The Buried Silver of the Spokane Mountain Outlaws

Introduction

The tale of the Buried Silver of the Spokane Mountain Outlaws remains one of the most tantalizing stories in the history of the American West. Set against the backdrop of the rugged mountains and dense forests near Spokane, Washington, this narrative intertwines legends of treachery, theft, and hidden treasure—capturing the imaginations of treasure hunters and historians alike.

The Historical Context of the Spokane Mountains

Geography and Early Settlements

The Spokane Mountains, a prominent part of the larger Selkirk Mountain range, are characterized by their dense forests, steep cliffs, and numerous rivers and streams. Located primarily in northeastern Washington, the region was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Spokane and Kalispel tribes, who understood the land’s resources long before European settlers arrived.

In the mid to late 19th century, the area underwent significant changes with the influx of miners and settlers drawn by the promise of gold and silver. The founding of Spokane Falls in 1873 marked a pivotal moment in the region’s development, transforming it from a frontier settlement into a bustling city. By the 1880s, Spokane was recognized as a pivotal hub for trade, mining, and lumber, laying the groundwork for the rise of both lawful enterprise and nefarious undertakings.

The Rise of Outlaws

As the boomtowns proliferated, so did crime. The Spokane region became infamous for lawlessness as outlaws and marauders took advantage of the burgeoning population and the vast, unpoliced wilderness. Numerous gangs preyed upon unsuspecting travelers and local businesses, but none captured the public’s imagination quite like the Spokane Mountain Outlaws.

Formed in the late 1870s, the Spokane Mountain Outlaws were primarily composed of miners and roughnecks who had been disenfranchised by the economic turbulence of the time. Seeking to accumulate wealth swiftly, the gang resorted to robbery and ambush, becoming particularly noted for their raids on stagecoaches and supply wagons traversing the Spokane region.

The Buried Treasure: Origins and Heist

The Stolen Silver

By 1883, the Spokane Mountain Outlaws had firmly established themselves as a formidable criminal enterprise. One of their most notorious capers involved the brazen theft of a substantial cache of silver from a mining company in nearby Wallace, Idaho. According to local legends, the gang intercepted the stagecoach carrying the silver bars, overcoming the guards with sheer force and cunning strategy.

The stolen silver was reported to be valued at around $80,000, which would be equivalent to several million dollars today. The outlaws quickly realized that keeping the treasure in circulation would draw attention and increase their chances of capture. Hence, they devised a plan to bury the silver in a remote location within the Spokane Mountains.

The Burial Location

According to various accounts from surviving gang members and witnesses, the outlaws selected a secretive site deep within the dense forests northwest of Spokane. Specific details about the precise burial location, however, have always been shrouded in mystery. The most popular theories place the treasure near a prominent landmark known as the ‘Silver Falls,’ a picturesque waterfall that is both difficult to access and obscured by dense foliage.

The outlaws were said to have buried the trove in multiple locations to further confuse any would-be treasure hunters. They utilized crude maps and cryptic symbols which they hoped would remain secretive even if one of them were apprehended. This strategy ultimately set the stage for what would become a priceless treasure hunt that spurred interest for over a century.

Decline of the Spokane Mountain Outlaws

Law Enforcement Efforts

As news of the infamous heist spread, law enforcement agencies dedicated significant resources to capturing the Spokane Mountain Outlaws. Local vigilante groups also took it upon themselves to hunt down the gang members, believing that justice had to be served swiftly. By 1885, many of the gang members had either been captured, killed in shootouts, or forced into hiding. This decline in the gang’s power directly influenced the region’s crime rate, and the Spokane Mountains became less hospitable to those seeking refuge from the law.

The Mysterious Disappearance

The eventual fate of the Buried Silver remains enigmatic. It is widely believed that some members of the Spokane Mountain Outlaws took their secrets to the grave, leaving behind few concrete clues regarding the treasure’s exact location. Oral histories passed down through generations, however, continued to tantalize aspiring treasure seekers, leading to numerous searches for the buried fortune over the following decades.

The Treasure Hunts: Pursuit of the Buried Silver

Early Expeditions

In the years following the gang’s disbandment, various treasure hunters flocked to the Spokane Mountains, armed with little more than maps crafted from hearsay and folklore. Among the earliest notable attempts was led by a Spokane businessman named Clyde Merriweather in Merriweather invested considerable funds in a search party, claiming to possess information from a former outlaw about the treasure’s location. Unfortunately, his expedition ended in frustration when their digging yielded nothing but old mining equipment and relics.

World War II Era Searches

The legend of the buried silver continued to grow, especially during and after World War II. In the 1940s, a group of veterans returning from military service formed a search party to locate the fabled treasure. Their efforts were marked by expeditions into the dense forests of the Spokane Mountains, where they utilized rudimentary metal detectors, but they ultimately met the same fate as their predecessors. Mixed reports from the search revealed discoveries of old coins and other artifacts, but no silver bars.

The Modern Era of Treasure Hunting

As technology advanced, so did the methods of treasure hunters. Beginning in the late 20th century, a fresh wave of treasure seekers equipped with sophisticated ground-penetrating radar and high-tech metal detectors revisited the Spokane Mountains. Enthusiasts published detailed guides and online forums sharing findings and tips in hopes of uncovering the elusive silver.

• John Hartley, an amateur treasure hunter, claimed to have discovered a buried cache of silver-looking metal near the presumed location in
• In 2007, a documentary exploring the legend highlighted several locals who believed they held insights into the burial locations based on family lore.

Legends and Myths

The Role of Oral History

The story of the Buried Silver has evolved over the years, gathering layers of myth and speculation. Local oral history plays a vital role in shaping the narrative, as stories are passed down through generations, often altering key details in the process. Family connections to the outlaws, as well as claims of ghostly presences in the hunting grounds, have added to the mystique surrounding the treasure.

Moreover, some of these legends report visions and prophetic dreams experienced by treasure hunters, suggesting a mystical bond between seekers and the treasure. Such tales have only fueled the ongoing fascination with Spokane’s buried bounty.

The Lost Map

One of the most alluring components of the Buried Silver lore is the tale of a lost map supposedly drawn by a surviving outlaw, which purportedly outlines locations of the treasure. Various accounts claim that this map has surfaced and disappeared multiple times throughout history, hindering serious expeditions. Treasure seekers often allege that unique markings and riddles found on these maps lead to places believed to house the silver, creating an air of intrigue and competitiveness among hunters.

The Impact of the Treasure Legend

Cultural Significance

The legend of the Buried Silver of the Spokane Mountain Outlaws continues to influence both local culture and tourism. Guided tours and treasure-hunting expeditions are organized in the Spokane region, attracting both history enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The stories of the outlaws have been embraced in local folklore, inspiring books, exhibits, and even local plays that delve into the wild history of the area.

Moreover, the fascination with the treasure continues to serve as a catalyst for the local economy, encouraging businesses to offer related activities, such as treasure-hunting gear rental and adventure travel packages designed around exploring the Spokane Mountains.

Modern-day Treasure Hunting

With the advent of social media and online forums, the community of treasure hunters has grown significantly. Websites dedicated to sharing search techniques, gear recommendations, and personal accounts of treasure hunting adventures bring together adventurers with a common goal. Annual treasure-hunting events and gatherings often celebrate the legend, fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants.

• Local treasure hunters frequently collaborate in groups, hosting expeditions that are open to both newcomers and veterans alike.
• Documentaries and podcasts have brought renewed attention to the search for the buried silver, inspiring a new generation of hunters.

Conclusion

The Buried Silver of the Spokane Mountain Outlaws represents more than just an elusive treasure; it serves as a lasting connection to the history of the region and the vibrant personalities that shaped it. From the outlaws’ daring heist to the ongoing quests of contemporary treasure hunters, the legend continues to weave its story through time. As new technologies emerge and the allure of adventure beckons, the search for the buried silver remains a testament to the enduring human spirit—a captivating narrative that blends history, myth, and the thrill of the chase.

Ultimately, whether the treasure is ever found or not, the story of the Spokane Mountain Outlaws and their buried fortune will continue to inspire dreams of adventure and discovery, capturing the essence of the wild, untamed West.