The Forgotten Silver Bars of the Butterfield Trail Robbery Near Separ

The Butterfield Overland Mail Company, established in 1858 by entrepreneur John Butterfield, provided the first southern transcontinental mail service in the United States, connecting St. Louis, Missouri, to San Francisco, California. Although primarily focused on delivering mail and passengers, this venture inadvertently became a pivotal point for treasure hunting due to its series of robberies, most notably the Butterfield Trail robbery that occurred near the small settlement of Separ in Arizona Territory.

The Historical Context of Butterfield Overland Mail

In the mid-19th century, the need for swift communication and transportation across the expanding United States was paramount. The Butterfield Trail became a crucial route for carrying mail and goods. The trail spanned over 2,800 miles and featured 120 relay stations where horses could be swapped to ensure near-continuous travel.

The service endured significant challenges, including harsh weather, rugged terrain, and the threat of attacks from Native American tribes and outlaws. The majority of attacks were aimed at the freight and treasure-laden coaches moving along the trail.

A Snapshot of the Arizona Territory

Established in 1863, the Arizona Territory was a region marked by economic potential amidst lawlessness and conflict. As part of the Old West, this area was home to gold and silver mines, which attracted prospectors and outlaws alike. The towns sprung up around these riches were often marked by political turbulence and sporadic violence.

Separ, a small but strategically located settlement in southern Arizona, became a key waypoint along the Butterfield Trail. Its location made it a prime target for robbers who sought to exploit the transport of valuables traversing the trail.

The Butterfield Trail Robbery of 1861

On the evening of September 12, 1861, a Butterfield stagecoach was ambushed near Separ by a gang of outlaws led by a notorious figure named James “Jim” Clelland. Clelland, known for his charm and ruthlessness, rallied a group of roughly eight bandits to orchestrate the robbery of the stagecoach transporting mail and treasure, including a shipment of silver bars intended for the Union Army in California.

The stagecoach carried not only mail but also a considerable sum in silver bars—an estimated total weight of nearly a ton. The outlaws had meticulously planned the assault, having observed the coach’s routine movements along the Butterfield Trail. They executed their plan just as night fell, using the cover of darkness to ambush the vehicle and its guards.

As the stagecoach approached a narrow valley near Separ, the outlaws opened fire, coercing the guards to surrender. In the ensuing struggle, two guards lost their lives. The remaining crew, overwhelmed, recounted how the robbers quickly commandeered the mail and treasure, efficiently unloading it into their waiting horses’ saddlebags.

The Aftermath of the Ambush

After the successful heist, the outlaws swiftly made their escape into the rugged Arizona mountains. The robbery sent shockwaves through the Butterfield Trail’s security measures, leading to increased vigilance and heavy consequences for any captured bandits. The surviving witnesses provided descriptions of the notorious gang, but Clelland and his crew vanished without a trace, leaving authorities scrambling.

Despite extensive manhunts, only a few members of Clelland’s gang were eventually apprehended. Records show that some of the stolen silver bars were never recovered, and many speculate that Clelland and his companions buried their treasures in the surrounding mountains.

The Forgotten Silver Bars

Among the most compelling elements of the Butterfield Trail robbery is the mystery surrounding the lost silver bars. Speculative tales evolved over the years, claiming that the treasure remains unrecovered, lying dormant in the deserts near Separ.

The Silver Bars: History and Speculation

While exact records of the silver shipment have not been fully documented, it is believed that the stolen bars were made of high-purity silver, weighing approximately 50 pounds each, with around twenty bars reported missing following the robbery.

Each bar was stamped with the assay office’s insignia, indicating its origin from southern California’s silver mines.
The estimated value of the total cache stolen in today’s currency approaches several million dollars, making it a highly sought-after treasure by modern-day treasure hunters.

Search Efforts and Legends

Since the robbery took place, countless treasure hunters, historians, and amateur sleuths have searched the vicinity of Separ for the rumored lost silver. Over the decades, various expeditions have been launched, each bearing tales of promising leads and tantalizing discoveries.

One of the first recorded expeditions occurred in 1865, just four years after the robbery, when a group of miners attempted to retrace the outlaw’s escape route.
In another instance, in the 1930s, a local rancher claimed to have discovered remnants of old mining tools believed to be associated with the Clelland gang, strengthening theories of secret burials.

The area remains rich in folklore, with stories of ghostly encounters and hidden maps having passed down through generations. Some local legends posit that Clelland used his charm to convince a local settler to help conceal the silver bars, entrenching the layers of mystery that surround the treasure.

Modern-Day Treasure Hunting

As recent as the 21st century, the mythos of the lost silver bars has sparked interest in metal detecting and treasure hunting among enthusiasts. The increased accessibility of technology, such as ground-penetrating radar and advanced metal detectors, has made searching for hidden treasures easier than ever.

Legal Considerations

Modern treasure hunters face several legal hurdles when searching for treasures in the United States. Regulations surrounding the discovery and ownership of potentially lost treasures vary from state to state, complicating the endeavors of amateur treasure seekers.

In Arizona, any discoveries made on public land are typically subject to laws protecting archaeological and historical artifacts. Additionally, treasures found on private land often require landowner permissions and adherence to local laws. Consequently, understanding these legal aspects is essential for those hoping to uncover the silver bars.

Treasure Hunting Organizations and Resources

The Arizona Treasure Hunting Club: Offers community support and knowledge sharing among treasure hunting enthusiasts.
Metal Detecting Association of Arizona: Provides training on equipment use and organizes group hunts across significant sites.
Books and Online Resources: Numerous publications recounting the history of the Butterfield Trail and treasure hunting can provide invaluable insights and direction.

Legends and Literature

The legend of the forgotten silver bars has captured the imagination of many, leading to various fictional and non-fictional works focused on treasure hunting along the Butterfield Trail.

Cultural Impact and Literary References

Stories surrounding the Butterfield robbery have inspired writers of various genres. Notable works include adventure novels steeped in the rich history of the Old West, where the legendary silver bars often become the pivot point for quests and explorations. Such narratives not only provide entertainment but also serve to preserve the memory of historical events like the Butterfield Trail robbery.

Characters based on real-life figures such as Jim Clelland have surfaced in literature, intertwining historical truths with fictional storytelling. This blend further romanticizes the life of outlaws and the treasure they quested after, while simultaneously enhancing the cultural mythology surrounding the Old West.

Conclusion

The tale of the forgotten silver bars of the Butterfield Trail robbery near Separ is a compelling blend of historical intrigue and ongoing mystery. The combination of lawlessness in the Arizona Territory, the impactful legacy of the Butterfield Overland Mail Company, and the allure of lost treasures represents a defining element of the cultural landscape of the American West.

Today, as treasure hunters comb through the Arizona wilderness, the legend of Jim Clelland and the riches he stole continues to spark inspiration and hope in those who believe that fortune still lies buried in the desert sands. As explorations continue and the techniques of searching evolve, the dreams of uncovering the lost silver bars serve not only as an adventure but as a connection to the rich tapestry of American history.