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About Us

The Story Behind Vulture City Ghost Town
and the Legendary Vulture Mine

Honoring the History of Vulture City

Nestled in the rugged Arizona desert, Vulture City Ghost Town is a living tribute to the Wild West, built on the ruins of Arizona’s most productive gold mine. Originally founded in 1863 after Henry Wickenburg discovered a rich vein of gold, Vulture City grew into a thriving frontier town—complete with a cookhouse, saloons, blacksmith shop, brothel, general store, post office and the infamous Hanging Tree.  At its peak, the town was home to nearly 5,000 residents and played a major role in shaping early Arizona history.

From Abandonment to Preservation

After decades of abandonment following the mine’s closure in 1942, the town was on the verge of being lost—until it was rescued in 2017.   Using photographs and archival documents, the painstaking work of restoring Vulture City as been completed.

Thanks to a dedicated team of staff, historians, craftspeople, and passionate volunteers, Vulture City has been carefully brought back to life—one board, one beam, and one story at a time. The restoration is now complete, preserving over a dozen historic structures and creating one of the most immersive ghost town experiences in the Southwest.

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a truck is parked in front of a house
a train is parked on the side of a building
a tree in front of a large rock
a tree in front of a building

History Lives and Stories Endure

Today, visitors are welcome to explore the town at their own pace through a self-guided walking tour that winds through original buildings, mining equipment, and desert landscapes. Whether you’re a history buff, paranormal enthusiast, or simply curious traveler, you’ll find something unforgettable at every turn. And yes—we’re leashed-dog friendly, so bring your well-behaved four-legged companions along for the adventure.

Vulture City is privately owned and operated, offering immersive history tours, paranormal investigations, Old West weddings, and educational programming. Every building and every event is rooted in a deep respect for those who lived, worked, and struggled here more than a century ago.

We’re not just preserving history—we’re letting it speak.

Vulture City Preservation

Vulture City Preservation is a nonprofit dedicated to restoring and preserving Vulture City, Arizona’s most successful gold mining town. Founded in 1863, the town is now a living museum featuring restored 19th-century buildings, historical tours, and educational programs.

Preserving historic structures

We preserve original structures—like the Hanging Tree and the Assay Office.

Tours, Workshops, & Exhibits

We offer tours, hands-on workshops, and interactive historical exhibits.

Hosting Memorable Events

We exclusively host special events such as weddings and reenactments.

Engaging volunteers

We accept volunteers to help maintain and share Arizona’s mining history

Frequently Asked Questions