Forget about main streets that are dusty and deserted, and tumbleweeds are rolling through saloons that are empty. The state of Arizona is home to a one-of-a-kind model of a ghost town: one that is alive with activity. The term “living ghost towns” refers to the vestiges of the state’s rich mining heritage. These towns were once bustling with prospectors and miners, but many have now fallen into complete ruin. But in contrast to its counterparts that have been completely abandoned, some towns have managed to maintain their existence and have developed into interesting amalgamations of the old and the new.
The transformation of Bisbee from a bustling Copper Camp to a quirky artist haven
It is impossible to deny the allure of Bisbee, which is located in the Mule Mountains to the southeast of Tucson. Its rough and gritty history is belied by its magnificent old buildings and bustling cultural environment. Bisbee was established in the late 1800s as a prosperous “Queen of the Copper Camps,” and its prosperity can be attributed to the finding of materials such as lead, copper, and silver. Along with the development of Arizona’s first golf course and the state’s first community library, this economic boom resulted in the construction of Warren Ballpark, which is still in operation today and is possibly the oldest ballpark in the country.
Despite the fact that Bisbee was affected by the expulsion of striking miners in 1917 and the depletion of mines by 1974, the city’s history did not come to an end there. A surge of artists and free spirits moved to Bisbee, which resulted in the town becoming the eccentric community that it is today. The area’s historic appeal and affordable real estate attracted these individuals. You can find fanciful art galleries tucked among renovated ancient buildings if you take a stroll through the old-fashioned downtown area. This creates a mesmerizing blend of the town’s mining history and its dynamic current.
The city of Bisbee takes great pride in its mining background. Visit the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, which is linked with the Smithsonian Institution, to learn about the lives of miners. Alternatively, you might put on your miner’s hat and slicker for a genuine adventure on the world-famous Queen Mine Tour. On this tour, you will travel a train deep underground and be responsible for searching for those precious metals on your own. People who are interested in the supernatural can go on ghost tours in Bisbee, and they can even go to the Bisbee Seance Room, which is a Victorian parlor that is dedicated to the otherworldly phenomenon.
There, in Tombstone, the Wild West continues to live on.
A near-perfect reproduction of its Wild West history, the town of Tombstone lives up to its name and lives up to its reputation. However, despite having more than one thousand residents, Tombstone continues to be a vibrant and active community, which is how it got its nickname: “The Town Too Tough To Die.” Tombstone, which was established in 1877 by the prospector Ed Schieffelin, quickly became a town that matched the boom-and-bust cycle that is typical of mining communities. Within the span of just two years, it was home to a stunning 110 saloons and four churches, a statistic that says volumes about the leisure activities that were most popular among the miners.
In the past, Schieffelin Hall, which is the biggest surviving adobe edifice in the southwest United States, was used as a theater, and it continues to be used for organizing events until today. On the other hand, The Bird Cage Theatre, an infamous saloon that was riddled with gunshot holes and was once referred to by The New York Times as “the wildest, wickedest night spot between Basin Street and the Barbary Coast,” was the unquestioned center of attention.
As a result of the notorious “Gunfight at the OK Corral,” Tombstone became a prominent figure in the history of the Wild West. A lot, not the corral, was the location where the gunfight took place, contrary to the widespread idea that it took place there. You still have the opportunity to go to the Boot Hill Graveyard, which is the ultimate resting place for those who were killed.
As a result of its Wild West heritage, Tombstone is thriving today. The streets are lined with historic buildings, and tourists can travel back in time with activities such as underground mining adventures, shootout re-enactments, shooting galleries with actual Colt 45s, and ghost tours. Tombstone is a live, breathing response to the question of what life was like in the Wild West if you have ever ever pondered about it.
This is only a sample of the interesting “living ghost towns” that may be found throughout Arizona. In the following segment of our investigation, we will delve into the individual narratives of Chloride, Jerome, Ruby, and Goldfield. Stay tuned for this exciting opportunity!
The Second Part: The Thriving Ghosts of Arizona – Take a closer look
The next leg of our tour through the lively ghost towns of Arizona! Over the course of the first part of this series, we traveled to Bisbee and Tombstone, two towns that have successfully integrated their mining history into their current identities. Now, we are going to go even further and explore the fascinating tales of Chloride, Jerome, Ruby, and Goldfield.
Whispers of the past mingle with the idiosyncratic allure present in Chloride
Chloride, which is located just to the north of Kingman, provides a more tranquil experience in comparison to its more touristy peers. Its old downtown, on the other hand, reverberates with stories of a bygone period. The interesting Lavender Lace’s Boarding House for Fine Women, the old saloon, the undertaker’s office, and the antique jail all contribute to the vivid picture that is painted of Chloride’s colorful history.
After the discovery of silver ore in 1862, Chloride saw a period of rapid growth in the latter half of the 19th century and the early 20th century. There were more than 75 mines that were working, and the population was greater than 5,000 at its peak. Nevertheless, a severe drop occurred as a result of the depletion of mines and a disastrous fire that occurred in the 1920s. In spite of this, Chloride continues to have a few hundred residents, which has earned it the distinction of being Arizona’s oldest mining town that has been continuously inhabited.
The downtown area features re-enactments of gunfights and old buildings, allowing visitors to experience a step back in time. When you delve further, you will discover the eccentric side of Chloride. Adding a touch of the unexpected is the purpose of a one-of-a-kind collection of roadside trash art, which includes everything from a flamingo built of a gas tank to a spider made of metal. There are even graves in the town cemetery that are decorated with abandoned telephones!
Another unique attraction may be seen just outside of Chloride, and it is called the Purcell Murals. These murals, which were created by the artist Roy Purcell in 1966, are spread out on a dirt road that is one mile and a half long. They represent a variety of symbols and pictograms that are located on the cliffside. The experience that is created by Chloride is one that is absolutely unforgettable since it combines artistic expression, historical heritage, and a touch of the ridiculous.
Jerome is the most vertical town in the United States, and it has a hauntingly beautiful history.
A town known as Jerome, which is located south of Flagstaff and is considered to be “America’s Most Vertical City,” is the largest ghost town in the United States. Jerome is located high up in the Black Hills Mountains. Don’t let its moniker fool you, though; it’s not dangerous at all. In the past, Jerome was known by a more obscene moniker, which was “The Wickedest Town in the West.”
The discovery of gold and copper in 1876 led to the establishment of Jerome, which quickly became a magnet for gamblers, bandits, and miners living in the Wild West. During this time, the population increased to more than 15,000, and saloons and brothels flourished. Over a span of seventy years, the town’s mines produced an astounding three million pounds of copper each month, which resulted in the production of more than one billion dollars’ worth of precious metals.
The mining industry began to dry up in the 1950s, which resulted in a significant drop in population. Despite this, there were a few devoted individuals who were still determined to carry on Jerome’s legacy. The town was designated as a National Historic District in 1967, and during the 1960s and 1970s, it saw a significant increase in the number of artists. At the present day, Jerome is home to a thriving community that is comprised of approximately 500 people. Art galleries and wine bars coexist with historic structures throughout the city.
The presence of numerous buildings that date back to the late 1800s instills a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. Delight in the breathtaking vistas that Jerome has to offer of the surrounding area. There are a number of places to stay in Jerome, including the Jerome Grand Hotel, which is said to be haunted, the Jerome State Historic Park, which features the Douglas Mansion, which was constructed in 1916 by a mining tycoon, and Audrey Headframe Park, which offers visitors the opportunity to see a mine shaft from 1918 through a glass viewing platform. Experience the “wickedest ghosts” of the Wild West as you make your way up to this stunning artists’ sanctuary and commune with them.
Ruby is the place where both mining and mystery meet.
Ruby’s past is both intriguing and sinister, and it is located in close proximity to the border with Mexico. Around the year 1877, prospectors discovered abundant veins of gold and silver, which ultimately led to the formation of a community at the foot of Montana Peak. In 1912, a local merchant gave the post office the name Ruby, which he had given to his wife, therefore permanently naming the town. During the 1920s and 1930s, Ruby experienced its greatest period of prosperity, with the Montana Mine becoming the most important producer of lead and zinc in the state of Arizona.
Nevertheless, Ruby’s history conceals a more sinister aspect as well. Due to its close proximity to the border with Mexico, it was susceptible to an attack by bandits. Between the years 1920 and 1922, the town and the desert that surrounded it were traumatized by a string of savage double homicides that were suspected to have been committed by Mexican insurgents or bandits. The Ruby Murders, which occurred during this time period, provoked the most extensive manhunt in the southwestern region.
Ruby was transformed into a virtual ghost town as a result of the loss of the mining industry in the middle of the 20th century. As of right now, it
Thanks in part to the fact that it is privately held (there is a fee to enter), stands out as one of the mining towns in Arizona that has been preserved remarkably well. Explore a number of buildings that date back to the old west, such as a historic jail, an ancient schoolhouse, and other abandoned sites that provide a wealth of information about the history of the town.
The presence of a vast colony of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats contributes to the spooky mood that permeates the air. This aura is further added to by the presence of the bats. Between the months of May and September, these creatures construct their homes in the abandoned mining shafts of Ruby. As the sun begins to set, it is a sight that is both eerie and utterly captivating to behold their collective departure.
The Wild West Town of Goldfield, Reborn and Reborn Again
At the end of our journey, we will arrive at Goldfield, a living museum situated forty miles east of Phoenix. Goldfield, which was once a genuine wild west town, has been painstakingly transformed into a beautiful tourist attraction.
Goldfield was established in 1892, just after a gold strike that was estimated to be worth an astounding three million dollars at the time. Prospectors and miners flocked to the area. The fifty mines that were operating in the district provided funding for the establishment of saloons, a hotel, and a brewery, all of which were established to accommodate the rising population.
In spite of this, Goldfield did not do well with fate. After only five years of operation, the gold vein experienced a fault, which resulted in a considerable decline in the quality of the ore. Over time, the town gradually shrunk, eventually becoming a true ghost town.
A revitalized mining effort in the 1920s brought about a glimpse of hope, but the prosperity that resulted from this endeavor was only temporary and lasted for only five years. Robert F. Schoose, a fan of ghost towns, was fortunate enough to discover Goldfield in 1966 and immediately fell in love with the possibilities that it possessed. After purchasing the town in 1984, he immediately began an ambitious initiative to turn it into a living ghost town attraction after he had completed the purchase.
Currently, Goldfield is thriving as a location that is welcoming to families. Take a stroll through streets that are adorned with original buildings from the old west, meet individuals who are dressed in historical clothes, and see cowboys and wagons roaming around the town. Be mesmerized by a simulated Wild West shootout performed by the legendary Goldfield Gunfighters, take a ride on Arizona’s only narrow-gauge railroad, or panning for gold. All of these activities are available in Goldfield.
Despite the fact that Goldfield does not have the same level of organic development as the other towns, the thorough restoration that it has undergone provides a look into the vivid history of the Wild West.
The so-called “living ghost towns” of Arizona are living proof of the state’s long and illustrious mining past. It is said that every town has its own tale, which is a mesmerizing combination of the old and the new. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a touch of the Wild West, a hauntingly gorgeous setting, or a unique creative experience; Arizona’s living ghost towns have something to offer everyone. Therefore, gather your belongings, embrace your spirit of exploration, and be ready to start on an expedition that will take you through these fascinating relics of the past!
An Overview of the Traveler’s Guide to Planning Your Living Ghost Town Adventure in Arizona
Are the tales of Arizona’s living ghost towns something that piques your interest? A travel companion that will assist you in organizing your journey is as follows:
Figuring Out Where You Want to Go:
- History Buff: Those who are interested in history will find that Tombstone and Jerome provide the most immersive experiences of the Wild West. These two cities feature museums, re-enactments of gunfights, and old architecture.
- For those who are passionate in art, Bisbee and Jerome both have strong art communities that include galleries and studios that display a wide range of artistic forms.
- In the Off-the-Beaten-Path Explorer series, Chloride delivers a more tranquil encounter with a hint of the weird, whilst Ruby offers a glimpse into a disturbing history.
- Family Fun: In addition to its simulated gunfights, train rides, and gold panning activities, Goldfield is an ideal destination for families looking for a fun outdoor experience.
Important Items to Collect:
- A pair of shoes that are comfortable to wear while exploring old buildings and difficult terrain.
- Protect yourself from the sun in Arizona by wearing a hat and using sunscreen.
- Staying hydrated is extremely vital in the desert temperature, so it is important to have a reusable water container.
- to take pictures of the one-of-a-kind sights that these old towns have to offer.
- A spirit of exploration and a willingness to travel across time are both essential!
Exploration that is Respectful:
- Remember that these towns are communities that are still alive. Be cautious of the noise levels and the people who live in the area.
- A good number of the buildings are historic constructions; it is important to treat them with respect.
- Prepare yourself for the possibility of paying an admission fee in certain towns, such as Ruby and Goldfield.
- Keep no trace behind; dispose of rubbish in an appropriate manner and show respect for the natural environment.
Moving Beyond the Towns:
The state of Arizona is home to a plethora of natural wonders that can round out your experience of visiting ghost towns. Investigate the following:
- Saguaro National Park is a place where visitors may see the world-famous saguaro cactus and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Sonoran Desert.
- The Grand Canyon, which is located in Grand Canyon National Park, is considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is a geological wonder that comes with stunning views.
- Monument Valley affords visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery that has served as the setting for a multitude of films.
Itineraries that are suggested:
- into the Southern Arizona Loop, you can go into the heart of Arizona’s mining heritage by combining the cities of Bisbee and Tombstone, as well as possibly making a side excursion to Kartchner Caverns State Park.
- Central Arizona Adventure: Experience the beauty of Jerome and Chloride, and then continue your journey further north to Sedona, where you will find breathtaking red rock formations and a thriving artists community.
- This off-the-beaten-path getaway will allow you to experience the one-of-a-kind allure of Ruby and Goldfield, as well as the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, which will provide you with a taste of the Sonoran Desert’s exceptional biodiversity.
Arizona’s living ghost towns provide visitors with an enthralling combination of history, culture, and exciting new experiences. Your travel has the potential to be an experience that you will never forget if you take the time to carefully organize it and show respect for the communities that are so distinctive. Prepare yourself to uncover the hidden treasures that Arizona has to offer by putting on your hat, putting on your boots, and getting ready to go!
Lastly, a Word About the Unyielding Spirit of Arizona
Not only do the living ghost towns of Arizona serve as relics of the past, but they also serve as a monument to the continuing spirit of the American West. In the past, when prospectors faced the harsh desert landscape in pursuit of fortune, these villages are a testament to the tenacity and perseverance that characterized that time period. The towns themselves did not disappear, despite the fact that the mines had been depleted of their resources. Through the process of adaptation, evolution, and the discovery of new life, they become thriving cultural hubs that celebrate their many heritages.
Your exploration of Arizona’s living ghost towns is more than just a trip down memory lane; it’s a chance to connect with the stories of the people who built these communities, a chance to be captivated by the lingering Wild West spirit, and a chance to appreciate the artistic and cultural revival that breathes new life into these historic places.
That being said, you should set out on your journey with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. In Arizona, you may experience living ghost towns that will take you back in time, surprise you with their liveliness in the current day, and leave you with a greater appreciation for the enduring spirit of the American West.