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Originally Posted by TexKan  I do think there is lost treasure....... no doubt but most of the wagon trail folks were not the wealthest folks anyhow. Course just a few tokens of thier money then is worth lots now. I don't think they had millions or even thousands....... those folks took ships to California I would think......... or sailed themselves. I think alot of big loot is at the bottom of the ocean or sand pit! |
Alot of the travelers did carry large amounts of money. After all most sold everything they had to head west. They had companies (Express or Frt Haulers) just like our trucking companies of today hauling gold east and money west. Large amounts of money crossed the Kansas plains.
I do not think most people took ships (unless you mean the rich). Especially if they live in say Illinois or Missouri. East cities yes probably alot took the very long voyage to Cali. But the land route was faster by far I think.
Martinez = Yes Silver
Martinez Silver was documented by the Merchant that he was traveling to in St. Louis. The Merchant had done business in the past with Martinez and said it was very likely that he did carry that much Silver because he had seen the man with large amounts in the past. He returned to Mexico via Sante Fe NM, broke and broken.
Coronado = No Gold
Spanish Armor (Breastplate) was found around the Jacob's Well area in Clark County in the 40's? So I believe he was in this area for sure. IMO I don't think they carried enough gold on them to make mention mainly because they were prepared to haul gold back after they found the Cities or City (or any gold). They didn't come to trade so gold would have already been shipped back to Spain (from mexico) and probably wouldn't have done them any good on the Plains anyway. They would just take what they wanted.
Gold Bar = Probably not but could have happened
I can remember Detector and I almost getting shot by a farmer between here and Jetmore some 20 years ago. We stopped on a country road at a creek to just check out the area for a battlefield, when the Farmer came around the corner, stopped his vehicle and got out with a shotgun. Started raising hell with us telling us to get off his county road. We did as he asked(told). Later we had heard a story about the man and why he was so protective. Story has a gold bar was unearthed while someone was plowing the field up many years ago. He still thinks there cold be more. Gold was hauled in this area to fort Dodge and the Mann/Atkinson site. Gold bars ??? probably not. Coinage maybe.