Bumble Bee, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bumble Bee, Arizona
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Bumble Bee townsite, 2017. Bumble Bee Creek is above the house.
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 Bumble Bee, Arizona
Location in Arizona
Bumble Bee, Arizona
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Yavapai |
| Elevation | 2,579 ft (786 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
Bumble Bee is a fascinating ghost town located in the Bradshaw Mountains of Yavapai County, Arizona. It's named after a nearby creek, also called Bumble Bee Creek. Today, the area is a popular spot for people who enjoy camping in RVs during the winter months.
The Story of Bumble Bee
Bumble Bee was first established in 1863. It was an important stop for stagecoaches, which were like old-fashioned buses pulled by horses. It also served as a military outpost for the U.S. Cavalry, who were soldiers on horseback. A post office was opened there in 1879.
Why is it Called Bumble Bee?
The town and the creek got their name from early travelers. These travelers said that the local people living there were as "thick as bumblebees." This meant there were many people in the area.
In 1920, Bumble Bee had a population of 25 people. By 1940, it had shrunk slightly to 20 people.
Becoming a Ghost Town
Over time, the need for stagecoaches disappeared. Mining in the surrounding areas also slowed down. Because of this, Bumble Bee slowly became a ghost town, meaning most people moved away.
In the mid-1930s, a man named Jeff Martin tried to make Bumble Bee a tourist attraction. He built some of the buildings you can still see today. Later, in 1960, Charles A. Penn bought the site. He was a retired publisher who also wanted to create a tourist spot and a museum. However, Mr. Penn passed away before he could finish his plans.
After that, the property went back to being privately owned. Many of the buildings that looked old but were built for tourists have since been taken down. Smaller, newer homes have been built in their place.
Bumble Bee is located about 55 miles north of Phoenix. You can find it just off I-17 at Exit #248.
