Forget dusty, deserted main streets and tumbleweeds rolling through vacant saloons. Arizona boasts a unique kind of ghost town: one that pulsates with life. These “living ghost towns” are remnants of the state’s rich mining history, places that boomed with prospectors and miners, then dipped into decline. But unlike their truly abandoned counterparts, these towns have clung to existence, evolving into fascinating blends of the old and the new.
Bisbee: From Bustling Copper Camp to Quirky Artist Haven
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Nestled in the Mule Mountains southeast of Tucson, Bisbee’s charm is undeniable. Its picturesque historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene belie its rough and tumble past. Founded in the late 1800s as a booming “Queen of the Copper Camps,” Bisbee thrived thanks to the discovery of lead, copper, and silver. This economic surge saw the construction of the still-operating Warren Ballpark (possibly the oldest in the country), Arizona’s first golf course, and the state’s first community library.
The deportation of striking miners in 1917 and the depletion of mines by 1974 impacted Bisbee, but its story didn’t end there. The town’s historic appeal and affordable real estate attracted a wave of artists and free spirits, transforming Bisbee into the quirky community it is today. Stroll down the old-fashioned downtown and you’ll find whimsical art galleries nestled amongst restored historic buildings, creating a captivating fusion of the town’s mining past and vibrant present.
Bisbee proudly embraces its mining heritage. Explore the lives of miners at the Smithsonian-affiliated Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. Or, don your miner hat and slicker for a real adventure on the world-famous Queen Mine Tour, where you’ll ride a train deep underground and search for those precious metals yourself. For the paranormal enthusiasts, Bisbee offers ghost tours and even a visit to the Bisbee Seance Room, a Victorian parlor dedicated to the otherworldly.
Tombstone: Where the Wild West Lives On
The town of Tombstone lives up to its name – a near-perfect replica of its Wild West past. Yet, with over 1,000 residents, Tombstone remains a living, breathing community, earning its motto: “The Town Too Tough To Die.” Founded in 1877 by prospector Ed Schieffelin, Tombstone quickly mirrored the boom-and-bust cycle typical of mining towns. Within two years, it boasted four churches and a staggering 110 saloons – a statistic that speaks volumes about the miners’ preferred pastime.
Schieffelin Hall, the largest surviving adobe structure in the southwest US, served as a theater back then and continues to host events today. However, the undisputed center of attention was The Bird Cage Theatre, a notorious saloon riddled with bullet holes and once dubbed by The New York Times as “the wildest, wickedest night spot between Basin Street and the Barbary Coast.”
Tombstone etched its name in Wild West history with the infamous “Gunfight at the OK Corral.” Contrary to popular belief, the shootout actually occurred in a vacant lot, not the corral. You can still visit the Boot Hill Graveyard, the final resting place for the casualties.
Today, Tombstone thrives on its Wild West legacy. Historic architecture lines the streets, while underground mine experiences, gunfight re-enactments, shooting galleries with real Colt 45s, and ghost tours transport visitors back in time. If you ever wondered what life in the Wild West was like, Tombstone offers a living, breathing answer.
This is just a taste of Arizona’s captivating “living ghost towns.” Stay tuned for the next part of our exploration, where we’ll delve into the unique stories of Chloride, Jerome, Ruby, and Goldfield!
Part Two: Arizona’s Thriving Ghosts – A Deeper Look
Our journey through Arizona’s vibrant ghost towns continues! In part one, we explored Bisbee and Tombstone, two towns that have seamlessly woven their mining past into their present identities. Now, we venture further, uncovering the captivating stories of Chloride, Jerome, Ruby, and Goldfield.
Chloride: Whispers of the Past Mingle with Quirky Charm
Just north of Kingman, Chloride offers a quieter experience compared to its more touristy counterparts. Yet, its historic downtown whispers tales of a bygone era. The old saloon, undertaker’s office, antique jail, and the intriguing Lavender Lace’s Boarding House for Fine Women paint a vivid picture of Chloride’s colorful past.
Founded in 1862 with the discovery of silver ore, Chloride boomed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over 75 operational mines and a population exceeding 5,000 marked its peak. However, the depletion of mines and a devastating fire in the 1920s led to a sharp decline. Despite this, Chloride retains a few hundred residents, earning its title as Arizona’s oldest continually inhabited mining town.
Step back in time with historic architecture and gunfight re-enactments in the downtown area. Venture further, and Chloride’s quirky side unfolds. A unique collection of roadside junk art – from a flamingo made of a gas tank to a metallic spider – adds a dash of the unexpected. Even the town cemetery boasts graves adorned with old telephones!
Just outside Chloride lies another fascinating attraction: the Purcell Murals. Created in 1966 by artist Roy Purcell, these murals sprawl across a mile and a half dirt road, depicting an array of symbols and pictograms on the cliffside. Chloride’s blend of preserved history, artistic expression, and a touch of the bizarre creates a truly unforgettable experience.
Jerome: America’s Most Vertical Town with a Hauntingly Beautiful Past
High atop the Black Hills Mountains, south of Flagstaff, sits Jerome – a town with a reputation as “America’s Most Vertical City” and the largest ghost town in the US. Don’t be fooled by its innocuous name, though. Jerome’s past boasts a wilder moniker – “The Wickedest Town in the West.”
Founded in 1876 with the discovery of gold and copper, Jerome became a magnet for miners, gamblers, and Wild West outlaws. Saloons and brothels flourished, and the population surged to over 15,000. The town’s mines yielded a staggering 3 million pounds of copper per month, generating over a billion dollars in precious metals over a 70-year period.
The 1950s saw the mines dry up, leading to a dramatic population decline. However, a dedicated few remained, determined to preserve Jerome’s legacy. Designated a National Historic District in 1967, the town witnessed an influx of artists in the 60s and 70s. Today, Jerome boasts a vibrant community of nearly 500 residents, with art galleries and wine bars sharing space with historic buildings.
Many structures from the late 1800s stand proudly, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the stunning panoramic views from Jerome. Stay at the rumored-to-be-haunted Jerome Grand Hotel, visit the Jerome State Historic Park featuring the Douglas Mansion (built in 1916 by a mining magnate), or head to the Audrey Headframe Park for a glimpse into a 1918 mine shaft via a glass viewing platform. Ascend to this breathtaking artists’ haven and mingle with the “wickedest ghosts” of the Wild West.
Ruby: Where Mining and Mystery Collide
Nestled near the Mexican border, Ruby’s history is as intriguing as it is dark. Prospectors unearthed rich veins of gold and silver around 1877, leading to the establishment of a settlement at the base of Montana Peak. In 1912, a local businessman named the post office after his wife, Ruby, forever christening the town. The 1920s and 30s marked Ruby’s most prosperous period, with the Montana Mine becoming Arizona’s leading producer of lead and zinc.
However, a darker side also lurks in Ruby’s past. Its proximity to the Mexican border made it vulnerable to bandit raids. Between 1920 and 1922, a series of brutal double homicides, attributed to Mexican rebels or bandits, terrorized the town and surrounding desert. This period, known as the Ruby Murders, sparked the largest manhunt in the southwest.
The mining industry’s decline in the mid-20th century transformed Ruby into a virtual ghost town. Today, it
stands as one of Arizona’s best-preserved mining towns, partly due to being privately owned (there’s an admission fee to enter). Explore numerous old west buildings, including a historic jail, an old schoolhouse, and other abandoned structures that speak volumes about the town’s past.
An eerie atmosphere hangs heavy in the air, further accentuated by the presence of a massive colony of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. These creatures make their home in Ruby’s deserted mine shafts from May to September. Witnessing their mass exodus at dusk is a sight both haunting and undeniably captivating.
Goldfield: A Resurrected Wild West Town
Our final stop is Goldfield, a living museum located 40 miles east of Phoenix. Originally a true wild west town, Goldfield has been meticulously restored into a delightful tourist destination.
Founded in 1892 with a gold strike worth a staggering three million dollars at the time, Goldfield boomed with prospectors and miners. Saloons, a hotel, and a brewery sprung up to serve the growing population, all funded by the fifty mines operating in the district.
However, fate wasn’t kind to Goldfield. Just five years after its founding, the gold vein faulted, and the ore quality dropped significantly. The town slowly dwindled, becoming a true ghost town.
A glimmer of hope arrived in the 1920s with a renewed mining effort, but prosperity was fleeting, lasting only five years. Thankfully, in 1966, Robert F. Schoose, a ghost town enthusiast, stumbled upon Goldfield and fell in love with its potential. He purchased the town in 1984 and embarked on an ambitious project to transform it into a living ghost town attraction.
Today, Goldfield thrives as a family-friendly destination. Stroll down streets lined with authentic old west buildings, encounter people dressed in period costumes, and witness cowboys and wagons roaming the town. Pan for gold, take a ride on Arizona’s only narrow-gauge train, or be captivated by a staged Wild West gunfight performed by the famous Goldfield Gunfighters.
Goldfield may not boast a truly organic evolution like the other towns, but its meticulous restoration offers a glimpse into the Wild West’s vibrant past.
Arizona’s “living ghost towns” stand as testaments to the state’s rich mining history. Each town boasts a unique story, a captivating blend of the old and the new. Whether you seek a brush with the Wild West, a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, or a quirky artistic experience, Arizona’s living ghost towns offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags, embrace your sense of adventure, and embark on a journey through these captivating remnants of the past!
Planning Your Arizona Living Ghost Town Adventure: A Traveler’s Guide
Intrigued by the stories of Arizona’s living ghost towns? Here’s a travel companion to help you plan your adventure:
Choosing Your Destination:
- History Buff: Tombstone and Jerome offer the most immersive experiences of the Wild West, with gunfight re-enactments, historic architecture, and museums.
- Art Enthusiast: Bisbee and Jerome boast thriving art communities with galleries and studios showcasing a variety of styles.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Explorer: Chloride offers a quieter experience with a touch of the strange, while Ruby provides a glimpse into a haunting past.
- Family Fun: Goldfield caters perfectly to families with its staged gunfights, train rides, and gold panning activities.
Essentials to Pack:
- Comfortable shoes for exploring uneven terrain and historic buildings.
- Sunscreen and a hat for protection from the Arizona sun.
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially important in the desert climate.
- Camera to capture the unique sights of these historic towns.
- A sense of adventure and a willingness to step back in time!
Respectful Exploration:
- Remember, these towns are living communities. Be mindful of noise levels and local residents.
- Many of the buildings are historic structures – treat them with care.
- Be prepared for potential admission fees in some towns like Ruby and Goldfield.
- Leave no trace – dispose of trash properly and respect the natural environment.
Beyond the Towns:
Arizona offers a plethora of natural wonders to complement your ghost town experience. Consider exploring:
- Saguaro National Park: Witness the iconic saguaro cacti and experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
- Grand Canyon National Park: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking vistas and geological wonders.
- Monument Valley: Immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes that have been the backdrop for countless movies.
Suggested Itineraries:
- Southern Arizona Loop: Combine Bisbee, Tombstone, and perhaps a side trip to Kartchner Caverns State Park for a journey through the heart of Arizona’s mining history.
- Central Arizona Adventure: Explore Jerome, Chloride, and venture further north to Sedona for stunning red rock formations and a vibrant arts scene.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Escape: Discover the unique charm of Ruby and Goldfield, and add a visit to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument for a taste of the Sonoran Desert’s unique biodiversity.
Arizona’s living ghost towns offer a captivating blend of history, culture, and adventure. With careful planning and a sense of respect for these unique communities, your journey promises to be an unforgettable experience. So, lace up your boots, grab your hat, and get ready to discover the hidden gems that Arizona has to offer!
A Final Word: Arizona’s Enduring Spirit
Arizona’s living ghost towns stand not just as remnants of the past, but as testaments to the enduring spirit of the American West. These towns showcase a time of hardship and resilience, a period when prospectors braved the harsh desert landscape in search of fortune. While the mines may have dried up, the towns themselves refused to fade away. They adapted, evolved, and found new life, becoming vibrant cultural hubs that celebrate their rich 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.
So, embark on your adventure with an open mind and a curious spirit. Let Arizona’s living ghost towns transport you back in time, surprise you with their present-day vibrancy, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the enduring spirit of the American West.
