Army Payroll Treasure — San Juan County

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Army Payroll Treasure — San Juan County

Lost Treasure NM • San Juan County County
Description
1874 legend: outlaws Wharton and Horton robbed a Star Line stage carrying $50,000 in Army payroll gold near Albuquerque and buried it near a rock arch between Aztec and Blanco before capture.
Historical Notes
The Star Line stage carried troops, supplies, and payroll between Fort Wingate, NM and Fort Whipple, AZ. Wharton and Horton allegedly buried gold near a natural rock arch in Slane's or Potter Arroyo between Aztec and Blanco (about 17 miles southeast of Aztec). Wharton was released after 35 years in prison and reportedly spent a summer searching without success. Researchers note no confirmed territorial prison records for the robbery — the tale may be folklore. Coordinates approximate Aztec in northwest New Mexico. Arch location along arroyos remains speculative.
Status / Verification legend — Legendary or approximate

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