Apache Junction in Pinal County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Jacob Von Walzer
1808 – 1891
— Lost Dutchman Gold Route —
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 4, 2010
1. Lost Dutchman Gold Route Marker
To the Memory of
Jacob Von Walzer
1808 – 1891
In his honor, U. S. Highway 70 which passes through the great states of North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California assures all men the freedom to find the scenic treasures within our borders.
Erected 1961 by National Lost Dutchman Gold Route Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1961.
Location. 33° 24.922′ N, 111° 32.951′ W. Marker is in Apache Junction, Arizona, in Pinal County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North Apache Trail and Old West Highway. Marker is hidden behind wall and shrubs at northeast corner. Pull in first drive on east side of Apache Trail just north of Old West Highway. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Apache Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Goldfield Mining District (approx. 3˝ miles away); Superstition Mountain Historical Society (approx. 3˝ miles away); Ghost Town of Goldfield (approx. 4.6 miles away); Bluebird Mine and Gift Shop (approx. 4.6 miles away); a different marker also named Goldfield Mining District (approx. 4.6 miles away); Canyon Lake (approx. 10.4 miles away); Williams Field Honor Roll, Chandler, Arizona (approx. 10.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Apache Junction.
Also see . . . The Dutchman's Lost Gold Mine. The story behind The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine and Jacob Von Walzer. (Submitted on May 8, 2010.)
Additional commentary.
1. Gene Calman Narrative - E Clampus Vitus
"The plaque was cast in Los Angeles for the Lost Dutchman Gold Route Association which was an Arizona Business Association. Five were cast and they were supposedly to be erected at locations along old US Highway 60-70, starting on a pier at Atlantic or Morehead City, North Carolina, Mesa, Arizona, and the Santa Monica Pier, the western terminus.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 4, 2010
2. Lost Dutchman Gold Route Marker
I was in North Carolina in 2002 and checked but could find anyone one who knew anything about it, although I was told that piers in that area come and go with the hurricanes.
This plaque was sent to the District XI Division of Highways office in 1962 by the District VII office in Los Angeles. They didn't want to erect it in their area because Highway 60-70 was superseded by Interstate 10. District XI didn't want it either for the same reason. So the plaque languished in the Stores Department here in San Diego for a while.
Leo Cline, XNGH, and X-Clampatriarch, first tried to liberate the plaque but was unable to find a suitable site. Then Max Johnson, XNGH and XSNGH, was also unsuccessful. Eventually I took a try and after examining the wrapping paper traced it to the foundry and eventually to the trophy company in Phoenix where the plaques had been ordered. The widow of the company owner gave me what little information is known about the location, and she eventually told me to erect it in the place I thought most suitable."
— Submitted October 15, 2011, by Frank Houdek of Kingman, Arizona.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 4, 2010
3. Lost Dutchman Gold Route Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 4, 2010
4. Rededication of Lost Dutchman Gold Route Marker
The accompanying plaque was stolen in 1964 and later recovered. It has been rededicated on the 100th anniversary of the death of Jacob Waltz.
This 25th day of Oct. 1991.
Ron Feildman
Superstition Mt. Museum
Dons Club E. Clampus Vitus
Cashway Concrete
This 25th day of Oct. 1991.
Superstition Mt. Museum
Dons Club E. Clampus Vitus
Cashway Concrete
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 4, 2010
5. Plaque on sculpture
Erected by the Dons Club of Phoenix to commemorate the Legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine 1936
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 4, 2010
6. Lost Dutchman Mine Plaque
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, August 3, 2010
7. Sculpture on the Top of the Lost Dutchman Monument
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 4, 2010
8. Lost Dutchman Gold Route Monument
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, August 3, 2010
9. Plaques at base of Lost Dutchman Monument
Upper Plaque:
Dutchman's Monument
30th Anniversary
Rededicated
February 27, 1988
Apache Junction, Arizona
Lower Plaque
Masonry Donated by
Bricklayers and Stonemasons Unions
No. 3 Arizona at Phoenix
30th Anniversary
Rededicated
February 27, 1988
Apache Junction, Arizona
Lower Plaque
Bricklayers and Stonemasons Unions
No. 3 Arizona at Phoenix
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,226 times since then and 59 times this year. Last updated on June 14, 2014, by Keith B. Dodds of Maricopa, Az.. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 6, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 7. submitted on August 4, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 8. submitted on May 6, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 9. submitted on August 4, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
