The Lost Arch placer diggings said to be located about 40 miles south of Goffs and 25 miles north of Rice, in or near the north end of the Turtle mountains, in eastern San Bernardino county, California, is another of the many mystery mines of the southwest.

The new-found diggings proved to be very rich and the Mexicans sluiced out $30,000 worth of gold before the dry season dried up the waterholes. There was a small spring a few miles away, later known as Coffin springs, but it did not furnish enough water to carry on sluicing operations. In view of the scarcity of water it was decided to store the equipment and return the following season and continue their operations. Reaching Los Angeles, the party split up, some going north to the Mother Lode country, and others returning to Mexico. No maps had been drawn of the placer field and later when separate members of the party sought to relocate the placer field they were unsuccessful.

Goldseeker posted this mine or area has been found, but you did not give any details, like who found it?

It was in the Orange County Register newspaper, back in the early 80's. It was a fairly long story as I remember. I dont remember the name, but he was from Ca, and had been searching for a long time, using clues, doing detective work, including usind a plane or helicopter, and it finally paid off. The only thing I can suggest, is see if that newspaper has archives that go to the early 80's. I would like to see it again myself. I thought I saved the article, but who knows?

I looked in the OC register archives and they dont go back far enough. I personally believe it was found, but with todays detectors, especially the minelab series, there is probably still some nice nuggets there, and you will be in mineralized areas. Go look.

The story went into quite a bit of detail as I recall, and I have no reason to doubt it as the name of the finder was given.

I'm not trying to rain on anybody's parade, just telling you what I have heard. I also have said that I believe there is still a lot out there, and some mines have been found; others have not.

I dont have proof for everything. Sorry. On the other hand, you are free to believe or not. But, I do not lie. Really, how do you expect proof for a lost mine story. What I told you about the lost arch was true, it was in the OC register way back in the eraly 80's. The finder was from OC, Tustin if memory serves me. Unfortunately, no archives before '87. I looked.

Pegleg was written up in Derset Magazine, and that can be found online. That should be proof enough.

<BLUSH> Dang it Jim I wasn't going to start crowing but yes Beth and I did find a very old mine which is rich in gold, and it has a natural arch right in sight of the mine. There are what looks like old foundations of a two-room stone cabin or shelter also in sight of the mine. That said, it does have gold but it isn't THAT rich so that a guy would get rich quick, and there is no evidence of any adobe building. So it may not be "the" Arch mine. Even so, you would not believe how many people have asked for the exact coordinates, so anyone reading this who may be thinking of asking, don't ask!

There is gold in those hills, a careful searcher might just get lucky and find the mine!

Good luck and good hunting amigos, I hope you find the treasures that you seek.
Roy

Roy,

That must have been an exciting day when you stumbled on to that mine. Were you following clues to the Lost Arch or did you just happen to find it while out roaming around and later figure out what it might be?

Either way Nice job!

Joey