Red Hill Treasure — Pinos Altos

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Red Hill Treasure — Pinos Altos

Lost Treasure NM • Grant County County
Description
1836 legend of a dying prospector named Adams who staggered into Pinos Altos with $7,000 in gold nuggets from a "red hill" north of town before succumbing to Apache arrow wounds.
Historical Notes
In July 1836 an old prospector reached Pinos Altos (north of Silver City) with gunshot and arrow wounds. He described gold nuggets scattered on a red hill visible in the distance, then died after Apache attackers ambushed him at the site. Assayed knapsack gold confirmed substantial value. Dozens of prospectors searched north of Pinos Altos; none reported finding the hill. This is a separate, earlier tale from the 1864 Lost Adams Diggings massacre story.
Status / Verification legend — Legendary or approximate

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