Lost Bautista Mine:
Lost Bautista Mine: It was in the 1860’s that a wealthy Mexican land owner names Juan Bautista Alvarado traveled from California to re settle in the Gila River Valley. It is stated in many places that Juan was a very kind and generous man, giving all he could to anyone who was in need and in any circumstances. One local Apache band was quite common to be found on Juan Bautista’s land since both lands boarded one another’s. Juan Bautista Alvarado quickly befriended the local Apache band and their chief and they became close friends. Juan would help give the Apache medical aid, gun powder, food, presents to any Apache children who would bring in fodder for his horses. After a time, the Apache Chief decided to bring Juan a gift of his own. He rode up to Juan’s ranch with several warriors, women and children. The chief instructed one of the children to give their friend a gift, as he had done so often to them. The child handed Juan three pieces of rust quartz laced with rich gol...