List of historic properties in Goldfield, Arizona facts for kids

Quick facts for kids List of historic properties in Goldfield, Arizona
Ghost Town
Goldfield with the Superstition Mountains in the background
Location in Maricopa County and the state of Arizona

Graves of Collins Rowes Hakes (1837–1916) and his wife Mabel Ana Morse Hakes (1840–1909)

Welcome to Goldfield, Arizona! This article explores the amazing historic buildings in this old mining town. Goldfield was once a busy place, then became a Ghost town, and is now a fun tourist spot.

The town was founded in 1893 after gold was found near the Superstition Mountains. People left Goldfield twice when the gold mines stopped producing. Today, the town has been rebuilt and restored. You can explore its historic structures and even ride the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad. This is the only 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge train running in Arizona! Don't miss the exciting gunfight shows on Main Street.

Goldfield's Early History

The Gold Rush Begins

In 1893, gold was discovered in the Superstition Mountains. Collin Hakes, Riley Morse, and the Merrill brothers were the first to find it. Soon, many gold seekers, called prospectors, rushed to the area.

This led to the founding of Goldfield, a mining town. It was located right next to Superstition Mountain. Back then, this area was known as the Arizona Territory.

Life in a Boomtown

At its busiest, Goldfield had about 4,000 residents. The town had everything a community needed. There was a hotel, a general store, and a post office. It also had a church and a school. The Goldfield Post Office opened on October 7, 1893.

When the Gold Ran Out

In 1897, the gold veins in the mines faulted. This meant the quality of the gold ore dropped. Miners lost their jobs and began to leave. Goldfield's economy depended on the miners. As they left, the town suffered greatly.

Soon, most residents moved away. Goldfield quickly became a ghost town. The Goldfield Post Office closed on November 2, 1898.

Goldfield's Revival

The Youngberg Era

Around 1910, new mines opened nearby. A mill and a cyanide plant were built. A small community called Youngberg grew up around the old ghost town. The town was named after George U. Young. He was a key figure in promoting mining in the area.

However, the mines faulted again by 1918. Youngberg also became deserted.

Rebuilding Goldfield Ghost Town

Robert F. "Bob" Schoose heard about the old Goldfield site. In 1984, he and his wife, Lou Ann, bought the land. They decided to rebuild and restore the old town's buildings. Friends helped them, and their names are on a plaque in the town.

Schoose officially named the rebuilt town "GOLDFIELD, GHOST TOWN AND MINE TOURS, INC." He is the president, and his wife is the Secretary/Treasurer.

Goldfield Today: A Tourist Attraction

Today, Goldfield is a popular tourist spot. Its historic buildings have been brought back to life. The town is home to Arizona's only 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge railroad.

You can visit many shops and buildings. There's a bakery, a leather works shop, and a jail. You can also see an old 1890 Porter 0-4-0 steam engine. This engine was once used in Goldfield's gold mines.

The town's Main Street often features exciting reenactments of old western shootouts. Goldfield is located at 4650 N, Mammoth Mine Road, near Apache Junction, Arizona.

Historic Structures in Goldfield

These pictures show some of the historic buildings in Goldfield. Many of them have been restored or rebuilt.

Goldfield Gunfighters Reenactment

See these photos of a gunfight reenactment by the Goldfield Gunfighters!

Images for kids

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  1893 Goldfield Arizona Territory plaque

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  Entrance to the Goldfield Ghost Town

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  The Goldfield Gunfighters

See also

• Old Tucson Studios
• Pioneer Living History Museum