Season: 1 \ Episode: 4
Join us as we explore the mysterious legend of Sublett's Lost Gold. Hidden deep within the rugged Guadalupe Mountains, this elusive treasure has captivated the imaginations of treasure hunters and adventurers for over a century. Discover the intriguing story of Will Sublett, a Texas Pacific Railroad scout who veered off his path in search of untold riches, and his relentless quest that spanned decades. From Apache legends to modern-day explorers, this episode unravels the tantalizing mystery of the hidden gold and the enduring legacy it has left behind. Tune in for a tale of adventure, danger, and the undying allure of buried treasure that continues to spark intrigue and curiosity today.
William Caldwell Sublett, drawing from a miniature photo; Permian Basin Geneological Society..
Cold Open: Ben Sublett and his son Rolth track a bear through the Guadalupe Mountains. They lose their water and, suffering from dehydration, discover a pool containing gold nuggets. But they aren't the only ones in the canyon that day...
Chapter 1: The Scout and the Mountains
Will Sublett's early life and career as a scout for the Texas Pacific Railroad.
The beginning of his treasure hunt in the Guadalupe Mountains.
Introduction of his son, Rolth, and their journey together.
Chapter 2: Legends and Lost Mines
Exploration of Apache legends and other historical accounts of hidden treasures in the Guadalupe Mountains.
Stories of other treasure hunters and their encounters with potential gold sites.
Geologists' perspectives on the possibility of gold in the region.
Chapter 3: The First Discovery
Will and Rolth's expedition to Pine Springs and their discovery of gold.
The challenges and dangers they faced, including dehydration and encounters with other prospectors.
The mysterious gunshots and their hasty retreat.
Chapter 4: Life After the Find
Will's return to Colorado City with gold and his subsequent activities.
Attempts to convert gold to currency and encounters with skeptics and conspirators.
Will's frugality and his refusal to reveal the mine's location to anyone, including his children.
Chapter 5: The Legacy of the Lost Mine
Will's move back to Granbury and subsequent return to the West.
His interactions with other settlers and his ultimate decision to keep the mine's location a secret.
Will's final journey and his death in Barstow.
Chapter 6: Rolth's Obsession
Rolth's lifelong quest to rediscover his father's mine.
Various accounts and conflicting stories about the mine's location.
Encounters with other treasure hunters and prospectors.
Chapter 7: Theories and Modern Explorations
Exploration of various theories and modern attempts to find the lost mine.
Stories of Lucius "Frenchy" Arthur and other notable treasure hunters.
The involvement of geologists and their findings.
Chapter 8: Tio Ben Wattson and Other Characters
The story of Tio Ben Wattson, a prospector with alleged divine dowsing abilities.
His claims of knowing the location of Sublett's mine and other hidden treasures.
Encounters with modern-day treasure seekers.
Chapter 9: The Mystery of Bill Sublett
The enigmatic figure of Bill Sublett and his rumored connection to the lost mine.
Rusty Russell's accounts and the mysterious disappearances of Bill Sublett.
Speculations about Bill Sublett's true identity.
Closing
Reflection on the enduring legend of Sublett's Lost Gold.
The impact of the legend on local culture and modern treasure hunters.
Thank you for tuning in to the WTX Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review.
Media:
The Guadalupe Mountains and Pine Spring Canyon with Guadalupe, Shumard, and Bartlett peaks right of center viewed from the Tejas Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas. Wikimedia Commons.
Purported photo of the Sublett mine printed in the Dell City Review in 1960. Pauline Sublett wrote a column for the paper telling many of Tio Ben's treasure hunting stories.
Chastain, E. S. Dell Valley Review (Dell City, Tex.), Vol. 5, No. 1, Ed. 1 Wednesday, August 31, 1960, newspaper, August 31, 1960; Dell City, Texas., University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .
Laura Sublett, drawing from a miniature photo; and Rolth Sublett in the 1950s. Permian Basin Geneological Society..
1888 Map of the Texas Pacific Railroad. Texas Tech Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library.
Reeves, Frank. [Photograph of Scene At El Capitan], photograph, Date Unknown; University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Cattle Raisers Museum.
Further Reading
Castle Gap and the Pecos Frontier, Revisited - Patrick Dearen, TCU Press, 1988
Coronado's Children - J. Frank Dobie, 1930
Credits:
Writer: Jody L. Slaughter
Producer: Jody L. Slaughter
Editor: Jody L. Slaughter
Engineer: Jody L. Slaughter
Music (in order of appearance):
It's All West Texas (WTX Theme Song) - Gentry Ford & the Homeless Lobos
Contact:
Email: lubbockistATgmail.com
Twitter: @Lubbockist
Listen on:
Thanks for listening, and so long...from West Texas.
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