There Are More Than 50 Historic Buildings In This Special Arizona Town
Arizona is rife with ghost towns, but not all of them are well-preserved. The 19th-century mining community of Castle Dome is so authentic, its residents could’ve up and disappeared just yesterday. With original artifacts, more than 50 buildings that have stood the test of time, and even a multicolored underground cavern, this amazing city might be lost, but it’s certainly not forgotten.
Established in 1864, Castle Dome City was once larger than Yuma itself. It was a successful mining town until 1979 when silver ore mixed with lead and required a separation process that wasn't worth the steep cost.
Twenty years later, Allen Armstrong decided the rich past of this fascinating place simply couldn't go to waste. Working with Arizona Fish and Wildlife, he set out on a mission to preserve as many artifacts and buildings as possible.
More than 50 structures make up the museum, bearing an almost exact resemblance to how they appeared more than a century ago. You'll get an almost eerily accurate feel for how the miners lived, half-expecting to encounter a town resident around every corner.
A living history lesson unfolds as you explore the grounds. Carmelita's Cantina is full of old bottles from local breweries and tables built by miners who lived here.
Stone Cabin is where the belongings of Flo and Billie, two sisters who ran a nearby gas station, are displayed. Mining tools such as ore buckets and cars, an elevator, warning bell, and turntable can also be found in this building.
Among other buildings in the city are a kitchen, blacksmith, schoolhouse, and Sheriff's Office with a single jail cell. Click here for a complete list of places.
Hull Mine is the only one open for underground tours. This fluorescent mineral wall puts on a spectacular light show that makes your trip to Castle Dome truly unforgettable.
Castle Dome Museum is located at Castle Dome Mine Rd., Yuma, AZ 85365. It's open seven days a week, so definitely stop by next time you're in the Yuma area!
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
