Wickenburg, Arizona, Heart of the Old West
The Jail Tree, once actively used, stands in the heart of Wickenburg.
As early as the 1820s, hunters, trappers and traders came to the Hassayampa River in search of pelts, especially beaver. As a result of their reports to retailers in the East, Americans became interested in the West. Following the Mexican-American War, most of the West, including the Wickenburg area, became part of the United States in 1848.
Gold discovered in the Arizona west California experienced the 1849 Gold Rush, and by 1862 gold was struck on the Colorado River near present-day Yuma, Arizona. As a result, prospectors and miners from California and Mexico flocked to what is now Central Arizona.
Wickenburg's Gold Rush: Vulture Gold Mine
Among those gold-seekers was an Austrian by the name of Henry Wickenburg, who discovered quartz deposits which contained gold, and began mining what would become the Vulture Mine. It became the most productive gold mine in Arizona history! Between 1863 and 1942, more than $30-million in gold (340,000 ounces) was mined there, as well as 260,000 ounces of silver. With the success of the Vulture Mine, more than 5,000 miners and ranchers came to settle in the area. Mr. Wickenburg eventually sold the Mine to Benjamin Phelps, a representative of investors eventually known as the Vulture Mining Company. Today, this unrestored site has self-guided tours for a fee and a warning to do it "at your own risk."
Among those gold-seekers was an Austrian by the name of Henry Wickenburg, who discovered quartz deposits which contained gold, and began mining what would become the Vulture Mine. It became the most productive gold mine in Arizona history! Between 1863 and 1942, more than $30-million in gold (340,000 ounces) was mined there, as well as 260,000 ounces of silver. With the success of the Vulture Mine, more than 5,000 miners and ranchers came to settle in the area. Mr. Wickenburg eventually sold the Mine to Benjamin Phelps, a representative of investors eventually known as the Vulture Mining Company. Today, this unrestored site has self-guided tours for a fee and a warning to do it "at your own risk."
Indian Wars around Wickenburg
Thanks to Henry Wickenburg and those settlers, the Town of Wickenburg was founded in 1863. As mining and water rights claims were staked, and livestock was brought in, troubles began brewing between the indigenous Yavapais and the White settlers. "Indian Wars" raged from 1860-1869, with nearly 1,000 Yavapais, and 400 settlers were killed. Finally, following General George Crook's cavalry campaigns, the Yavapais were relocated to a Reservation.
Thanks to Henry Wickenburg and those settlers, the Town of Wickenburg was founded in 1863. As mining and water rights claims were staked, and livestock was brought in, troubles began brewing between the indigenous Yavapais and the White settlers. "Indian Wars" raged from 1860-1869, with nearly 1,000 Yavapais, and 400 settlers were killed. Finally, following General George Crook's cavalry campaigns, the Yavapais were relocated to a Reservation.
Wickenburg Catastrophes and Growth
The nearby Walnut Creek Dam burst in 1890, killing 70 people. However, the little town kept growing, and by 1895, the railroad came to Wickenburg. The original train depot can be seen today, standing at the same site, and it serves as the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at 216 N Frontier Street. Many of the beautiful early business structures can be seen today along the historic downtown district. With growth came undesirable lawbreakers. Between 1863 and 1890, a gigantic mesquite tree was designated the "jail tree" by the townspeople, where outlaws were chained to it to serve their sentences. Today, this interesting jail tree remains to be seen by all who visit the heart of downtown Wickenburg.
The nearby Walnut Creek Dam burst in 1890, killing 70 people. However, the little town kept growing, and by 1895, the railroad came to Wickenburg. The original train depot can be seen today, standing at the same site, and it serves as the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at 216 N Frontier Street. Many of the beautiful early business structures can be seen today along the historic downtown district. With growth came undesirable lawbreakers. Between 1863 and 1890, a gigantic mesquite tree was designated the "jail tree" by the townspeople, where outlaws were chained to it to serve their sentences. Today, this interesting jail tree remains to be seen by all who visit the heart of downtown Wickenburg.
Wickenburg is the Dude Ranch Capitol of the World! In 1909 the town was incorporated, and by 1923, the first guest ranch, Bar FX, opened. The Remudas, Kay El Bar, Rancho de los Caballeros, and Flying E followed. City slickers enjoyed, and still flock to get a taste of western life at the local dude ranches.
Annual Events in Wickenburg
The Annual Bluegrass Festival and Fiddle Championship attracts thousands of spectators from across the Southwest The Four Corners championship contests are held for the fiddle, flat pick guitar, banjo and mandolin. Its 30th Annual contest will be held November 12-14, 2010 at the Rodeo Grounds.
To catch the western flavor of Wickenburg, the longtime
Annual Gold Rush Dayswill be held every February. Horses, a parade, a rodeo, shoot-outs on Frontier Street, melodramas, music, dancing, carnivals, arts and crafts, food booths and barbecues abound. Even gold-panning, and a mucking and drilling contest is held.
- From Phoenix, take Interstate 17 North to Carefree Highway (Exit 17);
- Turn left on Carefree Highway, traveling past Lake Pleasant;
- Head West on US 60-93 into downtown Wickenburg (just 50 miles from Phoenix)
- Enjoy the Sonoran desert and majestic saguaros along the way!
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