schieftain
Jr. Member
Sarge–
You still following this thread? I live about an hour south of the Dent's Run area, and we frequently camp and hike in the Hick's Run and Quehana areas. I've been doing some research into this legend, all online so far, and starting to contact some of the local historical/genealogical societies to see what original accounts I can turn up. My interest is not in finding the treasure, but in writing a short book about the legend. I've followed Mr. Parada's progress, and the things I've learned on this thread are really interesting. Sounds like you've made some valuable contacts, and turned up a lot of clues. I'm hoping to get up to the Bell Draft Trail soon, maybe this weekend and do some scouting around to see what the ambush area looks like. I did have a few questions I'd like to ask if you'll permit me.
From what I've read, it sounds like the Bell Draft Trail starts at the sharp bend at the north-most point of the BD road. I have a topo map, and State Forest map, but there is no trail indicated. I'm assuming the trail follows the stream uphill? Can you give me some idea how far up the trail it is to the logging camp/ambush site? Are they one in the same? Also wondering about the wagons. How far from this site were they found? From what I've read, they were up on the ridge, I'm guessing north/north-east of the ambush site? I read that the county survey crew found the skeletons near a spring on the headwaters of Bell Draft. But that seems north-west of where I'm guessing the ambush site was? (Assuming this was somewhere near where the county line intersects Bell Draft Hollow. Are the skeletons site and ambush site the same location? I'm fuzzy on that detail.
Supposedly the Pinkertons found two bars under a pine stump, has anyone learned where this was?
Any info you would be willing to share I would appreciate. Also, if you can suggest any historical source material worth reading that would be great. There are a few county histories I'm trying to get my hands on, but knowing which ones are really worth the effort would be helpful.
You still following this thread? I live about an hour south of the Dent's Run area, and we frequently camp and hike in the Hick's Run and Quehana areas. I've been doing some research into this legend, all online so far, and starting to contact some of the local historical/genealogical societies to see what original accounts I can turn up. My interest is not in finding the treasure, but in writing a short book about the legend. I've followed Mr. Parada's progress, and the things I've learned on this thread are really interesting. Sounds like you've made some valuable contacts, and turned up a lot of clues. I'm hoping to get up to the Bell Draft Trail soon, maybe this weekend and do some scouting around to see what the ambush area looks like. I did have a few questions I'd like to ask if you'll permit me.
From what I've read, it sounds like the Bell Draft Trail starts at the sharp bend at the north-most point of the BD road. I have a topo map, and State Forest map, but there is no trail indicated. I'm assuming the trail follows the stream uphill? Can you give me some idea how far up the trail it is to the logging camp/ambush site? Are they one in the same? Also wondering about the wagons. How far from this site were they found? From what I've read, they were up on the ridge, I'm guessing north/north-east of the ambush site? I read that the county survey crew found the skeletons near a spring on the headwaters of Bell Draft. But that seems north-west of where I'm guessing the ambush site was? (Assuming this was somewhere near where the county line intersects Bell Draft Hollow. Are the skeletons site and ambush site the same location? I'm fuzzy on that detail.
Supposedly the Pinkertons found two bars under a pine stump, has anyone learned where this was?
Any info you would be willing to share I would appreciate. Also, if you can suggest any historical source material worth reading that would be great. There are a few county histories I'm trying to get my hands on, but knowing which ones are really worth the effort would be helpful.