The Lost Rhoades Mine is a 19th-century Utah folklore legend regarding a secret, incredibly rich gold deposit in the Uinta Mountains, reportedly shown to Mormon pioneer Thomas Rhoades by Ute Chief Washakie. Rhoades and his son, Caleb, supposedly retrieved gold to help finance the LDS Church.
Key Aspects of the Legend:
- Source of Gold: The gold was said to come from abandoned Spanish mines.
- The Rhoades Family: Thomas Rhoades and his son Caleb were the only ones who knew the location, frequently traveling to the Uintas to retrieve it.
- Significance: The gold was allegedly used for church projects, including the Salt Lake Temple.
- The “Lost” Aspect: Caleb Rhoades reportedly died without revealing the precise location, fueling 100+ years of unsuccessful treasure hunting in the Uinta Mountains.
- Location: While believed to be in the Uintas, many searchers also focused on the Kamas Valley area.
Despite numerous expeditions, the mine has never been officially rediscovered, making it a prominent part of Utah’s pioneer and mining folklore.
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