The Arizona Lost Opata Silver Mine and the Princess That Was Sacrificed Inside

South of Tucson, Arizona lies the site of the "Lost Opata Silver Mine." The Catholic Church decided to actively convert Opata and Papago Indians in the 18th century. The Tumacacori Mission 45 miles south of Tucson was the conversion center. Then in 1766, religiosity morphed somewhat to mining a silver deposit.

Several mines in the area provided silver for the Spanish crown. One mine was a storage place for the silver, and in a giant room was stacked silver. This mine was the Indians' preferred mine to work.

Performing pagan rituals at night in this underground room by reflected candlelight, the Opata Indians believed they had encountered the Virgin Mary in the form of an Indian princess. The silver reflected the light in different ways by candle.  The Indians believed there was a second coming.

The princess was kidnapped - their knowledge of the holy family led them to making a bargain. I she would marry the chief to produce a child savior, she could live. Her refusal prompted them to think of an alternative punishment - sacrifice to the gods, would be a wise act.

On a holy day, a day off for the Indians, the Princess was bound to a pile of silver at the chamber's center. She was given an ultimatum. She would either marry the chief or die of poisoning. She refused the chief's entreaties and he cut her hands while rubbing in poison. When the sun rose, the Indian on-lookers began to dance and sing.

Hearing a commotion from the mine, a missionary investigated and found the princess dead, still tied to the mound of silver as the Indians danced around her. Disgusted by the failure of their teachings to civilize the Indians, the missionaries ordered the mine shut. The portal was filled with rock, and they left the princess and all of the silver inside.

To this day, the legend states that the bones of the princess and the silver are hidden near Tumacacori. According to Spanish records of the time, the Opata Mine is halfway between Guadalupe Mine and the Pure Conception Mine. It lies as an enticement to present-day searchers.

In 2006, all the silver produced in Arizona came as a byproduct of copper mining. Renewed mining is planned for the Tombstone district.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumacacori,_Arizona

The location of Tubac, AZ near the mission.

Also, read about another mission northwest of this location, about 33.1 miles, site of more silver mines.

San Xavier del Bac Mission and the Esmeralda Mine - Owlcation