Ruby, Arizona is one of the best-preserved of all the Arizona ghost towns. This fact alone would be enough for history-lovers to want to visit, but Ruby has a much more sinister history than most. Aside from being a place where people can sift through the ruins of Arizona’s old west mining history, it is also a place where a series of gruesome murders occurred in the early 1920’s- events that would eventually result in the largest manhunt in Arizona’s history up to that point.
Ruby: Just Another Violent, Wild, and Lawless Arizona Mining Town
When you think of an old mining town, chances are a city like Ruby comes to mind: there was a post office, a saloon, a general store (known by the locals as the Mercentile) and lots and lots of mines. Originally, silver was discovered in 1877 but eventually Ruby began to produce gold, lead, zinc, and copper as well. Unfortunately, inefficient mining and processing techniques,as well as excessive violence caused by the town’s proximity to the Mexican border, hampered the town’s growth. Even before the famous Ruby Murders, the town had developed a serious reputation for lawlessness and murder. It got so bad that the owner of the Mercentile had enough, sold the store, and moved his family away from the town. Not two months later the new owner was brutally murdered by Mexican bandits. Incredibly enough, the next batch of owners were killed by the same group of bandits, this time in an even more brutal way- the owner’s wife had her gold teeth bashed out with the butt of a gun! Amazingly, the two ringleaders of the gang were caught when an Arizona deputy who had worked noticed that a bartender had been paid in the very same stolen gold teeth. Eventually, Manuel Martinez and Placidio Silvas were arrested and sentenced to hanging and life in prison, respectively.
A Good Old-Fashioned Western Manhunt
Martinez and Silvas weren’t done killing yet. They demonstrated their criminal savvy by escaping from jail, filing off their handcuffs, and killing 2 police officers as they disappeared. This time, the people of the area had had enough. The largest manhunt in Arizona history was established, enlisting a posse of over 700 volunteers and even utilizing the first-ever aerial search. Finally, the two men were recaptured dying of thirst. Martinez was hanged, but somehow Silvas managed to escape from jail again. He was never found.
Luckily for lovers of the wild west, you can still visit Ruby. Several buildings, including the infamous Mercantile, are still standing. From Nogales, take I-19 north to Ruby Road/AZ-289 West, and take exit 12. Follow 289 for some 10 miles before arriving at the caretaker’s house.
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This article is part of a series on Arizona’s Amazing Roadside Attractions
