Throughout Arizona’s diverse landscape, there are many unique historical sites that once thrived as cities with thousands of residents all seeking the riches of gold, silver, and copper hidden underground. Vulture Gold Mine is just one of these sites, located just outside the town of Wickenburg, which was founded as a result of the mine’s success. The mine has been closed now for many decades, but it is still a popular roadside attraction in Maricopa County, offering a glimpse of Arizona’s frontier days in the scenic backdrop of the Sonoran Desert.
Arizona’s gold rush
While Arizona is most widely known for its copper mines, it did produce more than 16 million troy ounces of gold throughout the Arizona gold rush, which began in the late 18th century. Vulture Mine was one of the most productive gold mines in Arizona, founded by Henry Wickenburg, a prospector from California. The mine was built up quickly and surrounded by a town of about 5,000 residents, which established the infrastructure for what is now the city of Wickenburg.
Vulture Mine closure
Despite its success, Vulture Mine was closed in 1942. The closure was caused by a violation of wartime regulations, which dictated that all available resources were focused on the war effort. Because the mine was still operational during the war, it was shut down and never successfully reopened.
Ghost town tours
The mine is now privately owned and serves as a roadside attraction in central Arizona. Tours of the mine and the Vulture City ghost town are available year-round, and visitors can see a number of intact structures, including the gold mine shaft, Gate House, Rita’s Brothel, and Vulture City Chow House.
This article is part of a series on Arizona’s Amazing Roadside Attractions
