Lost Adams Diggings

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Lost Adams Diggings

Lost Treasure NM • Catron County County
Description
Legendary canyon of rich placer gold in western New Mexico. In 1864, John Brewer's party followed a guide to a narrow "Little Door" passage; miners cached nuggets in an Indian grinding basin before an Apache massacre left only Adams and Davidson alive.
Historical Notes
GNIS lists Lost Adams Diggings in Catron County (34°28'10" N, 108°17'05" W). The 1864 expedition left Arizona with 22 men; gold was hidden under a cabin hearth stone before Apache Chief Nana attacked. Survivor Adams searched for decades. The Zuni Mountains, Datil/Gallinas region, Gila headwaters, and areas south of Quemado have all been proposed. J. Frank Dobie devoted major coverage in Apache Gold and Yaqui Silver; the tale inspired Mackenna's Gold. A post office named "Lost Adams Diggings, NM" once served treasure-letter mail in the 1930s. The canyon's exact location remains unverified.
Status / Verification legend — Legendary or approximate

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