Digest

This podcast delves into the unsolved murders of Peter Lassen and Edward Clapper, two pioneer explorers who were killed in 1859 in Black Rock Canyon, Nevada. The episode begins by introducing the case and the significance of the murders, which were memorialized in the landscape of the Western United States. The discovery of the murders by FN Spalding at a ranch near Susanville, California, is detailed, along with the account of Limericus Wyatt, a survivor who claims a Pyute man was responsible. The episode then explores the investigation, which initially focused on Native American involvement due to the historical context of conflict between white settlers and Native Americans in the region. However, doubts arise about Limericus Wyatt's story, and Major Frederick Dodge, a Carson City investigator, begins to suspect that white men were responsible. Evidence against Native American involvement is presented, including the undisturbed campsite and untouched supplies, suggesting a motive beyond robbery. The episode then examines Peter Lassen's relationships with different Native American tribes, highlighting his friendly ties with the Paiute tribe and his history of conflict with the Pit River tribe. It also explores Peter Lassen's life and legacy, including his skills as a carpenter, blacksmith, and pioneer, as well as his business failures and his knowledge of a valuable silver mine in Black Rock Canyon. The episode further investigates the exhumation of Peter Lassen's remains by Freemasons in 1859, revealing that they may have unearthed the remains of another man. Inconsistencies in Limericus Wyatt's story are examined, raising questions about his credibility. The possibility that Peter Lassen's map, which allegedly charted the location of a valuable silver mine, was the motive for his murder is explored, along with other possible motives, such as the anger of the other prospecting group. The episode concludes with the discovery of human bones in Black Rock Desert in 1990, initially believed to belong to Peter Lassen but later determined to be the remains of Edward Clapper. The difficulty in identifying Edward Clapper's remains due to the lack of information about him at the time of his death is discussed, and facial reconstruction technology rules out Peter Lassen as the owner of the bones. Edward Clapper's remains are formally declared to be his and are buried next to Peter Lassen's monument near Susanville. The episode ends with a reflection on Peter Lassen's life and legacy, highlighting his intelligence, kindness, and adventurous spirit.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Mystery of Peter Lassen and Edward Clapper

This episode explores the unsolved murders of Peter Lassen and Edward Clapper, two pioneer explorers who were killed in 1859 in Black Rock Canyon, Nevada. The episode examines conflicting accounts, evidence, and motives to uncover the truth behind this historical mystery.

00:01:51

The Investigation and Suspects

The episode details the discovery of the murders and the investigation that followed. It explores the conflicting accounts of Limericus Wyatt, a survivor who claimed a Pyute man was responsible, and Major Frederick Dodge, a Carson City investigator, who suspected white men were involved.

00:16:42

Peter Lassen's Life and Legacy

The episode provides details about Peter Lassen's life, highlighting his skills as a carpenter, blacksmith, and pioneer. It explores his relationships with Native American tribes, his business failures, and his knowledge of a valuable silver mine in Black Rock Canyon. The episode also discusses the exhumation of his remains and the discovery of Edward Clapper's remains in 1990.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main mystery surrounding the murders of Peter Lassen and Edward Clapper?

  The main mystery is the identity of the killer or killers. While Limericus Wyatt claimed a Pyute man was responsible, evidence suggests that white men may have been involved. The lack of definitive evidence and conflicting accounts have left the case unsolved.

• What role did Peter Lassen's relationship with Native American tribes play in the investigation?

  Peter Lassen's friendly relationship with the Paiute tribe made them unlikely suspects. However, his history of conflict with the Pit River tribe made them a potential target for revenge. This complex relationship added another layer to the investigation.

• What evidence suggests that the murders may have been motivated by something other than robbery?

  The fact that the campsite was left undisturbed, with supplies remaining untouched, suggests that the perpetrators were not motivated by robbery. This points to a different motive, such as the theft of Peter Lassen's map or a personal vendetta.

• What is the significance of the discovery of bones in Black Rock Desert in 1990?

  The discovery of bones in Black Rock Desert in 1990 initially led to speculation that they belonged to Peter Lassen. However, they were later determined to be the remains of Edward Clapper, providing closure for his family and adding another layer to the complex history of the case.

Show Notes