Peralta massacre

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The Peralta massacre was the alleged mass slaughter of a Mexican family by Apaches in about 1848. It is generally featured as an element of the legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine.

There are many variations to the story, but it generally includes these details: During the 1840s, the Peralta family of northern Mexico supposedly developed rich gold mine(s) in the Superstition Mountains. In 1848, during a routine expedition to carry gold back to Mexico, the large party was ambushed by Apaches, and all were killed except for a few Peralta family members who escaped. According to the legend, the Apaches buried and hid the gold and covered up the mine.

However, according to historian Robert Blair, the Peralta Massacre never occured; see the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine for a more detailed explanation.