The captivating legend of the Virginia Dale Treasure continues to intrigue historians and treasure hunters alike. In 1863, a significant U.S. Army payroll, consisting of $60,000 in ten and twenty-dollar gold coins (an amount equivalent to approximately $1 million today), was destined for Fort Sanders in Wyoming Territory. This substantial gold shipment, representing months of back pay for the soldiers, never reached its intended recipients due to a daring robbery near Virginia Dale Station.
About a mile from the historic Virginia Dale Station, near Long View Hill, a stagecoach traveling along the Overland Trail was ambushed by six masked outlaws. The gang swiftly took the strongbox from the stage and retreated west into the dense, wooded foothills. There, they forcibly blew the lock off the box, removed the gold coins, and meticulously buried the coveted Virginia Dale Treasure.
The Daring Overland Trail Robbery and Its Aftermath
The bandits, however, were unable to enjoy their ill-gotten gains for long. Before they could spend their newfound wealth, they were relentlessly pursued and ultimately killed by the U.S. Cavalry. The Cavalry’s subsequent search led them to find the iron strongbox in a nearby creek. It was severely damaged, with its sides and bottom missing, riddled with bullet holes – and, as expected, completely empty. The location of the buried gold coins remained a mystery.
The Overland Trail stage line was a frequent target for outlaws, and the surrounding rugged terrain provided numerous opportunistic hideouts. One such notorious sanctuary, dubbed the Robbers Roost, was located atop Table Mountain. This hideout was so frequently used that the outlaws even constructed a cabin there. Table Mountain, situated only about a mile northeast of the Virginia Dale Stage Station, offered an ideal refuge due to its challenging ascent, characterized by practically perpendicular cliffs and a treacherous rim of shale.
Joseph “Jack” Slade: A Notorious Figure Linked to the Theft
At the time of the robbery, rumors circulated that Joseph “Jack” Slade, a former Station Master, was the mastermind behind the gang. While not as universally famous as some other outlaw figures of the Old West, Jack Slade was nonetheless incredibly notorious. He was known for his uncontrollable temper, heavy drinking, and a past marred by acts of murder. His alleged connection to the Virginia Dale Treasure only added to his dark legend.
Jack Slade eventually relocated to Virginia City, Montana. His notorious behavior persisted; soon after his arrival, he caused extensive damage to a saloon. Following his arrest, Slade defiantly tore up the arrest warrant and threatened the judge. Despite pleading for his life, he was immediately hanged, bringing an end to his turbulent existence.
Virginia Dale, who was either his girlfriend or common-law wife, was brought to town by one of Slade’s friends. She took his body home, remarkably pickling it in alcohol within a metal casket, and kept it under her bed for several months. Later, she transported his remains to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he was finally interred in the old Mormon Cemetery, his final resting place to this day.
Virginia Dale Today: A Ghost Town Preserving History
Despite the passage of time, the gold taken by the robbers at Virginia Dale has never been recovered, solidifying its place as a true lost treasure legend. Today, Virginia Dale exists as a compelling ghost town situated in the northern part of Larimer County, Colorado. It lies approximately 45 miles northwest of Fort Collins and just about four miles south of the Wyoming border, accessible via U.S. Highway 287.
The original Overland Trail Stage Station is now proudly listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Significant efforts have recently been undertaken to preserve this important historical landmark. The stage station can be found at the very end of County Road 43F, about one mile east of US 287. A monument dedicated to the station marks the beginning of C.R. 43F. Visitors can follow this county road through a narrow gorge beneath Lover’s Leap, past a ranch, which leads directly to the station. While the station itself is located on private property, the access road is public. If you plan to visit, you are welcome to take pictures of the grounds and the exterior of the building, but please respect the private property boundaries and do not trespass.
The Enduring Mystery of the Lost Gold
The story of the Virginia Dale Treasure serves as a vivid reminder of the lawless era of the American West. The unrecovered gold continues to fuel speculation and dreams of discovery, adding a layer of enduring mystery to this historic site. The legacy of the Overland Trail, the daring bandits, and the enigmatic Jack Slade are all interwoven with the untold secrets of this lost fortune, making Virginia Dale a fascinating destination for those interested in history and legend.
