very good condition paperback
Authors: Rick Antonson, Mary Trainer, and Brian Antonson
Publisher: Heritage House Publishing
Subject: Explores the history and enduring local myth of Slumach, a Katzie First Nation man hanged for murder in British Columbia in 1891, and the legend of his hidden gold mine near Pitt Lake.
About the Book and Legend
The Story: It explores Canada's most famous lost-mine legend centered around Louis Slumach, a Katzie First Nation man who was hanged for murder in New Westminster in 1891.
The Legend: Rumors persisted that Slumach knew the location of a rich, hidden gold deposit in the rugged mountains around Pitt Lake in British Columbia and allegedly placed a curse on the cache.
The Authors: Written by Rick Antonson, Brian Antonson, and Mary Trainer, the book separates historical facts from over a century of folklore and treasure-hunting myth.
Louis Slumach (c. 1816–1891) was an elderly Katzie First Nations man whose life became the foundation for one of British Columbia's most enduring lost-treasure myths.
The history of his life breaks down into two distinct parts: the historical facts and the folklore.
The Historical Facts
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The Crime: Slumach first entered colonial historical records in September 1890. He shot and killed a man named Louis Bee at Addington Point along the Pitt River after a dispute. Reports from the time suggest the conflict may have involved a personal argument or liquor taunts rather than treasure. [1, 2]
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The Capture: He evaded police capture in the rugged wilderness for months. Colonial authorities eventually forced his surrender by burning down his cabin and destroying his winter supplies to starve him out.
- The Conviction: Slumach spoke no English and required a translator during his trial. He was swiftly convicted of murder and hanged on January 16, 1891, in New Westminster, BC, at roughly 75 years of age.
