Lost San Saba Mine (Bowie Mine)

After Spanish prospectors reported mineral deposits in 1753, Bernardo de Miranda opened shafts near the cerro de almagre in 1756. The San Sabá presidio and mission were established nearby; after the 1758 massacre, slag heaps at the abandoned presidio fueled centuries of treasure hunting in Menard County. Stephen F. Austin heard of a rich silver mine on the San Saba and a gold mine on the Llano. Soldiers he sent likely searched the wrong area. James and Rezin Bowie's 1830s expeditions reinforced the legend. The word "Mine" was later carved on the presidio gatepost, spawning "Bowie Mine" folklore. Historian Herbert Bolton identified the actual Los Almagres diggings near Honey Creek in Llano County — more than 70 miles from Menard. Romantics still search the limestone hills around Menard for the mythical lode. Coordinates approximate the Presidio San Sabá historic site at Menard. Private property and protected sites — do not trespass.