Spanish hidden treasure in Douglas County

When my young granddaughter gave me a "big hug" and said "Thank you for my birthday present, Grandpa," she didn? realize it but was I who had received a gift.

1. According to an old legend, Spanish galleons heavy with Peruvian gold entered the Mississippi River in order to escape pursuing French warships. They chose to flee up the river because the deep-draught French vessels could not follow them. This occurred in about 1800.

Hearing of Ozark gold, the Spaniards, towing their vessels, continued northward up the Mississippi. They worked several Ozark mines and after the purchase of the Louisiana Territory they began preparations to return to Spain with both their Peruvian treasure and their Ozark gold. However, during the interim, their vessels had been destroyed by storms and hostile Indians.

The Spaniards, forced to abandon their treasure, are believed to have hidden it in an old mine, concealed the entrance and departed overland for the seacoast and Spain. But they never arrived in their homeland, suffering annihilating disease and battle casualties en route.

Recovery of the treasure, reportedly in the mine located about 40 miles southeast of Springfield in Douglas County has been hampered by nearby Beaver Creek, a stream which has since flooded the cave.