About twenty minutes from me is a place where once stood the Mountaineer House, an early 1850s roadhouse. Members of the notorious Tom Bell gang would show the proprietor a round ball marked with an X proving gang membership. The gang camped 500 yards behind the bar. I now know the exact location where the roadhouse stood, passing it before. It's fascinating driving my cozy air conditioned truck right over the spot in the road in front of this roadhouse where the sheriff of Auburn, Ca. and posse chased and had a massive gunfight with a gang of bandits, big Colt's Dragoons being weapons of choice.
I'm going to check the place out again. I'd love to use my metal detector there and might see if I can. Imagine what might be buried back of that place where the worst California gang at the time hid out.

Sounds like a great adventure Wyatt. Now that is something I would love to try! Hope ya find a gold nugget.

I hope you Ind the lost Dutchman's mine. no telling what treasure will be found?