In the early 1930s, a fascinating figure named Warren Shufelt captured public attention with a tale that sounded straight out of a science fiction novel. He claimed to have discovered evidence of an ancient underground city beneath the streets of Los Angeles, supposedly built by a lost race of lizard people. Although his claims have never been proven, the legend of Warren Shufelt continues to captivate the minds of conspiracy theorists, adventurers, and history buffs alike.
Using what he described as a “radio X-ray machine,” Shufelt surveyed parts of the city and identified underground tunnels and chambers, which he believed were filled with historical treasures. His discoveries led to major headlines and a planned excavation in 1934.
While the project never yielded the promised ancient riches, it cemented Shufelt’s name in urban legend history. In this blog, we’ll explore the incredible story of Warren Shufelt, the technology he claimed to use, the mythology surrounding his discoveries, and the lasting impact of his legend.
Who Was Warren Shufelt?
Warren Shufelt was a mining engineer and self-proclaimed inventor who rose to local fame in 1934 after making bold claims about an underground city beneath Los Angeles. Though not much is known about his early life, he was a well-spoken and charismatic figure who had experience in geological surveying. His professional background lent some credibility to his story, at least initially.
Shufelt’s interest in ancient civilizations and lost cities seemed to fuel his theories. He often spoke of an advanced race that predated recorded history, claiming they had built intricate tunnel systems beneath modern-day Los Angeles. His ambitions were not only scientific but also monetary—he believed he could locate vast stores of ancient gold and historical records buried beneath the surface.
While skeptics dismissed him as a fantasist or fraud, others were intrigued. His partnership with local officials and spiritual advisors, including a Hopi elder who allegedly confirmed his beliefs, only added to the mystery. Though his excavation efforts were short-lived, the name Warren Shufelt remains etched in the annals of speculative history.
The Discovery of the Underground City
The most significant part of Warren Shufelt’s legend revolves around his supposed discovery of an ancient underground city beneath Fort Moore Hill in Los Angeles. According to Shufelt, he used a device he invented to detect underground tunnels and voids. What he found shocked him: a labyrinth of tunnels, rooms, and vaults stretching far beneath the city.
Shufelt believed these structures were not natural but man-made, and even claimed they had been built by a lost race of intelligent beings—possibly the so-called “Lizard People.” He theorized that this ancient civilization had escaped a great catastrophe by building shelters underground and left behind golden tablets containing the history of their people.
This discovery was more than a curiosity—it became a media sensation. Local newspapers published stories about Warren Shufelt and his incredible claims. The public, though skeptical, was fascinated by the idea that a lost civilization could lie just beneath their feet.
The Role of the Hopi Legend
A critical element that added authenticity to Warren Shufelt’s claims was his connection with Native American mythology—particularly that of the Hopi tribe. According to Shufelt, he was in contact with a Hopi elder who told him about an ancient race known as the “Lizard People” who survived cataclysmic events by living underground.
This myth described beings who had incredible intelligence and technology, and who preserved their knowledge in golden tablets. Warren Shufelt believed these tablets could be found in the underground city he had detected.
While many anthropologists have since dismissed these claims as exaggerated or fabricated, it is true that Native American cultures, including the Hopi, have rich oral traditions that mention subterranean beings or otherworldly civilizations. The story’s intersection with real tribal myths gave it a layer of mysticism and helped keep the legend alive.
The X-Ray Machine: Shufelt’s Invention
One of the most curious aspects of the Warren Shufelt story is the invention he used for his research—a so-called “radio X-ray machine.” Shufelt claimed this device could detect underground formations and even identify different materials, such as metal or stone.
According to his explanation, this machine worked by detecting vibrations and images of underground structures, though he never fully revealed the science behind it. He created a detailed map of what he believed was the underground city based on readings from this device.
Skeptics argued that Shufelt’s machine had no scientific basis and was little more than pseudoscience. Nonetheless, the device became central to his claims and was one of the key reasons his story drew so much attention. The legend of Warren Shufelt might never have taken hold without this “magical” piece of technology.
The Public Excavation Project
In 1934, Warren Shufelt received permission from city authorities to begin digging in search of the lost underground city. The chosen location was Fort Moore Hill, a site that he had surveyed extensively with his radio X-ray machine.
Excavation began with much excitement and was even covered by local newspapers. However, the project quickly ran into practical challenges, including unstable ground and lack of proper funding. Despite weeks of digging, Shufelt and his team failed to uncover any tunnels, golden tablets, or signs of an underground civilization.
After several setbacks and growing public skepticism, the excavation was quietly abandoned. Still, the attempt had sparked the imagination of many and added fuel to the fire of the Warren Shufelt legend.
Media Coverage and Public Reaction
When Warren Shufelt first announced his findings, local newspapers such as the Los Angeles Times eagerly picked up the story. Headlines about a possible lost city beneath LA made waves, and Shufelt’s interviews added to the buzz.
The public reaction was a mix of skepticism and curiosity. While some dismissed the story as a hoax, others were genuinely excited at the idea that a secret city could exist beneath their feet. Shufelt became a local celebrity for a short time, often appearing in media to explain his theories.
Though the hype eventually died down, the story continued to be cited in discussions of urban myths and fringe archaeology. Warren Shufelt had captured the public’s imagination, even if he couldn’t deliver proof.
The Lizard People Theory
Perhaps the most enduring and bizarre part of Warren Shufelt’s tale is the theory of the Lizard People. He believed this subterranean race had built the tunnels to survive a cataclysm and had knowledge and technology far beyond modern understanding.
These beings were said to be lizard-like in appearance and incredibly intelligent. Shufelt claimed they preserved their history on golden tablets hidden deep in the underground vaults. While this idea might sound like pure fantasy, it has become a cornerstone of many modern conspiracy theories.
From reptilian alien myths to government cover-ups, the Lizard People theory introduced by Warren Shufelt continues to influence fringe culture today.
Scientific Skepticism
Mainstream scientists and geologists have long dismissed Warren Shufelt’s claims. His methods lacked peer review, and his X-ray device was never validated by independent experts.
Geological surveys of the Los Angeles area show no evidence of massive underground cities or man-made tunnels in the locations Shufelt indicated. Critics argue that his ideas were either fabricated or based on misinterpretations of natural underground formations.
Despite this, Warren Shufelt has become a symbol of the boundary between science and speculation—a reminder of how easily imagination can capture public interest.
Cultural Legacy of Warren Shufelt
Over the decades, the legend of Warren Shufelt has become part of Los Angeles folklore. His story has inspired books, podcasts, documentaries, and even fictional adaptations.
Urban explorers and paranormal enthusiasts often reference Shufelt when discussing underground mysteries. His tale also serves as a cautionary example in scientific communities about the dangers of pseudoscience and unverified claims.
Despite the lack of physical evidence, Warren Shufelt has left a cultural mark that continues to resonate with those fascinated by hidden histories.
Modern Interpretations and Conspiracy Theories
In recent years, the story of Warren Shufelt has seen a resurgence online. Internet forums and YouTube channels frequently reference his underground city in the context of broader conspiracy theories involving reptilian aliens, ancient civilizations, and government secrets.
Modern theorists often combine his claims with other legends, suggesting a network of subterranean tunnels spanning the globe. Some even believe that Shufelt was silenced or discredited on purpose to hide the truth.
While no evidence supports these theories, they show how deeply Warren Shufelt’s story has penetrated the imagination of the alternative history community.
Conclusion: The Man, the Myth, the Mystery
Warren Shufelt may not have discovered a lost city, but his story has endured because it taps into a universal human desire—to believe in hidden worlds and forgotten histories. His tale is a mix of ambition, imagination, and the allure of the unknown.
Though science has not validated his claims, Shufelt’s legend continues to be told, passed down through generations of curious minds and conspiracy seekers. Whether you see him as a dreamer, a fraud, or a visionary, there’s no denying that Warren Shufelt is one of the most intriguing figures in American mythos.
