Tag: California

California, located on the west coast of the United States, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and significant economic influence. From the sun-kissed beaches of Southern California to the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, the state offers a range of natural beauty. The state is home to iconic cities like Los Angeles, known for Hollywood and the entertainment industry, and San Francisco, famous for its tech innovation and the Golden Gate Bridge. The state’s economy is one of the largest in the world, driven by sectors such as technology, agriculture, entertainment, and tourism. With its rich cultural diversity and pioneering spirit, California continues to be a land of opportunity and innovation.

Waterman S Bodey

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Waterman S Bodey (14 May 1814 – 9 Dec 1859 ) was a prospector whose name became immortalized in the annals of American mining history through the town of Bodie, California. Little is known about Bodey’s early life, but his story intersects with the era of the California Gold Rush, a period marked by the discovery of gold in 1848 and the subsequent influx of prospectors and fortune seekers to the Sierra Nevada region.

Bodey hailed from Poughkeepsie, New York, and like many others, he was drawn to the West by the promise of gold and a better life. In 1859, Bodey, along with a companion named E.S. “Black” Taylor, discovered gold in the hills east of the Sierra Nevada, near what is now the Nevada-California border. This discovery marked the beginning of what would later become the town of Bodie.

Despite the potential of his discovery, Bodey did not live to see the full flourishing of the town that bore his name. Tragically, in November of 1859, Waterman S. Bodey perished in a blizzard while attempting to return to his camp with supplies from Monoville, a nearby settlement. His untimely death left him largely unknown, even as the settlement he helped found grew.

The town of Bodie itself experienced a boom in the late 1870s following the discovery of a profitable gold vein by the Standard Company in 1876. This discovery sparked a rush to the area, transforming the camp into a thriving mining town with a population that swelled to around 10,000 people at its peak. The town gained a reputation for its lawlessness and rough character, epitomizing the wild and often violent nature of frontier mining towns.

By the 1880s, the boom began to wane as the mines yielded less gold and people moved on to other opportunities. Despite several periods of revival, Bodie eventually became a ghost town, largely abandoned by the early 20th century. Today, Bodie is preserved in a state of arrested decay as a California State Historic Park, drawing visitors who are fascinated by its history and the remnants of its once vibrant community.

Waterman S. Bodey’s legacy lives on through the town that bears his name, a symbol of the rugged determination and perilous fortune-seeking spirit that characterized the California Gold Rush era.

References

Theodore Jesse Hoover

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Theodore Hoover in Bodie, Calif., 1904
Theodore Hoover in Bodie, Calif., 1904

Early Life and Education

Theodore Jesse Hoover was born on January 28, 1871, in West Branch, Iowa. He was the older brother of Herbert Hoover, who would later become the 31st President of the United States. Theodore grew up in a Quaker family that valued hard work, education, and service. His father, Jesse Hoover, was a blacksmith and farm implement dealer, and his mother, Hulda Minthorn Hoover, was deeply involved in the local community.

Theodore attended Stanford University, where he pursued a degree in mining engineering. He graduated in 1901, becoming part of Stanford’s early cohorts of engineers. His time at Stanford laid the groundwork for his future career and instilled in him a passion for both engineering and conservation.

Career in Engineering and Mining

After graduating, Theodore Hoover embarked on a successful career in mining engineering. He traveled extensively, working on mining projects in various countries, including Australia, China, South Africa, and Russia. His expertise in mining engineering and his innovative approaches to solving complex problems earned him a reputation as a leading expert in the field.

In 1912, Hoover joined the faculty at Stanford University as a professor of mining and metallurgy. He brought his practical experience and global perspective to the classroom, inspiring a new generation of engineers. His teaching emphasized not only technical skills but also the importance of ethical practices and environmental stewardship in mining operations.

Arrival in Bodie

In the early 20th century, Theodore Hoover arrived in Bodie, California, a booming mining town known for its rich gold deposits. Bodie, once a thriving gold rush town in the late 1800s, experienced fluctuating fortunes as mining activity waxed and waned. By the time Theodore Hoover arrived, the town had already seen its peak population and was in decline.

Contributions to Mining in Bodie

Theodore Hoover’s contributions to Bodie were marked by his work as a mining engineer and manager. He was employed by the Standard Consolidated Mining Company, one of the most significant mining enterprises in Bodie. Under his leadership, Hoover implemented more efficient mining techniques and technologies, which helped to extend the life of the mines in Bodie. His engineering skills and innovative approaches contributed to the extraction of gold and other precious metals, ensuring that the mines remained productive for a longer period.

While Theodore Hoover’s time in Bodie did not radically transform the town, his work left a lasting impact on the mining industry in the region. He exemplified the skilled and educated professionals who were essential to the continued operation of mining enterprises during a period when many such towns were facing decline. His contributions helped maintain employment and economic activity in Bodie for a longer period than might have been possible otherwise.

Contributions to Conservation

Theodore Hoover was a pioneer in the field of conservation. He recognized the environmental impacts of mining and advocated for sustainable practices long before it became a widespread concern. Hoover’s work included promoting the reclamation of mined lands, the efficient use of natural resources, and the protection of water quality.

His contributions to conservation were not limited to his professional work. Hoover was actively involved in various conservation organizations and initiatives. He served on the board of directors for several environmental groups and was a vocal advocate for policies that balanced economic development with environmental protection.

Later Life and Legacy

In addition to his work in engineering and conservation, Theodore Hoover played a significant role in the development of Stanford University. He served as the first dean of Stanford’s School of Engineering from 1925 to 1936, where he helped shape the school’s curriculum and fostered an environment of innovation and excellence.

Hoover retired from Stanford in 1936 but continued to be active in both professional and community affairs. He authored several books and papers on mining, metallurgy, and conservation, contributing valuable knowledge to these fields.

Theodore Jesse Hoover passed away on May 4, 1955, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, education, and environmental stewardship. His work as an engineer, educator, and conservationist had a lasting impact on the mining industry and helped pave the way for more sustainable practices.

Theodore Jesse Hoover’s life was marked by a commitment to excellence and a forward-thinking approach to the challenges of his time. His contributions to mining engineering and conservation continue to be relevant today, reflecting his vision of a world where technological progress and environmental preservation go hand in hand. Through his work and legacy, Theodore Hoover remains an inspiring figure in the history of engineering and environmental science.

References

Manzanar California

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Manzanar Enterance and sign. Photograph by Ansel Adam
Manzanar Enterance and sign. IMAGE: ANSEL ADAMS/LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Rebuilt Guardtower located an Manzanar Relocation Camp. Photo by James L Rathbun
Rebuilt Guardtower located an Manzanar Relocation Camp. Photo by James L Rathbun

Shortly after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, President Roosevelt ordered the forced relocation and incarceration of peoples of Japanese descent to relocation camps, one of which was Manzanar.  Initially, the American population and newspapers sided with the plight of the Japanese.  However over the next few weeks, public opinion soured against the Japanese.  The justification for this order was a fear that Japan was preparing to invade mainland USA and that the large population of would join an invading Japanese force.

As political pressure mounted, despite no evidence of any Japanese espionage, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 on February 19th, 1942 which authorized the military to designate exclusion zones, which allowed the military determine “from which any or all persons may be excluded.”  A series of proclamations and orders soon followed which along with public outcry greased the bureaucratic gears.   The end result was the illegal and immoral arrest, relocation and incarceration of over 110,000 persons of Japanese Descent, many of whom were second generation US Citizens.

Located just outside of Independence, CA, Manzanar is one of ten Japanese relocation camps used during World War 2.   The 6200 acres leased from the City of Los Angeles was set aside to inter the Japanese was started and receive its first of 11,070 prisoners in 1942 and held them until November of 1945.  The prisoners were  housed 20ft by 100ft barracks arranged into 36 quickly constructed Blocks.  

Photographer: Lange, Dorothea -- Manzanar, California. 7/2/42 Identifier: Volume 22 Identifier: Section C Identifier: WRA no. C-837 Collection: War Relocation Authority Photographs of Japanese-American Evacuation and Resettlement Series 8: Manzanar Relocation Center (Manzanar, CA) Contributing Institution: The Bancroft Library. University of California, Berkeley.
Photographer: Lange, Dorothea — Manzanar, California. 7/2/42 Identifier: Volume 22 Identifier: Section C Identifier: WRA no. C-837 Collection: War Relocation Authority Photographs of Japanese-American Evacuation and Resettlement Series 8: Manzanar Relocation Center (Manzanar, CA) Contributing Institution: The Bancroft Library. University of California, Berkeley.

In addition to Barracks, each Block communal mess hall, a laundry room, a recreation hall, an ironing room, and a heating oil storage tank.  Each family interred and Manzanar was given a 20ft by 25ft apartment barracks.  With a few exceptions, the Japanese endured their fate with quiet dignity and honor.

Photo by Ansel Adams

After the war, the Japanese detainees were released.  Many left the facility quickly, however some stayed as they no longer had a place to go.  A further indignity was again placed upon them, when once again they were forced to relocated.  Time saw to removal of much of the buildings and it quietly returned back to Owens Valley.  President George H.W. Bush issues a formal U.S. Government apology for the Japanese internment.

Manzanar is currently a historical landmark in Inyo country and offers tours of the facility.

Manzanar Summary

NameManzanar
LocationInyo County, California
Latitude, Longitude36.7283, -118.1544
Elevation3,850 ft
GNIS1659050
Population10,000+
Newspaper Manzanar Free Press (1942 – 1945)
National Register of Historic Places76000484
Manzanar Cemetery Monument. Photo By James L Rathbun
Manzanar Cemetery Monument. Photo By James L Rathbun

Other Japanese Internment Camps:

  • Gila River War Relocation Center, Arizona
  • Granada War Relocation Center, Colorado (AKA “Amache”)
  • Heart Mountain War Relocation Center, Wyoming
  • Jerome War Relocation Center, Arkansas
  • Manzanar War Relocation Center, California
  • Minidoka War Relocation Center, Idaho
  • Poston War Relocation Center, Arizona
  • Rohwer War Relocation Center, Arkansas
  • Topaz War Relocation Center, Utah
  • Tule Lake War Relocation Center, California

Manzanar Map

Further Reading

Farewell to Manzanar, by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston

Farewell to Manzanar

Farewell to Manzanar, by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston In Farewell to Manzanar, Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston recalls her childhood at a Japanese incarceration camp in this engrossing…
Manzanar (Images of America) by Jane Wehrey

Manzanar (Images of America)

Manzanar (Images of America) by Jane Wehrey Through a collection of vintage photographs, the Images of America series allows readers to explore the history that…

References

Adolph Ruth

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Early Life and Background

Adolph Ruth was born in the mid-19th century and worked as a government employee in Washington, D.C. His passion for adventure and treasure hunting led him to explore various parts of the American Southwest in search of lost mines and legendary treasures. Ruth was particularly captivated by the tale of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, a legendary gold mine purportedly hidden in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona.

The Legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine

The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine is one of the most famous treasure legends in American folklore. According to the story, Jacob Waltz, a German immigrant known as the “Dutchman,” discovered a rich gold vein in the Superstition Mountains during the 19th century. Waltz supposedly kept the location of the mine a secret until his deathbed, where he provided vague clues to its whereabouts. Over the years, countless adventurers and treasure hunters have sought the mine, drawn by the promise of immense wealth.

Adolph Ruth’s Search

The Ruth Peralta Map
The Ruth Peralta Map

Adolph Ruth’s interest in the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine intensified in the 1920s after he acquired a set of maps that he believed could lead him to the elusive treasure. The maps were said to have originated from Mexico and were purportedly linked to the Peralta family, who were believed to have operated gold mines in the region during the 19th century.

In June 1931, at the age of 66, Ruth embarked on an expedition into the Superstition Mountains, armed with his maps and an unwavering determination to find the legendary mine. Despite warnings about the harsh and treacherous conditions of the terrain, Ruth ventured into the wilderness.

Disappearance and Death

The skull of Adolph Ruth being held by searcher Brownie Holmes.
The skull of Adolph Ruth being held by searcher Brownie Holmes.

Adolph Ruth’s journey into the Superstition Mountains was fraught with difficulties from the start. After several days without contact, concern for his safety grew among those who had assisted him in his expedition. A search party was organized, but initially, there was no trace of Ruth. The search was quite intensive and even included the use of planes to try and located the lost Ruth.

In December 1931, six months after Ruth’s disappearance, his skeletal remains were discovered in a remote area of the Superstition Mountains. The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and have fueled speculation and intrigue. Some of Ruth’s personal belongings, including his journal and part of his skull with a bullet hole, were found near his remains, suggesting foul play. The official cause of death was listed as exposure, but the bullet hole led to various theories about possible murder.

Legacy and Impact

Adolph Ruth’s tragic end added a new layer of mystique to the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. His death reinforced the perilous nature of the quest and underscored the dangers of venturing into the unforgiving terrain of the Superstition Mountains in search of treasure. Ruth’s story has become a central part of the lore surrounding the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, captivating treasure hunters and enthusiasts for generations.

Ruth’s son, Erwin Ruth, continued to believe in the legitimacy of his father’s maps and the existence of the mine. He, along with many others, perpetuated the search for the fabled gold, contributing to the enduring fascination with the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine.

Adolph Ruth’s quest for the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine and his mysterious death in the Superstition Mountains have left an indelible mark on the legend. His story embodies the spirit of adventure and the relentless pursuit of dreams, even in the face of danger and uncertainty. To this day, the tale of Adolph Ruth serves as a cautionary yet inspiring narrative, reminding us of the enduring allure of hidden treasures and the lengths to which people will go to uncover them.

Further Reading

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin Helen Corbin's The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold is the first book I have read on…

References

Jacob Waltz the “Dutchman”

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Photograph take of Jacob Waltz after his arrival in New York.
Photograph take of Jacob Waltz after his arrival in New York.

Jacob Waltz, often referred to as “Dutchman,” was a German immigrant whose life became legendary due to his association with the fabled Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. “Dutchman” was a common American term for a German. “Dutch” was the the English cognate to the German demonym “Deutsch”.

Born on September 20, 1810, in the Kingdom of Württemberg, part of present-day Germany, Waltz grew up during a time of economic and social upheaval in Europe, prompting him to seek a better life in the United States.

Early Life and Immigration

In the 1830s, Jacob Waltz emigrated to the United States, settling initially in New York before moving to the Midwest. He worked various jobs, including farming and carpentry, skills that would serve him well in his later adventures. By the 1840s, Waltz had joined the wave of settlers heading westward, spurred by the promise of land and opportunity.

Journey West and Mining Ventures

Waltz’s life took a significant turn during the California Gold Rush of 1849. Like many others, he headed to California in search of fortune. Although records of his successes during this period are sparse, it’s clear that Waltz gained valuable experience in prospecting and mining.

In the 1860s, Waltz moved to the Arizona Territory, a region rich in mineral resources. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1861 and established himself as a respected prospector and miner. Waltz was known to have worked claims in the Bradshaw Mountains and other areas, gradually building a modest reputation and some wealth.

The Legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine

The most enduring and enigmatic chapter of Waltz’s life began in the late 19th century with his alleged discovery of a rich gold mine in the Superstition Mountains, east of Phoenix, Arizona. According to legend, Waltz found a vein of gold so abundant that it defied belief. However, he kept the location of the mine a closely guarded secret until his death.

Waltz’s reticence and the scant details he provided about the mine contributed to the mystery. He was reputedly evasive about the mine’s location, sharing cryptic clues and maps with only a few trusted friends. This secrecy fueled speculation and stories about the mine’s existence, especially after Waltz’s death.

Later Years and Death

Arizona Republican - Feb 20, 1891 newspaper article decribing flood with left Jacob Waltz homeless.
Arizona Republican – Feb 20, 1891 newspaper article decribing flood with left Jacob Waltz homeless.

In his later years, Waltz lived a relatively quiet life in Phoenix, Arizona. He never married and had no known children. Waltz’s health began to decline in the 1890s. On February 19th, 1891, the Salt River flooded to its highest known levels at the time, and forced Waltz, along with many other families, to flee his homestead. In 1891, he moved in with Julia Thomas, a local woman who had befriended him and cared for him during his illness.

Jacob Waltz died on October 25, 1891. On his deathbed, he purportedly revealed the location of the mine to Julia Thomas, but subsequent searches by Thomas and countless others have failed to definitively uncover the fabled treasure. At the time of his death, Waltz was in possession of 48 pounds to rich gold ore, said to be in a box under his bed. Questions about the source of this gold lead many to speculate of the existence of a rich lost gold mine.

Legacy

Jacob Waltz’s legacy is intertwined with the enduring legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. The tale has inspired countless expeditions, books, movies, and a mystique that continues to draw adventurers to the Superstition Mountains. While the exact truth of Waltz’s discovery remains elusive, his story symbolizes the enduring allure of hidden treasure and the American frontier spirit.

Waltz’s life and the legend of his mine highlight the era of American expansion and the human fascination with untold wealth. Despite the passage of time, the mystery of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine ensures that Jacob Waltz’s name remains etched in the annals of American folklore.

Locations Associated with Jacob Waltz

Burial: Jacob Waltz, the legendary “Lost Dutchman” associated with the famous Lost Dutchman’s Mine in Arizona, is buried in Phoenix. He died on October 25, 1891, and his final resting place is in the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park, specifically in the City/Loosley Cemetery section, located in Phoenix, Arizona. This cemetery is part of a larger collection of seven historic cemeteries that date back to the early days of the city’s establishment.

Homestead: Jacob Waltz settles on a 160 acre homestead described as the North East quarter of Section 16, Township 1 North, Range 3 East. The Waltz property is bordered on the north by Buckeye Road. 16th Street served as the Eastern boundary. The western edge is marked by present day 12th Street and on the South by the Salt River bottomland.

Further Reading

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin Helen Corbin's The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold is the first book I have read on…

References