Swansea
Copper smelter ruins in remote desert
State: Arizona
County: La Paz County
Founded: 1909
Abandoned: 1937
Swansea was named for the Welsh smelting city. Its copper smelter and furnaces produced metal during WWI. When copper prices crashed, so did Swansea. Now the most intact smelter ruins in Arizona—BLM preserves the industrial ghost town in the remote desert.
Timeline
- 1909 - Smelter Built Swansea Arizona Copper Company.
- WWI - Peak 750 residents. High copper demand.
- 1921 - Copper Crash Prices collapsed.
- 1937 - Final Closure Last operations ended.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Winter (summer deadly)
Difficulty: Difficult - rough roads
Time Needed: Half day
Tips
- High clearance 4WD recommended
- Bring all water and supplies
- Desert heat can be fatal in summer
- BLM land - free access
Quick Facts
- Named for Welsh smelting city
- Most intact smelter ruins in Arizona
- 750 people lived in remote desert
- Hospital and houses still standing
Location
Address: La Paz County, Arizona (BLM)
Coordinates: 34.2222, -113.8992