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 pro...