Swansea - La Paz County
Updated: 4/8/2017
Where: La Paz County
Operation Dates: 1908 – 1937 Post Office Opened: March 25, 1909 and Closed June 28, 1924. Post Master: Stella Siprell
Noted Aspects of Town: Operated by the Clara Gold and Copper Mining Company followed by the American Smelting and Refining Company. Named after Swansea, Wales where the original ore was sent to be smelted. Water for mining and the town was pumped from the Bill Williams River.
History: The first prospecting in the mountain areas along the Bill Williams River started in the late 1950’s. Early workings and discovery of the ores in the Swansea area began around 1862. The remote location made it difficult to mine and transport ore for processing. Silver was first mined in the area but played out quickly leaving copper deposits which were not lucrative at the time. Later copper became more marketable and the area drew attention again in 1896.
The Arizona and California Railroad began constructing a line between Wickenburg and Parker in 1904. This provided an opportunity for Swansea and several of the miners lead by Newton Evans and Thomas Jefferson Carrigan secured investments and began the development of the town.
The investment money obtained in 1908 was used to build a 350-ton capacity furnace and a 3.5 mile pipeline to pump water from the Bill Williams River to the town. The construction of hoists to support five mine shafts were initiated during this time. The operation was managed by the Clara Gold and Copper Mining Company with the headquarters based in Swansea. The Clara Consolidated Gold and Copper Mining Company was supported by George Mitchell who’s birthplace was Swansea Wales in the United Kingdom.
The Arizona Swansea railroad from Bouse began operation in 1910 at which time the town had a population of about 500. With the railroad, people and mine supplies could be moved in and out of Swansea easily during this time of growth. George Mitchell’s Smelter was “Blown In” and began production on May 2, 1910. George reported to the other investors that 50 tons of refined copper was being produced in each 24-hour period. During this time the town had the typical saloon, a barber, restaurants. A physician, and general merchandise stores. In addition to this were a justice of the piece, a notary and insurance agent. Financial problems at the mine began in 1911 and the mine was shut down with a brief reopening in 1912.
There was renewed interest in the town with The American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) in 1914. The American Smelting and Refining Company purchased the mines and rebuilt much of the old town. Production was continued up until the Great Depression in 1927 and the mines closed for good in 1929.
People: Newton Evans, Thomas Jefferson Carrigan, George Mitchell
Mine(s) supporting town: Swansea Mine with the primary production being copper.
What you will see today: TBD
Acknowledgement: www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/cultural/swansea.html, Ghost Towns of Arizona (James E and Barbra H Sherman)