women began searching for
what they believed was the richest gold mine in the world. This mine was made
famous by Jacob Waltz, known as "the Dutchman", who took the secret
of "his mine" to the grave in 1891.
Even today, treasure hunters scour the mountains searching for
the Lost Dutchman Mine, but now they share the region with campers, hikers,
horseback riders and conservationists in what has officially become the
Superstition Wilderness Area.
The 12 acre Museum site offers untold photo opportunities with
it's reproductions of 19th Century businesses including a Wells Fargo office,
stage coach stop, barber shop, assay office and other displays of authentic
relics of the 1800's. Well marked nature walks crisscross the areas
surrounding the museum buildings, all located at the base of the West Wall of
the beautiful Superstition Mountain.....a one of a kind location.
Visit the Elvis Memorial Chapel and the Audie Murphy Barn,
museums in their own right, which were moved to the museum, piece by piece,
following the second fire at the Apacheland Movie Ranch.
This 20 stamp ore crusher, was donated in 1989 by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jones of
Albuquerque, New Mexico.
