possible location

j.n.

Jr. Member
Dec 31, 2007
41
2
phoenix az
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Are any of you interrested in a tale of some thing but I don't know what. ----------

45+/- years ago I was shown hidden markers that were placed but could never find for what. In the area
of these markers there is legend of a lost wagon train and a lost gold mine. I never pursued this as I believed the location to be on the Pima reservation, more up to date maps that I have seen might indicate it may or may not be.

This is near the town of Maricopa, Arizona. If anyone is interested I would submit more information. Just remember this was 45 plus years ago and I do not know what it looks today. If you are interested and wonder why I do not explore this myself it is because I am 73 years old, have a bum leg an just don't have the energy.
 

I have always thought that Maricopa, Arizona was on the reservation too. I have not heard any stories about this other than that the indians at one time robbed a stage line and hid the gold, but I am not sure it happened in the same area you are talking about.

Sounds interesting though . . .
 

Skywola------if you type in your search bar---"treasure of the Estella's"---- you will find much info about the
Estrella's.

The Pimas are near Maricopa and just to the south is the Akchin reservation which has a very good casino operating. Further to the south is the Papago reservation, south of Inter State 8.


j.n.
 

Hunter Beware!!

If this place is anywhere on the Reservation it is not a place of non native to visit! I recently ventured onto the Gila Indian reservation when I was in search of a type of rock just East of Maricopa and I was mugged Luckily not killed or beatin too bad! The only reason to this day was I had an angel with me! I had a gun to my head the whole time and had everything stolen from me including my vehicle. I was left to find my way back to the city and dark had hit! Worst day I have ever had! So be careful around the Reservations!
 

I guess all reservations are not equal . . . . I was lost once, and wandered onto the reservation, and when I did find someone there, they were really great, helped me find my way back and even drove part of the way to lead me back . . . . some of the nicest people I have ever met.

I would not think of metal detecting on the reservation without permission. I have heard a lot about how you should not, but I have never heard any of the people who talk about it ever saying they asked. I think I would like to try that some day.
 

You can get mugged, beaten and have you property taken from you anywhere; I would of fired a warning shot at there big toe.
 

I guess all reservations are not equal . . . . I was lost once, and wandered onto the reservation, and when I did find someone there, they were really great, helped me find my way back and even drove part of the way to lead me back . . . . some of the nicest people I have ever met.

I would not think of metal detecting on the reservation without permission. I have heard a lot about how you should not, but I have never heard any of the people who talk about it ever saying they asked. I think I would like to try that some day.

The most popular historical site on the Pima Nation's land is, of course, Maricopa Wells Stage Station. This is 7 1/2 miles north of present day Maricopa. Things used to be different 45 years ago. I visited the site a number of times then. While researching information for my second book on the Butterfield Overland Trail in Arizona, I have come in contact with both the Pima Tribal Council and the Chief of the San Lucy Nation just north of Gila Bend.
Today, it is all but impossible to visit the site of Maricopa Wells Stage Station. Where it is located, even those who wish to break the law and visit the site, will easily be spotted since it is in the open desert of their Nation's land with many eyes to spot them.
If you wish to visit and search the site, the process is difficult to say nothing of breaking the 1979 Archaeology act and the 1906 act protecting Indian sites, both of which has sever penalties. If you are caught there illegally by the Pima Nation, they can impose a heavy fine as well as confiscating your vehicle with its contents.
To even visit the site legally, You must first go to their headquarters in Sacaton and file an administrative fee of $100. You must then attend a board meeting which will cost you another $100. It is very doubtful if a permit would be granted. Even if one was, you would have a Pima Nation member escorting you.
Between Gila Ranch Stage Station, 3 1/2 miles north of Gila Bend, to the site of Kinyon's Stage Station the land is being acquired by the San Lucy Nation. I talked to the Chief to find out what new land they were going to acquire so that I could include the info in my new book The Butterfield Trail and Overland Mail Company in Arizona, 1858-1861. I was informed by him that the bureaucracy to find out this information was very complicated. I first had to submit a request to the Tribal Council, in a letter with an "official" letterhead (whatever that means) to even have it considered whether to give me the information or not. The idea was a little goofy. All I wanted to do was to mention where the Butterfield Trail and stage station was on their land to protect their rights. I actually found the information the next day in their newspaper and used that in my now published book.
You will note that the National Park Service is trying to get the law through Congress by 2014 to make the Butterfield Overland Trail a National Historic Trail. I have been working with the researcher who has congressional authority. He has declared my book the "definitive" work on the Butterfield Overland Trail in Arizona.
 

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