Pinal City, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pinal, Arizona
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View of the mill and town of Pinal, c. 1880
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 Pinal, Arizona
Location in Arizona
Pinal, Arizona
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Pinal |
| Founded | 1878 |
| Abandoned | 1891 |
| Elevation | 2,526 ft (770 m) |
| Population
(2009)
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| • Total | 0 |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST (no DST)) |
| Post Office opened | April 10, 1878 |
| Post Office closed | November 28, 1891 |
Pinal or Pinal City is a ghost town located in Pinal County, Arizona. It was a busy town from the 1870s to the 1890s. Back then, this area was known as the Arizona Territory.
Today, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is believed to be built on the very spot where Pinal City once stood. Only a few old building foundations can still be seen there. A hiking path called the LOST Trail goes through the old town site. This trail connects the town of Superior with the Arizona Trail. Along the way, you can learn about the history and nature of this special area.
Contents
History of Pinal City
Early Settlement and Silver Discovery
In 1870, soldiers tried to settle the area, but they left in 1871. After that, brave prospectors and ranchers moved in. They discovered silver, which led to a big boom! By 1878, Pinal City had grown into a lively town with about 2,000 people. It was located at the base of Picket Post Mountain.
The town's post office opened on April 10, 1878, and was first called Picket Post. The name was officially changed to Pinal on June 27, 1879.
Decline of the Silver King Mine
Pinal City's most famous resident was Celia Ann "Mattie" Blaylock. She was the common-law wife of the famous lawman Wyatt Earp. She passed away in Pinal City on July 4, 1888.
The town began to decline when the Silver King Mine ran out of silver. The post office closed on November 28, 1891. Soon after, Pinal City became a deserted ghost town.
From Pinal to Superior
Even though Pinal City disappeared, mining continued nearby. The Silver Queen mine, which was close by, started producing more and more copper. This led to the creation of the town of Superior around 1900.
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Ore wagons from the Silver King Mine at the Pinal mills, around 1885.
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A piece of native silver from the Silver King mine, found before 1888.
Pinal City Images
The wagon wheel tracks you see in some pictures were made by wagons. These wagons hauled heavy ore from the Silver King Mine to Pinal City.
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Ore wagons from the Silver King Mine at the Pinal mills, around 1885.
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Wagon Wheel Tracks with Picket Post Mountain in the background.
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Another view of the Wagon Wheel Tracks from 1882.
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A gold cave in Pinal City.
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The Picket Post Mountain Marker.
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The Historic Pinal Cemetery.
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The grave-site of Ceilia Ann "Mattie" Blaylock Earp.
