Robert Fuller's Search for Vasquez Treasure: An Untold Story of Lost Treasures in California
Tiburcio Vasquez, born in 1835 in Monterey, became one of California's most notorious bandits, believed to have hidden vast treasures across the state of California. His criminal activities climaxed with the violent Tres Piños incident of 1873, resulting in his capture and subsequent execution in 1875, leaving behind tales of buried gold that captivate treasure hunters to this day. This fascination with Vasquez's supposed hidden treasures forms a unique chapter in the chronicles of lost treasures in California, stirring the curiosity of adventurers and historians alike.
Among those captivated by the allure of finding Vasquez's treasure was Robert Merton Fuller, a Los Angeles machinist, who in the 1950s poured his resources and zeal into unearthing the treasure allegedly buried in the Santa Susana mountains. Fuller's tragic end in July 1954, found dead at the bottom of a 40-foot shaft, only deepened the mystery and speculation surrounding the treasure's existence. Whether Fuller met his demise finding the treasure, fell victim to foul play, or succumbed to natural causes remains a subject of debate, enriching the lore of California's gold and treasure pursuits.
The Legend of Tiburcio Vasquez
Tiburcio Vasquez, born in 1835 in Monterey, California, emerged as one of the most notorious bandits of the 19th century, his life woven deeply into the fabric of California's history. His criminal activities spanned over two decades, marking him as a significant figure in the annals of American outlaws. Vasquez was not only infamous for his numerous robberies but also for his charismatic persona, being well-regarded for his musical talents and good looks.
Early Life and Criminal Beginnings
Family Background and Early Skills: Vasquez was born into a moderately well-off family, descendants of the pioneers who settled in California with the De Anza Expedition of 1776. From a young age, he exhibited exceptional skills in marksmanship and horsemanship, which later played crucial roles in his criminal exploits.
Commencement of Criminal Career: His journey into outlawry began in his twenties, initially involving in minor thefts and gradually escalating to more significant robberies. His criminal activities included robbing stages, wagons, and stores throughout California, significantly impacting the southern regions.
Notable Heists and Hideouts
The Tres Piños Incident: One of Vasquez's most infamous acts was the 1873 raid at Tres Piños, where his gang killed three people. This event dramatically heightened his notoriety and led to intense law enforcement pursuits. Despite his general avoidance of killing, this incident tarnished his reputation and was pivotal in his eventual capture.
Strategic Hideouts: Vasquez cleverly utilized various locations across California as hideouts. Places like Vasquez Rocks, named after him, served as strategic points for evading capture. These locations are now enveloped in legends of hidden treasures, purportedly buried by Vasquez and his gang during their numerous escapades.
Capture and Legacy
Betrayal and Capture: His capture was precipitated by a personal scandal involving the seduction of his niece, leading to betrayal by a family member who informed the authorities. This event led to his arrest and subsequent trial for murder.
Execution and Mythos: Vasquez was hanged in 1875, but his legend persists, primarily due to the tales of hidden treasures and his portrayal as a 'Robin Hood' figure, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. His life continues to fascinate historians and treasure hunters alike, contributing to the mystique surrounding lost treasures in California.
Robert Fuller's Quest
Initial Obsession and Efforts
Beginnings of the Quest: Robert Fuller, a machinist from Los Angeles, was captivated by the legend of Tiburcio Vasquez, particularly a tale involving a stagecoach robbery in Southern California. Believing that Vasquez had hidden the stolen loot in the mountains near Santa Susana, Fuller embarked on his treasure hunt in the 1950s, fueled by stories and dubious maps 1.
Investment and Sacrifice: Driven by his fascination, Fuller invested all his savings into the search. He spent countless hours digging in a specific spot, guided by legend and his intuition, hoping to uncover the hidden treasures.
Tragic Discovery and Speculations
Mysterious Death: On July 7, 1954, the quest came to a tragic end when Fuller was found dead at the bottom of a 40-foot shaft he had excavated. The circumstances surrounding his death were unclear, leading to various speculations.
Conspiracy Theories: Following the discovery of Fuller's body and the absence of any treasure in the dug-out shaft, theories emerged. Some speculated that Fuller might have actually found the treasure but was murdered for it, while others believed that the treasure never existed at all.
Fuller's Legacy and Theories
Continued Fascination: Despite his untimely death, Fuller's quest added a layer to the legend of lost treasures in California. His dedication and the mysterious circumstances of his death continue to intrigue and inspire modern treasure hunters.
Skeptical Views: Many remain skeptical about the existence of the treasure, attributing Fuller's death to natural causes like heat exhaustion or a fall, rather than foul play.
The Search for the Treasure
Fuller’s Final Dig and Legendary Markers
Robert Merton Fuller's relentless pursuit led him to a significant spot he believed was marked by one of the legendary signs, known as 'Elizabeth's head'. This marker was found near the fatal 55-foot hole, part of a series of excavations he named 'Vasquez Rocks'. Fuller's tragic end at this location deepened the mystery and allure of the Vasquez treasure, fueling further speculation and interest in the treasure's existence.
