The Old Spanish Treasure Cave in Sulpher Springs is a well known Arkansas attraction but even after all these years, it still contains an unsolved mystery. Rich in history, this spot has been favored by Native Americans, Conquistadors, and treasure hunters. Let’s learn a little history while we explore this fascinating cave.
You can tour the Old Spanish Treasure Cave at 14290 N Highway 59 Sulphur Springs, AR 72768.
The legend begins over 350 years ago.
Wikipedia Spanish Conquistadors discovered the Seven Cities of Cibola, which contained an unbelievable hoard of gold. Coronado, their leader, returned to Mexico empty-handed, but some believe that members of his group hid the gold in an Arkansas cave before being killed by Native American tribes in the area.
That same cave was rediscovered much later in 1885.
Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave An explorer from Madrid found the cave by two maps in the area, one on a rock and another on a tree.
Today the Old Spanish Treasure Cave is one of Arkansas’ largest show caves.
Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave But don’t let the touristy attraction deter you, parts of the cave are still being rediscovered.
The legend is exciting but the more recent discoveries are even more titillating.
Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave
Over the years, small treasures have been discovered.
Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave Artifacts like weapons and armor as well as gold pieces have been found in the cave.
The current owners have been excavating unexplored parts of the cave.
Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave In 2016, the couple found railroad tracks that were said to have been removed back in the early 1930s.
A blocked wall was part of the discoveries as well.
Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave After surveying and studying the area the wall has been carefully removed.
Deconstruction of the wall led to some interesting finds.
Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave A 100 year old whisky bottle was uncovered during the dig.
What was behind the wall was the most intriguing.
Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave The tunnel is thought to have been blocked off during the ’30s.
Unfortunately, cave explorations like this take time.
Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave The owners are continuing to follow the rails running through the tunnel.
Until more news released, we’ll just have to speculate what treasures will be uncovered next.
Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave For now we can channel our inner adventurer and take of a tour of the Old Spanish Treasure Cave.
To stay updated on the current expedition, you can visit the cave’s website. You can also follow their Facebook Page for current cave events like their movie night.
Wikipedia
Spanish Conquistadors discovered the Seven Cities of Cibola, which contained an unbelievable hoard of gold. Coronado, their leader, returned to Mexico empty-handed, but some believe that members of his group hid the gold in an Arkansas cave before being killed by Native American tribes in the area.
Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave
An explorer from Madrid found the cave by two maps in the area, one on a rock and another on a tree.
But don’t let the touristy attraction deter you, parts of the cave are still being rediscovered.
Artifacts like weapons and armor as well as gold pieces have been found in the cave.
In 2016, the couple found railroad tracks that were said to have been removed back in the early 1930s.
After surveying and studying the area the wall has been carefully removed.
A 100 year old whisky bottle was uncovered during the dig.
The tunnel is thought to have been blocked off during the ’30s.
The owners are continuing to follow the rails running through the tunnel.
For now we can channel our inner adventurer and take of a tour of the Old Spanish Treasure Cave.
Do you think the Conquistador’s treasure will finally be discovered? Have you toured the cave before? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
For some more fascinating history, look through these nifty old pictures of Arkansas’ schoolhouses during the early 1900s.
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