#apache junction

Apache Junction at dusk

Morning near the Superstition Mountains outside Apache Junction, Pinal County, Arizona.

Photo by: Kevin Antol

Apache Junction, Arizona

The Apache Indian tribes called this desolate, unforgiving landscape home and considered Superstition Mountain to be sacred ground as it was the home of their "Thunder God" ... The Apaches are not known for their stories about Superstition Mountain ... Few Apaches have actually ever entered the area ... It was the Yavapai that had villages within the area we call the Superstition Wilderness today ... It was the Yavapais that were pursued by the Army and had their camps destroyed in the area ... The Superstition Mountains are known for the "Lost Dutchman Gold Mine" superstition ... In 1864, the first mention of gold in the area was made ... Some say as many as 600 people have died searching for the gold, and many have gone missing ... Apache Junction ... Apache Junction Chamber of CommerceIn legend, according to local storytellers, the mountains are known as "Wee-kit-sour-ah" meaning "the rocks standing up" to the Apache ... It is said Superstition Mountain and all mountains are believed to be a kind of purgatory where all Apaches must pass before or after death ...

Source: bignaz8