Goldfield, Arizona – Given a Third Rebirth
Nestled in the rugged landscape of Arizona, between the imposing Superstition Mountains and the stark beauty of the Goldfield Mountains, lies Goldfield, Arizona, a testament to the enduring allure of the American West and the cyclical nature of boom and bust. This isn’t just another ghost town; it’s a phoenix risen from the ashes, not once, but three times, each rebirth fueled by the promise of gold and the unwavering spirit of those who sought their fortune in the desert. Today, Goldfield, Arizona, stands as a vibrant historical attraction, a living museum where visitors can step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and stories of a bygone era.
The story of Goldfield, Arizona, begins in 1892, when the discovery of low-grade gold ore sparked the initial rush. While the ore wasn’t as rich as some other strikes, the legend of the nearby Lost Dutchman Mine, whispered for years throughout the region, added fuel to the fire. Hopeful miners flocked to the area, establishing a settlement that quickly transformed into a bustling town. On October 7, 1893, Goldfield officially arrived on the map with the establishment of its first post office.
Within a remarkably short span of five years, Goldfield blossomed into a thriving community. Three saloons offered respite and entertainment after a long day of prospecting. A boarding house provided lodging for those who hadn’t yet built their own homes. The general store stocked everything from essential supplies to the little luxuries that made life in the desert more bearable. A brewery quenched the thirst of the hardworking populace, while a blacksmith shop hammered out the tools and equipment necessary for survival. A butcher shop ensured a steady supply of meat, and a schoolhouse catered to the education of the town’s growing population of children. At its peak, Goldfield, Arizona, boasted a population of approximately 4,000 residents, all drawn by the intoxicating promise of striking it rich.
However, the prosperity of Goldfield, Arizona, proved to be as fleeting as a desert mirage. The very resource that had brought the town to life – gold – became its undoing. As the easily accessible veins of gold ore began to dwindle, and the ore grade dropped even further, the economic foundation of Goldfield crumbled. Miners, ever in search of the next big strike, packed up their belongings and moved on, leaving behind a town that was rapidly fading. Just five years after its founding, the once-vibrant community was on the verge of becoming a ghost town. The post office closed its doors on November 2, 1898, officially marking the end of Goldfield’s first chapter.
Despite the exodus, a few hardy souls refused to abandon the dream. Some remained, driven by the unwavering belief that they would be the ones to finally uncover the elusive Lost Dutchman Mine, a legendary cache of gold rumored to be hidden somewhere in the Superstition Mountains. Others attempted to revive the existing mines, hoping to discover a new vein or to develop more efficient methods for extracting the remaining gold. However, these early efforts proved unsuccessful.
The hope for Goldfield, Arizona, was rekindled in the first decade of the 20th century with the arrival of George Young, a prominent figure in Arizona politics, serving as the secretary of Arizona and, at times, the acting governor. Young recognized the potential that still lay dormant within the abandoned mines and invested in new mining methods and equipment to recover the remaining ore. A mill and a cyanide plant were constructed to process the ore more efficiently, and slowly, the town began to stir back to life. In recognition of Young’s efforts, the town was renamed Youngsberg, and a second post office was established on June 8, 1921.
Sadly, this second chance at life proved to be just as short-lived as the first. The revitalized mining operations yielded only limited success, and within another five years, the gold was once again gone. The post office was discontinued on October 30, 1926, and Youngsberg, formerly Goldfield, Arizona, once again succumbed to the silence of a ghost town.
But the story of Goldfield doesn’t end there. The spirit of the old mining town refused to be extinguished. In 1966, Robert F. "Bob" Schoose, a man with a lifelong passion for ghost towns, mining history, and treasure hunting, made his first pilgrimage to the Superstition Mountains. He was immediately captivated by the rugged beauty of the area and the echoes of its past. In 1970, Schoose moved to Mesa, Arizona, and began to nurture a dream of owning and revitalizing his own ghost town. He had heard tales of the old Goldfield site, but upon visiting, he found little more than crumbling foundations and dilapidated shacks.
Undaunted, Schoose and his wife, Lou Ann, searched for a suitable location to rebuild the town. They eventually located a five-acre site that had once been home to the Goldfield Mill. This location, with its rich history and strategic position, seemed like the perfect place to bring Goldfield back to life. In 1984, the Schooses purchased the old mill site and embarked on an ambitious project to reconstruct the town from the ground up.
Their first undertaking was the reconstruction of a mining tunnel, which they transformed into a unique attraction that included a snack bar. The newly rebuilt Goldfield, Arizona, opened for business in 1988, welcoming visitors to experience a taste of the Old West. Over the years, the Schooses painstakingly added to the town, constructing authentic-looking buildings that housed a variety of businesses and attractions. A photo shop captured memories for visitors, while the Blue Nugget offered unique souvenirs. The General Store stocked a wide range of goods, and the Mammoth Saloon provided a place to relax and enjoy a drink. The Goldfield Museum showcased the history of the town and the surrounding area.
Today, Goldfield, Arizona, is a thriving historical attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into the past. The town is filled with meticulously reconstructed buildings, including a brothel, bakery, leather works, a jail, and a livery stable. Visitors can explore the underground mine on guided tours, and experience the thrill of riding on the only narrow-gauge railroad in operation in Arizona. The streets are often filled with costumed performers, horses and wagons, and even staged gunfights, all adding to the immersive atmosphere of the town.
Located just north of Apache Junction, Arizona, off Mammoth Mine Road, Goldfield, Arizona, is easily accessible and offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West, a place where the past comes alive and the stories of gold seekers and pioneers continue to resonate.