The Lost Gold Bars of the Stagecoach Robbers in the Big Burro Canyon

The Lost Gold Bars of the Stagecoach Robbers in the Big Burro Canyon

The story of the lost gold bars in the Big Burro Canyon is one of the most captivating tales from the Wild West era, steeped in intrigue and the clutches of greed. Set against the backdrop of New Mexico’s rugged terrain, this treasure hunt intertwines history and folklore, offering a glimpse into a time when lawlessness reigned supreme along the stagecoach routes of the American frontier.

Historical Context: The Wild West and Stagecoach Transport

During the mid-19th century, particularly between the 1840s and 1870s, the American Southwest underwent a dramatic transformation. The discovery of gold and silver in California, coupled with the expansion of the railroad, led to an influx of prospectors and settlers moving westward in search of fortune. Stagecoaches became a vital means of transportation for people and goods, linking distant towns and providing a lifeline for those in search of opportunity.

The Butterfield Overland Mail Company, established in 1858, played a significant role in this period, providing a stagecoach service that spanned nearly 2,800 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, to San Francisco, California. This line passed through various treacherous terrains, including steep canyons and isolated desert paths, making it a prime target for outlaws seeking to ambush stagecoaches laden with precious cargo.

The Stagecoach Robbers: Profiles of Lawlessness

Among the various outlaw gangs that thrived during this tumultuous period, one group stands out in relation to the Big Burro Canyon heist: the “Plummer Gang.” Led by the notorious robber, John Plummer, the gang was known for its bold attacks on stagecoaches transporting gold and silver. Documented accounts suggest that the gang, notorious for its brutal methods, would ambush stagecoaches, stealing not only cash, but also gold bullion and bars intended for banks or wealthy merchants.

The Plummer Gang, active in the western territories including what is now New Mexico, became infamous for their daring escapades throughout the early 1870s. Reports from that period suggest that the gang often had inside information about stagecoach schedules and loads, allowing them to plan their ambushes with meticulous precision.

The Infamous Robbery: The Heist of 1879

On a fateful day in August of 1879, amidst the height of the Wild West’s tumult, the Plummer Gang executed one of their most brazen robberies. This operation, however, would not remain in the shadows of infamy for long. A stagecoach leaving Silver City, New Mexico, carrying a substantial cache of gold bars destined for a bank in El Paso, Texas, became the focus of their audacious plan.

The Setup

Reports indicate the stagecoach managed by Wells Fargo was carrying approximately $40,000 in gold bars, the equivalent of over a million dollars today when adjusted for inflation. The gang had been tracking this particular shipment for weeks, having learned its route through an informant who had connections to the Wells Fargo depot in Silver City.

The Ambush

On the morning of August 15, 1879, as the stagecoach traversed the narrow roads leading into the Big Burro Canyon, the Plummer Gang sprang their trap. The area was known for its rocky cliffs and thick brush, providing an ideal vantage point for the outlaws. As the stagecoach entered the canyon, masked men emerged from their hiding spots, brandishing weapons and ordering the driver to stop.

The violent confrontation led to shots fired, and chaos ensued. The robbers were well-prepared, quickly overpowering the driver and guards. After securing the gold for themselves, they fled into the rugged terrain of the canyon with an estimated $40,000 in gold bars, leaving behind a storm of confusion and mayhem.

The Immediate Aftermath

Local law enforcement was alerted, and a posse was swiftly formed to pursue the robbers. However, the skilled outlaws gained the upper hand, utilizing their knowledge of the canyon’s geography to evade capture. Reports from the time describe how despite extensive searches, including aerial reconnaissance via the newly introduced hot-air balloons, no trace of the robbers was found.

The Chase: Lawmen in Pursuit

In the weeks following the robbery, a combination of local lawmen and vigilantes set out on an exhaustive search for the Plummer Gang and the stolen gold bars. The rugged terrain of Big Burro Canyon presented significant obstacles, hampering both the pursuit and the recovery of the stolen loot.

The Investigation

Sheriff John J. McKinney of Grant County spearheaded the investigation, utilizing local intelligence from communities surrounding Silver City. As word spread about the robbery, individuals began reporting sightings of the Plummer Gang spinning tales of the outlaws’ adventures and movements, each leading to dead ends.

Despite McKinney’s efforts, the outlaws remained elusive. Various eyewitness accounts described different escape routes, complicating the lawmen’s pursuit. Some claimed to have seen the gang vanish into nearby mountains, while others suggested that they might have crossed into Mexico.

Theories and Speculations

As the weeks turned into months and the gang remained at large, theories emerged about the potential whereabouts of the gold bars. Various legends began to circulate throughout the region:

• Buried in the Canyon: Tales of gold buried deep within the impenetrable canyons gained traction, with treasure hunters beginning their searches almost immediately.
• Shared with Locals: Some individuals speculated that the Outlaws had hidden some of the gold with sympathetic townsfolk in return for safe passage.
• Fleeing to Mexico: Others believed the gang may have crossed the border into Mexico, utilizing a network of safe havens to launder their treasure.
• A Hidden Cave: A location known as “Gold Cave” near Big Burro Canyon became a popular spot for treasure seekers, with rumors of undiscovered caches of gold igniting the imaginations of many.

The Legacy of the Lost Gold Bars

Despite exhaustive searches conducted by law enforcement and army units, the Plummer Gang seemed to have vanished without a trace, leaving the stolen gold behind as one of the West’s greatest unsolved mysteries.

Impact on Local Folklore

The story of the lost gold bars has transformed into a cornerstone of local folklore within New Mexico. The narrative surrounding the robbery and the accompanying mystery continues to resonate with locals and historians alike. Over the years, numerous books, articles, and documentaries have documented the escapades of the Plummer Gang alongside the fateful attempt to recover the lost gold.

The Enduring Quest for Treasure

To the present day, treasure hunters actively seek the legendary lost gold buried somewhere within Big Burro Canyon. Annual treasure hunts and archaeological expeditions are organized, with adventurers pouring over ancient maps and following trails that might lead to the fabled gold. This ongoing fascination highlights how the romance of the Wild West continues to endure, inspiring generations to dig into the earth, hoping to unearth remnants of a bygone era.

Modern-Day Treasure Hunters: Challenges and Successes

As interest in the story persists, modern-day treasure hunters face a variety of challenges in their quests for the gold bars:

• Environmental Challenges: The terrain of Big Burro Canyon is characterized by steep and rocky paths, difficult weather conditions, and dense brush, posing significant obstacles for explorers.
• Legal Regulations: Laws concerning treasure hunting, including permissions required for digging and exploration, create legal hurdles for modern would-be treasure seekers.
• Historical Preservation: Efforts by local and federal agencies seek to preserve historical artifacts within the area, discouraging indiscriminate digging.

Despite these challenges, a few notable successes have emerged. In the late 1980s, a group of amateur treasure hunters reportedly uncovered several gold coins believed to have originated from the robbery, fueling further interest in pursuing the remaining treasure. Local enthusiasts have formed clubs to share information, tips on excavation techniques, and historical accounts surrounding the robbery.

The Conclusion: A Treasure Forever Lost?

The story of the lost gold bars of the stagecoach robbers in Big Burro Canyon encapsulates the adventure, excitement, and danger of the Wild West. While the true fate of the gold bars remains concealed by time and rugged territory, the narratives surrounding the legendary robbery continue to inspire treasure hunters, historians, and curious adventurers alike. The Plummer Gang may have evaded capture and the gold may yet be hidden, but the tale itself is a treasure that remains alive, illustrating the enduring allure of the unknown in the backdrop of America’s frontier history.