Goldfield Ghost Town

09-25-2025

A golden discovery changed everything.

In 1892, the town of Goldfield, Arizona, was born from the discovery of a rich gold vein by J.R. Morse, Orrin Merrill, and C.R. Hakes. Within months, fortune seekers arrived, and the rush transformed the desert into a bustling hub. This remarkable event forever tied Goldfield Ghost Town to the legendary tales of the Superstition Mountains.

Legends deepened the allure.

Stories of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine captivated treasure hunters. Jacob Waltz, the “Dutchman,” was said to know the exact location of a hidden gold vein. Despite crude maps and whispered accounts, the mine has never been located. This enduring legend still lures adventurers into the rugged desert.

A boomtown thrived for years.

During its peak, Goldfield grew to thousands of residents. Businesses flourished, including saloons, a general store, a school, and even a brewery. The strike generated over three million dollars in gold, an extraordinary fortune for the time. For a few shining years, Goldfield symbolized prosperity.

Decline came as quickly as success.

As with most mining towns, Goldfield faced collapse once the veins ran dry. By 1898, the post office closed, and residents moved on. Goldfield faded into the desert, leaving behind empty buildings and untold stories. Yet, the name carried weight, linked forever to Arizona’s mining heritage.

Revivals kept the dream alive.

George Young, Arizona’s former Secretary of the Territory, tried to restore the town. He renamed it Youngsburg in 1921, reopening the post office. However, after he died in 1926, the effort failed, and the desert reclaimed the town again. Ghostly silence returned to the streets.

A modern rebirth followed.

In 1984, Robert F. Schoose and his wife, Lou Ann, rebuilt the site. They reopened the Mammoth Gold Mine and constructed attractions. By 1988, Goldfield Ghost Town welcomed visitors once more. With mine tours, a narrow-gauge railroad, horseback rides, and shops, it became a living museum of the Old West.

Today, the ghost town thrives.

Visitors can pan for gold, ride horses, or tour the mines. Goldfield Ghost Town stands northeast of Apache Junction, Arizona. This remarkable site blends history, legend, and entertainment. Plan a visit and experience firsthand the enduring spirit of Goldfield Ghost Town.

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