Vulture City Arizona:
Soon after Henry Wickenburg discovered the Vulture Mine in 1863, the small mining town of Vulture City sprang to life. Holding at one time around 5,000 people, Vulture city also had its own Assay office for the gold and silver that came from the mine, as well as a security vault for the gold and silver's safe keeping until it could be transported to Prescott or Phoenix.
The Vulture Mine yielded over 340,000 ounces of gold and 260,000 ounces of silver from 1863 until 1942. As does most mining town's in the wild west, Vulture city was no different when it came to being a deadly place to call home. The brothels and saloons were a regular place to visit at the end of a long day in the mine and on the claims. With mine cave-ins Yavapai raids, lynchings, gunfights, disease and the elements were all common killers. It was even said that during 1870-1875 it was practically a death sentence for anyone, even the lone prospector to venture alone outside of town. Vulture City also had its very own hanging tree where 18 souls were strung up for stealing.
This mining town was so deadly that the U.S. Army had to dispatch soldiers to this mining town to bring order and security, but it actually did very little to stop the violence and death.
One simply can't walk through the old Ghost Town without hearing about the Glory Hole. Back in 1923, 7 miners were working inside of the mine at night and were loading up 12 burros with gold ore. The only catch is that they were mining it out of the stone pillar support beams and things didn't turn out so well... All 7 miners and 12 Burros were killed, forever entombed with the very gold ore they were trying to steal. - This tunnel was never re-opened, the gold and bodies were still there!
Many of the building go this old town are still standing to this very day. The Ironwood hanging tree also still stands and is located right by the old ruins of Henry Wickenburg's house.
Today the old building’s & the mine are privately owned and tours are offered for anyone who wants to catch a glimpse into our states past. There are so many cool things to see here!
