The Lost Mormon Gold: Fact or Legend in Utah’s Wild West?
A long-standing myth claims that a lost Mormon wagon train once carried millions in hidden treasure across the American West. The tale mixes real historical events with legend, including a supposed order by Brigham Young to conceal wealth from approaching federal troops. Stories of buried gold and silver continue to circulate among treasure hunters today.
The legend centres on 1857, when tensions between the US government and Mormon settlers reached a peak. Federal troops, known as Johnston’s Army, marched toward Utah over fears of rebellion, polygamy, and Brigham Young’s theocratic rule. This confrontation became known as the Utah War, an armed standoff lasting from 1857 to 1858.
According to the myth, Young instructed Mormon handcart companies to liquidate their property and hide their riches before the army’s arrival. A caravan of wagons, supposedly carrying around $1.5 million in gold coins, nuggets, and silver—worth roughly $55 million today—set out. The story claims the group ran out of water in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada, leading to an attack by Paiute Indians. Some versions say the treasure was later moved to San Bernardino, California, for safekeeping. Others believe it remains buried in caches near Red Rock Canyon or in a cave between Pioche and Ely, Nevada. The tale gained traction on websites like TreasureNet.com, though key details—such as the year of the order—are disputed. The myth also overlaps with darker history. In 1857, the Mountain Meadows Massacre saw Mormon militiamen kill around 120 travellers on a wagon train bound for California. Unlike the treasure legend, this event is well-documented, with Mormons as the attackers, not the victims.
The lost Mormon treasure remains a popular topic in books, forums, and treasure-hunting circles. While the Utah War and Mountain Meadows Massacre are confirmed historical events, the existence of the hidden fortune stays unproven. The mix of fact and fiction ensures the legend endures among those searching for buried riches.
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