Treasure Tales and Treasure Stories About Montana from the Archives of Lost Treasure Magazine

The Gold Vein at Deer Lodge

Because of the large amounts of gold that have already been found (geologists say there is more) and because more sapphires and other fine gems have been found within its borders than in any other state in the Union, Montana has the well deserved nickname of "the Treasure State." The treasure hunter who researches Montana history will find more leads to possible buried treasure and caches than he will ever be able to investigate.

Somewhere east of Deer Lodge there is almost certainly a rich gold vein waiting to be relocated.

In the early spring of 1873 an old prospector, Tom Springer, wandered into the Deer Lodge area in quest of his fortune. Several weeks later he again appeared in Deer Lodge, but this time he was carrying several rich specimens of gold-bearing quartz. From these he pounded out enough free gold for a month's spree of whiskey and women. When the old man sobered up, he approached Samuel Scott, who owned the Scott Hotel, and asked for a grubstake. The old prospector explained to Scott that he had found a very rich gold vein in the mountains east of Deer Lodge. Scott agreed to loan the prospector enough for a grubstake.

Several weeks later the old prospector again appeared in Deer Lodge with rich gold-bearing quartz. Scott did his very best to find out where the obviously rich glory hole was located. For the next several months the prospector was seen leaving Deer Lodge, trudging eastward into the nearby Rocky Mountains. Each time he returned with just enough gold to take him on a month long binge. Several attempts were made to follow him into the mountains but the wily old man was always able to lose his persistent followers.

One day Scott realized that he had not seen the old prospector for quite some time and he set out to search for him. Traveling eastward, he followed Bagg's Creek to where it merged with Cottonwood Creek. He continued east to the peak of a large mountain overlooking the mining town of Emery. Starting down the far side of the mountain, he suddenly came upon the old prospector.

When he called out to the old man, there was no response. Walking over to Springer, Scott tapped him on the shoulder. Springer slowly slumped to the ground. He was stone dead, the victim of a fatal heart attack. His pockets were bulging with samples of rich gold-bearing quartz. Although several searches have been made for this lost lode, it has not been found.