Goldfield
Goldfield is a twice-dead ghost town reborn as a tourist attraction in the shadow of the Superstitio
State: Arizona
County: Pinal County
Founded: 1892
Abandoned: 1898 (first time), 1926 (second time)
Peak Population: 4,000
Goldfield is a twice-dead ghost town reborn as a tourist attraction in the shadow of the Superstition Mountains and Lost Dutchman legend. It boomed to 4,000 people in the 1890s, died when gold ran out, briefly revived in the 1920s, then died again. Rebuilt in 1988, it now offers mine tours, a railroad, and staged gunfights.
Timeline
- 1892 - Gold Discovery Low-grade gold ore was discovered, sparking a rush to the area in the shadow of the Superstition Mountains. Proximity to Lost Dutchman Mine legends added mystique.
- October 1893 - Post Office Opens Goldfield received its first official post office. The town boomed, reaching 4,000 residents with three saloons, boarding house, general store, brewery, blacksmith, butcher shop, and school.
- November 1898 - First Death Just five years after founding, the gold veins played out and ore quality dropped. Miners left, the post office closed, and Goldfield became a ghost town for the first time.
- June 1921 - Revival George Young, Arizona's secretary and acting governor, introduced new mining methods. A second post office opened and the 'new' town was briefly called Youngsberg.
- October 1926 - Second Death The revival lasted only five years. The post office closed and the town was again abandoned as gold was depleted.
- 1984-1988 - Reconstruction Robert 'Bob' Schoose acquired the mill site and began reconstructing the town with authentic-looking buildings. Goldfield Ghost Town opened as a tourist attraction in 1988.
- Present - Tourist Destination Today's Goldfield offers underground mine tours, a narrow-gauge railroad, shops, saloons, and staged gunfights—all with the dramatic Superstition Mountains as backdrop.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: October-April (avoid summer heat)
Difficulty: Easy - fully developed tourist facility
Time Needed: 2-4 hours
Tips
- Underground mine tours available
- The Goldfield Superstition Railroad operates through the site
- Staged gunfights happen regularly
- The Superstition Mountains provide spectacular backdrop
- Near the legendary Lost Dutchman State Park
Quick Facts
- Goldfield died twice (1898, 1926) and was reborn as a tourist site in 1988
- The town briefly operated under the name 'Youngsberg' during its 1920s revival
- At its peak, 4,000 people lived here—larger than many modern Arizona towns
- The Superstition Mountains behind Goldfield are home to the Lost Dutchman Mine legend
- Arizona's secretary and acting governor George Young led the 1920s revival attempt
Location
Address: Apache Trail (SR 88), north of Apache Junction
Coordinates: 33.45, -111.4833