Vulture Mine - Maricopa County
Where: Just outside Wickenburg on Old Vulture Mine Road
Travel Conditions: Paved Road and easily accessible.
Operation Dates: Discovered in 1863 and worked on and off until 1942.
Description: The story is, while prospecting Henry Wickenburg saw buzzards hovering around the area which were also called vultures and named the mine after these birds that are common in the area. (Arizona Place Names)
Gold was discovered by Henry Wickenburg in 1863. The main shaft is over 3000 feet in length at a 35 degree angle. The Assay office was built in 1884 out of ore from the mine. It's walls contain over $600,000.00 in gold and silver. The Vulture mine gave up $200,000,000.00 in gold and silver before the federal government closed it in 1942. It is estimated that 2 to 3 times this amount still remains. The power plant used for the mining operation is still located in one of the buildings. It is estimated that the tailings of the mine contain seven to twelve dollars per ton of flower gold.
What you will see today: The Vulture Gold Mine is open to the public for a small fee. To view the ghost town requires some walking on a self-guided tour using a map obtained at the office. The Vulture Gold Mine ghost town has been very well kept and is currently managed by John and Marge Osborne. Many buildings are open and still have items left from the time of the mines closing. Everything is open for viewing with the exception of the mine shaft and other areas that may be dangers. The mine shaft and Glory Hole can be viewed up close but have ropes and caution tape to keep people from getting to close. Cameras are permitted as well as rock hounding during your walk of the ghost town.
This is a rare opportunity to view a ghost town that has been protected and preserved over the many years it has sat in the burning sun of the Sonoran desert. The town is in decay as it naturally would be with buildings collapsing and roofs falling in. It is important to observe your surroundings and proceed with caution into the old buildings. Please enjoy this rare opportunity and take only pictures leaving the rest for others to cherish.
Visit the Vulture Mine: www.vulturecitytours.com
Comments: It was a great privilege to be allowed to view this location in such a manner as to actually walk through the buildings imagining what it was like in its heyday. All the items from the past hinted of untold stories from the miners, ranchers, and workers in the town. I could only imagine how things might have been walking in the hot dusty streets, working in the mine, and living in these conditions at the time of operation. My camera took photos which will only raise more questions and provide some hints to a time past.
Minerals Mined: Gold
Acknowledgement: Robin & Rod (www.vulturecitytours.com), Arizona Place Names,