Tucker felt that Bass should not see Murphy; so, Murphy identified Sam while hiding behind a tree. Another source claims that the treasure was nowhere close to $3 million, actually only about $80,000 in gold coins. Take that, Jesse James! Day two they go into C. Some treasure hunters believe that Sam Bass treasure is now within a State Park, which unfortunately makes it off limits to metal detecting. Whatever the reason, Grimes decided to investigate the strangers intentions. A deputy named Moore fell, wounded. Longhorn Caverns, outside Burnet, is said to be the home of more than one treasure trove. England, Ken. The two arrived in Denton, and Sam found employment with Sheriff W. F. Dad Eagan (who would later spend much effort searching for the outlaw Bass) (Webb Century of Frontier Defense 371-372). Bass is tied to several legends of treasure being buried in Texas, including one that involves Burnet County. This resulted in the arrests of both Jim Murphy and his father Henderson. Home Departments Planning and Development Services Historic Preservation The Historic Round Rock Collection The Story of Sam Bass. The legend says Bass used Longhorn Caverns as a hideout after some of his robberies although treasure seekers have yet to find any loot there. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I went to the area and found nothing. Anyone have a suggestion or other help? Bass explained to the questioning Rangers that his wounds had forced him to stop near the spot he was currently at last night. He, along with Sam Bass and another man named Jack Davis, then drove the herd north to Ogallala, Nebraska, where they the herd for $8,000. A tree similar to the one described on the map was spotted by treasure-hunters and chopped down-only to come up empty. Jan. 1970: 31+. Webb, Walter Prescott. After dividing the loot, the outlaws split up. To offset their losses, they turned to robbing stages. Part of the confusion over who actually shot Bass stems from the fear of the Rangers and Round Rock citizens. Ifn you come across any of the real deal, youll give us a cut, right? KSAT reached out to the marketing team . Following a train robbery outside of Big Springs, Nebraska, Sam Bass and other outlaws got away with 3,000 twenty-dollar gold pieces, along with jewelry and moneytaken from the passengers. Sam Bass Treasure Following a train robbery outside of Big Springs, Nebraska, Sam Bass and other outlaws got away with 3,000 twenty-dollar gold pieces, along with jewelry and money taken from the passengers. Through patronizing saloons, Sam met Joel Collins in San Antonio and the two men decided to run a herd of cattle up north. Another legend speculates that Bass held on to his gold until he headed to Round Rock to rob the bank, hiding the gold in a cave west of Prairie Dell near Big Blue Spring for safekeeping during the robbery (Amazing Story). In a desperate attempt to flush the gang out, the Rangers conducted a sweep of all residents suspected of harboring the bandits. Sam gave him all of his money, guns, ammunition and his big bay horse, which was superior to Franks. University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas: 1965. He ran to the street, his face still lathered, and for a time, single-handedly fought the fleeing bandits (When Sam Bass). ), and other accounts say that he became a prosperous West Texas rancher (Round Rock Remembers). How could he have spent $10,000 in less than four months? It is entirely likely that there were several treasures, likely buried in several different areas. By the late 1870s Bass and his gang had both the Pinkerton Detectives and the Texas Rangers hot on his trail. Land of Good Water. Feb. 1989: 61. His money and good spirits attracted many people, some of whom would later become a part of the Sam Bass Gang when he took to robbing trains in Texas. Bass went to his hideout at Cove Hollow near Denton, Texas. No great effort was made to pursue the fleeing bandits due to the fear that Bass was supported by an army of outlaws who would seize on any pursuers. Mary Claire Patton has been a journalist with KSAT 12 since 2015. The stolen bounty was part of the Mexican payroll in 1836 and its allegedly buried 5 feet deep, near an oak tree with a carving of two eagle wings on it, according to TexasHillCountry.com. Together they made their escape from the firing citizens and Rangers (Ibid.). Another version of the story says the gold still lies hidden somewhere in the mountain. He was then shot in the chest, the bullet piercing his lung, and was forced to discontinue the chase (Webb Century of Frontier Defense 386). Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The following year, He killed himself by taking poison on June 7, 1879 (Ibid.). During the four months of the Bass War, the gang became the stuff of legend; they led the Rangers on long chases with narrow escapes. We appreciate your readership and knowledge, David. He had told his buddy to continue the retreat without him. If a man knows anything he ought to die with it in him, referring to his unwillingness to cooperate with the Rangers even though he knew that he was going to die. He soon formed a gang, robbed more stages and added to his caches. This scavenger hunt is full of fun prizes, twists, and turns that will take you all around the Denton square. If you are going after his loot be sure to be aware of the rules, regulations and laws of the state of Texas for treasure hunting and metal detecting. Simultaneously, Seaborn Barnes fell dead with a bullet wound to the head. In Denton, Sam was considered to be a hard worker and was known for his thriftiness. "Oil workers actually picked up readings that metal was to be found at the bottom of the lake. Amazing Story of Sam Bass And Hidden Treasure West of Prairie Dell Told in Detail. Temple News. Have you ever heard of Money Hill near South Padre Island? Your email address will not be published. It was at this position that he became acquainted with the country and learned all the trails, back roads and thickets that he would later use to elude the Texas Rangers (Webb Story of the Texas Rangers 104). Thats not the cave at Cove Hollow. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; The firing had also attracted the attention of Major Jones, who was at the International and Great Northern Telegraph Office at the time of the initial shooting. Grimes never even had the opportunity to draw his gun; six bullet holes were found in his dead body (DiGesualdo and Thompson 113). Legendary outlaw Sam Bass is said to have buried his bounty from stagecoach, train and bank robberies near Round Rock. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Another pair, composed of James Berry and Nixon, was split up and Berry was captured; Nixon, it is assumed, escaped with his share to Canada. Read the full story of Money Hill on LegendsOfAmerica.com. As weve previously written, the Texas outlaw Sam Bass got his start in Denton as a stable boy and hired hand when he arrived in 1870, but quickly achieved notoriety racing his famously fast Denton Mare around the territories. Additional information about the apprehension of Sam Bass is provided in the brochure Sam Bass and the Great Round Rock Shootout of July 19, 1878 originally produced by the Chamber of Commerce and distributed at the annual shootout reenactment during Frontier Days. Dentons second courthouse, rebuilt in 1876 after the first was allegedly burned to the ground by Sam Bass neer-do-well pal Henry Underwood. Greed set in, however. Whatever the reason, the Sam Bass Gang stood up the Texas Central train at Allen Station on February 22, 1878. Read on to get started One of our favorite local legends is the story of Dentons Robinhood Sam Bass and the infamous fate of his boyhood pardna,Judas Jim Murphy. Some say the treasure was found by a Mexican laborer, hired by a local rancher to cut fence posts on Packsaddle Mountain. The hunt revolves aroundlocal trivia about Denton's most notorious outlaw, Sam Bass. Reed, Paula and Grover Ted Tate. The third pair, Sam and Jack Davis, rode south in a one horse buggy their share of the haul stowed under the seat. Some have speculated that Murphy did not really kill himself but was in fact killed by Jackson, but the truth will never be known (Centennial Commission). The outlaw Sam Bass was born in Indiana in 1851. Or email jackdennistexas@yahoo.com with your name (pin name, handle, alter ego) with Subscribe in the Reference Title. Sam and one of his gang members were able to flee on horseback. Some believe he buried his treasure at Cove Hollow, although others believe he just as easily could have spent the money. He also found work as a freighter where he ended up falling in with the wrong crowd and by 1877 he found himself involved with one of the biggest train robberies in railroading history. Plus other artifacts. Good luck with your hunt! Williamson County Sun Publishers, Georgetown, Texas: 1973. As the bandits were fleeing through Old Town, Frank, concerned about gunfire, had the presence of mind to warn a little girl who was playing in a tree to get in the house (Reed and Tate 221). Thank you for your patience. He then returned to where he now was and was eventually given some water by an old man (Scarbrough 296-298). He and his siblings went to live with their uncle and his nine children, where they received no formal schooling. Sam traveled down the Mississippi, to Rosedale, Mississippi, where he worked for a year in Charles Mill. But theres some pretty darn convincing evidence that Sams loot, if there was any left, is somewhere around Denton! amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Some say Texas Ranger George Herold shot him. One of Round Rocks major streets bears his name as do several businesses. SAM BASS On Friday, February 22, 1878, possibly the first train robbery in Texas occurred in Allen. Sam clasped onto his saddle horn but was unable to stay on his horse and fell to the ground. Glenmoril Wyrd Treasure Map: Eastmarch. Nathan Smith thinks hes found a sunken ship just north of Corpus Christi, according to OnlyInYourState.com. Born on a farm two miles from Mitchell, Indiana on July 21, 1851, he was soon orphaned and he and his brother and sisters moved to a nearby farm to live with their uncle and his nine children. Nonetheless, the previous successes of the gang and the hype surrounding them led people to fear that the gang was a great force that would pose a significant threat to any pursuers (England). #1 in our Accounts of the Old West series. I have found a cave that belonged to Sam Bass and Jessie James, cole younger and others, I have not opended it yet, working on search and salvage agrement, I need a partner with funds to help me open this cave, this cave is located in Ceder Hill Tx. In December of 1875, Sam met Joel Collins in San Antonio. The doctors who examined Sam noted that the bullet had hit a cartridge in his belt and then split in two, part entering his back and passing out near his groin, the other part lodging in his body. The conquistadors are said to have filled in the mine so nobody else could discover the hoard. Every time I try to break that rock I have to recharge my stamina, but the rock is restored to full when I leave the menu. In 1878, Sam Bass and his gang held up several more trains, which caused the people of North Texas to worry and call for action. Its speculated that he likely did not burn through his money so quickly, but rather he likely enjoyed the sport of thievery. A map was found that were said to lead to the alleged treasure. I received a letter from Sam that she had a treasure map - said it could be a prank. They send a probe down and it hit metal just before a giant storm hit, destroying the raft and any other evidence, according to OnlyInYourState.com. As a child, Sam received no formal schooling and he chose to strike out on his own in 1869. The bandits divided the gold coins six ways and then in pairs split up, each pair heading in a different direction. Little Cypress Creek Treasure. In association with Jack Davis and another man known as Nixon, they held up seven stages over the next few months (Ibid. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by. This holdup netted the gang $1,300 and on March 18th they again held up the Texas Central, this time at Hutchins. A few Dentonites claimed Sam had left his treasure somewhere on the Denton Square with a trusted confederate, who took its secret location to their grave before Frank returned. Together they decided to run a herd of cattle to the northern markets. Paris Permenter and John Bigley, submitted 2006. Odd thing is, after returning to Denton and living high on the hog for awhile, the Sam Bass Gang soon returned to banditry until the railroad-hired Pinkerton Detectives and the Texas Rangers turned him into Texas Public Enemy #1 with a bounty on his head. During the gun fight it has been said that there were two men firing at the gang as they attempted to flee. Citizens were deeply concerned about the presence of gangs of bandits in the state and the demand for law and order was sounded. Which has led many to come to wonder if perhaps they simply cut down the wrong tree. 34). The remaining outlaw returned to Mexico, then found he was unable to come to Texas again. His face glistening with the sheen of sweat, he works faster and faster, listening all the while for distant hoofbeats. The Tenderfoot Bandits. The treasure has never been recovered and is said to be in a hollow tree. Several witnesses said Bass, even as he lay dying, said the man who shot him had shaving lather on his face. Texas is estimated to have $340 million in buried treasure, more than any other state . In July, Sam and his gang made it down to Round Rock, just north of Austin. Heck, we honestly dont know, but hunting for secret treasure sure can be fun! Though no one has ever confirmed them or announced a discovery of any gold tied to Bass. One of Sam Bass hideout caves near Pilot Knob, amongst hundreds of purported spots scoured for hidden gold. Several deputies were shot as well. During the night, Sam mentioned that he had become extremely thirsty and had walked to Mr. Shermans house in an attempt to get water; his bloody appearance, however, had frightened the family away. Where there had once been a metal containerand possibly a treasurethere was only a rust-lined hole. 373). All rights reserved. 417 9.7K views 1 year ago Secret map to the famous outlaw Sam Bass hideout and treasure. You are using an out of date browser. Sam Bass, an orphan from a young age, brought up a working man who earned success his way in horse racing, then tasted bitter failure and humiliation and probably a ton of self doubt because none . Bass died from his wounds later on his birthday, July 21, 1878 at the age of 27, thus making him one of the original members of the 27 Club. This is reputed to be Bass's Cove Hollow in Denton, TX Some say that Bass hid a cache of gold in East Mountain in Mineral Wells, while others think that the gold was hidden in a remote cave near Big Blue Spring for safekeeping during the bank robbery that was supposed to take place in Round Rock. Allegedly, the robber hid canvas sacks marked U.S. and filled with gold in a cave on Packsaddle Mountain. A few of the men were later captured or killed. If you are seeking to metal detect or dig on someones private land, be sure that you always request permission from the land owners themselves. Sam was brought to a small shack for questioning, but he did not divulge any information about the members of his gang. Major Jones was surprised to hear that the gang was moving so far south; he immediately directed Rangers Dick Ware, Chris Conner and George Harold to proceed to Round Rock and be on the lookout for any members of the Bass Gang. All the rancher found was a cave, and a piece of canvas sack with U.S. imprinted on it. As the bandits crossed over to Kopperals store, they were also observed by Morris Moore, a Travis County deputy sheriff, and Deputy Sheriff Grimes of Williamson County. However, Frank did not abandon his friend but camped nearby him (Reed and Tate 222). It's how we do our books. Others say it was Private Dick Ware. The next year, Sam met a teamster named Scott Mayes and the two headed to Denton, Texas, about 30 miles north of Dallas. They give me a little kickback to help support my channel plus the Kellyco girls really know the different detectors and how to use them. Learn how your comment data is processed. Moving west to Llano, were once again on the trail of Sam Bass. It may not display this or other websites correctly. He was buried in the cemetery at Old Round Rock. Basss code of ethics was summed up by his statement: it is agin my profession to blow on my pals. Writers Kevin Burns (developed for television by) Mark D'Anna Joe Lessard Stars Matty Blake In 1925, W.E. They are stored locally on your computer or mobile device. Your email address will not be published. For several months, there were moviesque chases with the bandits narrowly escaping the Rangers grasp. The basic storyline remains; the differing accounts are offered to allow the reader to appreciate the full extent of the legends and lore that have grown up around Sam Bass. The men divided the gold up equally between themselves and left the scene in pairs, each pair traveling in a different direction. The first clash of the Bass War occurred on April 29 at Cove Hollow. Llano County is home to other buried treasure sites, including $60,000 in gold and silver coins buried by Sam Bass near the community of Castell in the western part of the county. Doc has written about numerous local places and personalities at his Denton Haunts blog, and is forever indebted to the great work of the fine folks with the Denton County Department of History & Culture as well as our local keepers of history like Mike Cochran and Laura Douglas at the Emily Fowler Library for their tireless work in helping preserve Dentons intriguing past. Jim Murphy, who had stayed behind in Old Town during the shootout, reported that he saw Sam and Frank come up the street on their way to their camp, which was near the Round Rock Cemetery. Thank you very much and God BlessAmerica, Jack & Dodie Dennis, Click Here For Top 10 Most Popular Articles. Think you can find some of the legendary hidden booty? One of the most common tales is of a loot hid in an old tree by the outlaw. Several treasures, likely buried in Texas occurred in Allen chases with the sheen of sweat, works. 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