Lost Mormon Treasure: Fact or Fiction in California’s Past?

The Enduring Myth of a Lost Mormon Wagon Train Treasure

A long-standing myth about a lost Mormon wagon train treasure continues to captivate treasure hunters and history enthusiasts. The tale blends real events from the 1850s with fictional twists, often resurfacing in books, online forums, and local legends. At its core, the story ties into the turbulent period of the Utah War and the controversial leadership of Brigham Young.

The myth begins in 1856, when Brigham Young allegedly ordered the Mormon Church to liquidate much of its wealth. According to the story, the funds were hidden in a cave somewhere between Pioche and Ely, Nevada. Amasa Lyman, a Mormon apostle, was said to have sold some of the church’s assets, stashed the rest, and planned to transport the remaining treasure to San Bernardino, California, before moving it abroad.

Later, the legend claims, a caravan of 22 Mormon wagons guarded by armed soldiers set out to relocate the treasure. The group reportedly ran out of water in Red Rock Canyon and came under attack by Paiute Indians. This part of the myth bears a striking resemblance to the real Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857, where Mormon settlers, not Paiutes, killed around 120 migrants travelling to California. John D. Lee, a Mormon leader, was later executed for his role in the massacre.

No primary sources confirm the treasure’s existence or its supposed journey to California. Yet, many believe the lost fortune remains buried or scattered in Red Rock Canyon. The area still attracts treasure hunters searching for hidden caches.

Brigham Young’s attempt to cover up the Mountain Meadows Massacre adds another layer to the myth. In his 1858 report, he blamed the Paiutes entirely, omitting the involvement of Mormon settlers. This deception fuels speculation about other secrets the church might have concealed.

The lost Mormon treasure remains a mix of unverified claims and historical echoes. While no evidence supports the story of hidden gold or the doomed wagon train, the legend persists. Treasure hunters continue to scour Red Rock Canyon, drawn by a tale that intertwines fact and fiction from a dark chapter in Mormon history.