The Secret Gems of the Umpqua River Outlaws

The Secret Gems of the Umpqua River Outlaws

The Umpqua River, winding through the beautiful landscape of Oregon, has long been associated with tales of adventure, hardship, and hidden treasures. The stories surrounding the Umpqua River Outlaws—particularly during the mid-19th century—reveal a complex tapestry of daring exploits, greed, and the quest for wealth.

Historical Context of the Umpqua River Region

The Umpqua River, named after the Native American tribe that originally inhabited the area, flows 111 miles through southwestern Oregon before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The region was initially inhabited by the Umpqua people and other indigenous tribes, who engaged in fishing, hunting, and gathering activities. European exploration began in the early 1800s with the arrival of trappers and traders. The Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1805 brought attention to the area, but it wasn’t until the late 1840s, during the Gold Rush, that significant settlement and exploration occurred.

As settlers poured into Oregon, the Umpqua River became a focal point for both legitimate adventurers and outlaws seeking to exploit the resources and opportunities in the region. The increase in population and economic activity led to a rise in crime, and various groups took to outlaw lifestyles, often ambushing travelers and merchants transporting goods along the river’s rugged banks.

The Rise of Outlaw Groups

During the mid-1800s, several outlaw groups emerged in the Umpqua River area. These gangs typically consisted of former miners, traders, and drifters who sought a way to thrive in the harsh landscape without adhering to societal norms. Among these groups, the Umpqua River Outlaws, led by notorious figures such as the infamous Frank “Black Jack†Smith and his brother Jesse, became notorious. They operated primarily from 1852 to 1858, robbing stagecoaches, stealing cattle, and ambushing travelers.

Profile of Key Figures

• Frank “Black Jack†Smith: The charismatic leader known for his cunning strategies and ruthless nature. Smith had a reputation for executing meticulous heists and evading law enforcement.
• Jesse Smith: A brother and partner to Frank, Jesse was known for his brute strength and loyalty to his family. Together, they led their gang to numerous robberies and heists.
• Mary “Big Red†Sullivan: The only known female member of the gang, Mary played a vital role in assisting the outlaws, often disguising herself to gather intelligence on potential victims.

Notable Crimes and Heists

The Umpqua River Outlaws executed a series of high-profile robberies that infamously marked the history of the region. Among the most notable was the 1854 robbery of a gold shipment intended for the burgeoning town of Roseburg.

• Robbery of the Roseburg Stagecoach: On a misty morning in June 1854, Frank and Jesse Smith, along with their gang, ambushed a stagecoach transporting gold from the mines to the market. The outlaws had intelligence about the shipment, and their planning paid off when they intercepted and overpowered the guards, making off with approximately $20,000 worth of gold and currency.
• Cattle Rustling Operations: In addition to stagecoach robberies, the Smith brothers and their gang frequently engaged in cattle rustling, stealing herds from local farmers. One of their most notorious raids in 1855 resulted in the loss of nearly 300 cattle near Oakridge.

The Legend of Lost Treasure

Following their exploits, a legend began to spread about the hidden treasuries stashed away by the Umpqua River Outlaws. The combined value of their heists indicated that large amounts of gold, silver, and cash lay buried in secret locations throughout the remote mountains and valleys.

Locations of Interest

• The Smith River Area: Legend holds that Frank Smith buried portions of the gold he amassed along the banks of the Smith River, a tributary to the Umpqua. This area remains a popular spot for treasure hunters to explore.
• Cache of White’s Creek: An old tale suggests that one of the gang members succumbed to injuries and divulged the cache location to a local before passing. This supposed cache is rumored to contain a significant amount of gold coins from the Smith’s robberies.
• Ghost Town of Lookingglass: The deserted town, established in 1857, is said to harbor hidden treasures left by the outlaws as they escaped after committing a string of robberies. Historians believe this site holds rich potential for treasure hunting.

The Search for the Umpqua River Treasures

Modern-Day Treasure Hunters

The rich legend of lost treasure related to the Umpqua River Outlaws has attracted countless amateur treasure hunters and historians keen on uncovering the remnants of the past. Various organizations and individuals have dedicated resources and time to scouring the region for any trace of the Umpqua River treasures.

Treasure Hunting Methods

• Metal Detecting: Many treasure hunters use metal detectors to scan areas believed to be hotspots for hidden treasures, particularly old stagecoach routes.
• Geocaching: Some enthusiasts combine technology and treasure hunting by employing GPS coordinates to uncover suspected hidden caches.
• Historical Research: Enthusiasts study old maps, newspaper archives, and diaries to locate potential hiding spots for buried treasures.

Notable Finds and Claims

While most treasure hunters leave the Umpqua region without a single gold coin, a few notable finds have surfaced through diligent searching and luck. For example, in 2005, one group unearthed a trove of silver coins believed to date back to the mid-1800s, with designs consistent with currency from the Umpqua River area during the times of the outlaws.

Famous Treasure Hunter Accounts

• Sam “Gold Finder†Thompson: In the early 2000s, Thompson claimed to have located a substantial cache near the banks of Smith River, although these claims have not been definitively verified.
• Linda Mason’s Expedition: A local historian, Mason led a group in a concentrated search in the Ghost Town of Lookingglass, discovering remnants of old coins but no conclusive treasure sites.

The Cultural Impact of the Umpqua River Outlaws

Myth and Romance

The tales of the Umpqua River Outlaws have transcended time, morphing into legends that reflect the romantic notions of outlaws and treasure hunting. Stories about Frank “Black Jack†Smith and his legendary escapades are woven into the fabric of local folklore.

• Gillette’s History Book: Local historian Jim Gillette published a book detailing the lives of the outlaws and the significant events of the period which continue to inspire treasure hunters and enthusiasts.
• Local Tourism: Many towns along the Umpqua River have embraced the legend, creating walking tours and educational programs focused on the historical context of the outlaws.

Symbolism of the Outlaws

Beyond the allure of buried treasure, the Umpqua River Outlaws symbolize the struggles faced by early settlers in a rapidly changing society. Their story illustrates themes of desperation, survival, and the human craving for wealth, highlighting a darker side of American history during the Gold Rush period.

Modern Implications and Legacy

Treasure Hunting Regulations

The search for treasure in the Umpqua River region is subject to various regulations aimed at preserving historical sites and natural habitats. Would-be treasure seekers need to be aware of local laws regarding metal detecting, digging, and land use, particularly in protected areas.

Research and Documentation

As interest in the Umpqua River Outlaws continues, scholars, historians, and amateur archaeologists have increased their documentation efforts, sharing findings that may lead to new insights into the treasure. Exhibitions featuring artifacts and accounts from that time serve as further tools in preserving the legacy of the outlaw saga.

Continued Treasure Enthusiasm

The legacy of the Umpqua River Outlaws remains firmly embedded in the consciousness of treasure hunters and adventurers, who engage in a timeless pursuit of uncovering gold, gems, and historical artifacts. With modern technologies and an ever-growing community of enthusiasts, the quest for the hidden gems of the Umpqua River rises above mere material gain; it embodies a search for identity and a deeper connection to those who came before us.

Conclusion

The Umpqua River Outlaws’ saga of ambition, crime, and elusive treasures continues to captivate historians and adventurers. As more stories and legends of hidden wealth emerge, so too does the celebration of a vibrant history that shapes the cultural landscape of Oregon. The pursuit of the treasures left behind serves as a unique intersection of history, adventure, and the ever-intriguing call of discovery, ensuring that the Umpqua River and the legends associated with it will capture the imagination for generations to come.