Stanton

Arizona's Deadliest Town

State: Arizona County: Yavapai County Founded: 1863 Abandoned: 1905 Peak Population: 1,000

Stanton earned a reputation as Arizona's most violent town. Named for a man who allegedly killed the original owner, the town saw murder after murder. Today, the remarkably preserved townsite is privately owned but occasionally open for tours.

Violent History

Charles Stanton arrived, and soon the town's founder was dead. Stanton himself was later killed by masked men. Violence was constant.

Preservation

A private foundation now maintains Stanton's buildings. Original structures from the 1860s still stand in this remarkably preserved ghost town.

Timeline

  • 1863 - Founded Gold mining began
  • 1886 - Stanton Killed Town namesake murdered
  • 1905 - Abandoned Mining ended

Quick Facts

  • Considered Arizona's most violent town
  • Original buildings still standing
  • Privately preserved

Location

Address: Near Congress, Arizona

Coordinates: 34.1569, -112.6778