I've done a little bit of research into this tale. I also hike the Wichita Mts. quite often. I consider it entirely possible for it to be true. There are many canyons, some small, some large, between Treasure Lake and Elk Mountain. But while the majority of sightings of this iron gate seem to be in this area, there are several reports that place the site near Mt. Pinchot, further north in the Wildlife Refuge. Also, I tend to discount the part of this legend that involves Belle Starr. I have been unable to find any historical records mentioning a train robbery anywhere in this area, and the nearest rail line at that time was an approx. distance of 6-13 miles away. I consider that to be quite a long way to drag a heavy iron gate or door, especially considering the extremely rugged terrain of the area. If this gate and hidden cache exists, which I believe it does, it would most probably be a cache of Spanish gold. There are records of the Spaniards mining this area. It is very possible they smelted the ore and cached it for later removal, but were unable to do so for one reason or another. I still keep a lookout for the Iron Gate! :)

• Re: Lost Cave with the Iron Door Charlie 17:28:12 11/06/98 (0)