Colorado Gold | The Lone Ranger (12-05-52)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Colorado Gold | The Lone Ranger (Old Time Radio Westerns, 01/01/2026)

Episode Overview

In this classic episode, Colorado Gold from "The Lone Ranger" (originally aired 12-05-1952), host Andrew Rhynes transports listeners into a newly restored version of the iconic Western radio drama. The episode revolves around a search to recover $1 million in lost Confederate gold hidden during the Civil War, featuring themes of adventure, bravery, and the ever-mysterious Lone Ranger. Through ambushes, daring rescues, and a climactic showdown in Red Rock Canyon, the story spotlights the frontier spirit, loyalty, and a quest for justice in the untamed West.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. The Lost Boonville Gold (02:44–04:30)

• John Bledsoe, a white-haired Civil War veteran, recounts to his son Jim the tale of “Boonville gold,” hidden decades prior to keep it from Union forces.
  • The gold, meant to support the Confederacy, was hidden in a sealed cave after an Indian attack killed all but one in the escort—John himself.
  • Quote:

    “All but one man. He was badly wounded. I was that man.” — John Bledsoe (03:40)

• John tasks Jim Bledsoe with heading West to retrieve the gold and return it to its rightful owners, entrusting him with a hand-drawn map and instructions to contact the Lone Ranger.

2. The Lone Ranger Mobilizes (04:30–05:42)

• The Lone Ranger and his trusted friend Tonto receive a telegram about Jim’s mission and agree to intercept him at Red Rock Canyon.
• Tonto acknowledges the importance of the gold’s recovery for the struggling town of Boonville post-war.

3. Villainous Schemes Unfold (05:43–06:23)

• Meanwhile, two crooks (Slade and Merkel) overhear news of the gold and devise a plan to attack the stagecoach.
  • They convince a local renegade Indian chief to stage an “authentic” Native attack to obscure their involvement.
  • Memorable exchange:

    “We’ll make it look like Indians attack the stage. As a matter of fact, that’s just what’ll happen. I know a renegade chief who’ll help us.” — Slade (06:14)

4. Stagecoach Ambushed in Red Rock Canyon (08:30–10:24)

• Jim Bledsoe, alone on the westbound stage, stays vigilant with his new carbine and the precious map.
• The Lone Ranger spots renegade Indians lying in wait; Tonto tries to warn Jim while the Lone Ranger races for cavalry support.
• As the ambush unfolds:
  • Tonto, Jim, and the driver fortify behind boulders, under siege by the attackers led by Black Bear and the scheming Slade and Merkel.
  • They run desperately low on ammunition—until the sounding cavalry bugle signals hope.
  • Quote:

    “We can’t hold out much longer. I’m nearly out of ammunition.”
    “He just fired last shot. The last of mine is in my rifle now. I’m out. We’re through. We’re at their mercy.” — Jim Bledsoe and Tonto (10:15) “What’s that? It’s bugle. It means soldier!” — Jim (10:42)

5. Rescue and Justice (11:00–12:00)

• Cavalry, led by the Lone Ranger, sweeps in, repelling the ambush and dispersing Black Bear’s renegades.
• After the skirmish, Tonto tends to the wounded, and Jim gives the map to the Lone Ranger, expressing profound gratitude.
  • Quote:

    “The people of Boonville will be everlastingly grateful to you. And to you, sir.” — Jim Bledsoe, to the Lone Ranger (12:09) “I reckon the soldiers will be mighty grateful too, after capturing those crooks and Black Bear’s renegades.” — Stagecoach driver (12:15) “There’s a lot of folks grateful to the Lone Ranger.” — Narrator (12:19)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You may have heard of him. He’s known as the Lone Ranger.”—John Bledsoe (04:18)
• “I thought he was a legend. Is he really a flesh and blood individual?” — Jim Bledsoe (04:21)
• "We'll stick up the stage. Oh, no, not that. Why not? If that map is stolen, there'll be an investigation... We'll make it look like Indians attack the stage." — Scheme between Slade and Merkel (05:59-06:16)
• “We’re through. We’re at their mercy. What’s that? It’s bugle. It means soldier!” — Jim Bledsoe (10:19-10:42)
• “There’s a lot of folks grateful to the Lone Ranger.” — (12:19)

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Important Timestamps

• 02:44–04:30: The legend of the Boonville gold is revealed; Jim accepts his mission.
• 04:30–05:42: The Lone Ranger and Tonto learn of Jim’s journey and make their plans.
• 05:43–06:23: Slade and Merkel plot the ambush with Black Bear.
• 08:30–10:24: The stagecoach is ambushed; tense firefight as heroes make their last stand.
• 11:00–12:00: Cavalry charges in with the Lone Ranger; villains are brought to justice; gratitude expressed.

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Tone and Style

• The episode maintains the classic, suspenseful, straight-shooting tone of 1950s radio Westerns:
  • Heroism and ingenuity are celebrated without irony.
  • Dialogue is clear, dramatic, and forward-moving.
  • The Lone Ranger remains a near-mythical figure whose true nature inspires awe.

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Final Thoughts

This digitally restored broadcast delivers on its promise to bring the frontier West to vibrant sonic life—horses, gunfire, and boulder skirmishes rendered with new clarity. For fans of Western drama or curious newcomers, Colorado Gold stands as a crystal-clear, action-packed sample of old-school radio storytelling, made even more compelling by sharp restoration and the timeless presence of the masked hero.

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For more classic episodes, visit: otrwesterns.com
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Featured characters: The Lone Ranger, Tonto, Jim Bledsoe, John Bledsoe, Slade, Merkel, and Black Bear

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

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[Narrator]

A telegram in D.C. it was delivered to the home of John Bledsoe. The white haired man read it, then sat down in his study with his 21 year old son. He told Jim about an incident that took place years before during the War of the States. Besiege him. The people in Boonville, Colorado raised $1 million worth of gold to aid the Confederacy. Three wagons loaded with the gold and an escort of 10 men including drivers, left Boonville. The golden wagon simply disappeared. Disappeared? What happened dad? The men and wagons were in a valley when an advance scout brought word that there was a blockade of Union soldiers. So the loaded wagons were driven into a nearby cave. The cave was sealed by exploding a heavy charge of powder. That night the men in the valley were attacked by Indians. They were massacred. All but one man. He was badly wounded. I was that man. You, dad? Yes. Well, since then I've wanted to return the gold to its rightful owners. My health has made it impossible to travel, so I've been trying to establish contact with the one man I would trust with such a mission. I have finally succeeded. I received a telegram from that man. You may have heard of him. He's known as the Lone Ranger. The Lone Ranger? I've heard of him. I thought he was a legend. Is he really a flesh and blood individual? You'll meet him, Jim, if you'll go west for me. Dad, you know I'll do anything you ask. I've drawn a map on this small piece of paper. It shows exactly where the gold is buried. I want you to take it to the Lone Ranger. Jim spent two days buying clothing and weapons for his trip, then started west. He traveled at first by train, then boarded a stagecoach. In the meantime, the Lone Ranger's Indian friend rode into a woodland camp where the masked man waited. Did our friends the trading post have a telegram from Washington? Ah, him have it here. No, thanks. It'd be a great thing for Boonville if that gold can be recovered. Ah, them plenty hard up since war end. What message? Say John Bledsoe's son is on the way to meet us. He'll bring a map. That good. We'll meet the stage in Red Rock Canyon. Here. She'll do that. Long way. We start at once. We'll be there in time. Easy set, Monsel. The Lone Ranger and Tottle were not the only ones who knew about Jim Bledsoe's trip. Two other men were discussing it in a cafe in a small town north of Red Rock Canyon. And you see, Slade, the man in the telegraph office is a friend of mine. I happened to be with him when the message came through. The Boonville gold. Yes. Well, here's a chance to get our hands on it. If we can get that map. That's easy. We'll stick up the stage. Oh, no, no, no. Not that. Why not? If that map is stolen, there'll be an investigation. The authorities will look for a leak in the telegraph office. My friend might get into trouble. Ah, savvy? Well, we'll make it look like Indians attack the stage. As a matter of fact, that's just what'll happen. I know a renegade chief who'll help us. He'll attack that stage with about 20 savages.

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[Narrator]

Oh my goodness, can it be any brighter in here?

[Getty Museum Podcast Host]

And puts them in front of the microphone. A podcast oh yeah. Hear from a fancy Egyptian cat, a satyr who's right at home in Malibu Dudes and many more. Listen to if Objects Could Talk Wherever you get your podcasts and on Getty Edu podcasts.

[Narrator]

Jim Bledsoe was the only passenger on the stagecoach that headed west through Red Rock Canyon. The precious map was in his pocket. He gripped a new Winchester repeating carbine and kept a sharp watch for any sign of trouble. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Tonto guided their horses east along the canyon rim to meet the stagecoach. Suddenly, the masked man signaled a halt. He took binoculars from their case as Tonto said, why we stop here? Kimasabe Trail to bottom up canyon two miles east of here. There are Indians in the canyon. Toto about 200 yards to the east. Me see em. My seats seem to be talking. Otto. This means trouble. Indians, not friends. Those are renegade followers of Black Bear. Oh stage come this way then. Sure. Stop it. Ride to meet the westbound stage as far from here as possible and warn the driver. I'll try to get Help from Fort Miles. Soldiers at Fort Miles Try long time to capture Black Bear. Well, this is their chance, monsieur. While the masked man dashed away from the canyon, Tottle rode quietly along the rim until he was well past the Indians who were gathered below. Then Tottle rode fast for two miles where he descended to the canyon floor. He dashed along the rocky canyon until he saw the approaching stage. He drew rein and raised one hand. Ho, Scott. Ho. Ho. Ho. Ho. Ho. Ho there. Ho. Ho. Ho there. Jim Bledsoe on stagecoach. What if he is? I'm right here and I'm covering you with a fast repeating carbine. If you're planning a hold up. No me here. Give warning bad Indians ahead. Is this some kind of a trick? No, it not trick. Black Bear there. Him got plenty Indian with born arrow. I hear Indians. He must be telling the truth. Jump in, Sassafras. We can't turn around in this canyon. Indians come this way. There's just one thing to do. We have to get behind the biggest of these boulders and make a stand. Me fight with you. Maybe hold off Indians till help come. Help? Where is help to come from? Lone Ranger, ride for soldiers. Black Bear and his followers dashed through the canyon with Slade and Merkel. When they neared the halted stage, gunfire came from behind big boulders. They were waiting for us. Take shelter. It was a pitched battle in the canyon. Most of the Indians had bows and arrows, but several had old fashioned rifles. Their gunfire blended with the pistol fire of Slade and Merkel. Tottle, Jim Bledsoe and the driver fought back from behind boulders. No. Let out me. The driver dropped his weapon and slumped to the ground. Tahlu and Jim maintained their fire. Can't hold out much longer. I'm nearly out of ammunition. He just fired last shot. The last of mine is in my rifle now. I'm out. We're through. We're at their mercy. What's that? It's bugle. It means soldier. Again and again the bugle sounded a message of hope and rescue. The Indians heard it and so did Slade and Merkel. But before they could decide whether to attack or retreat, a detachment of cavalry swept around a bend in the canyon with a massive man in the lead. The soldiers opened fire from the saddle and their fire was devastating. They swept past the stagecoach in full pursuit of the Indians who tried to escape. After the fight, Tuttle dressed the stagecoach driver's wounds while the Lone Ranger shook hands with Jim Bledsoe. And here is the map. The people of Boonville will be everlastingly grateful to you. And to you, sir. I reckon the soldiers will be mighty grateful too. After capturing those crooks and Black Bear's renegades, there's a lot of folks grateful to the Lone Ranger.

[Josh Whalen]

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[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Josh Whalen]

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