Few People Realize How Much Mining History Is Preserved In The Small Town Of Aguila, Arizona
By Katie Lawrence|Published April 05, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
Author
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 began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
There are countless mining towns in Arizona, but many have succumbed to the elements after decades of abandonment. The small town of Aguila, located 25 miles west of Wickenburg, however, has not. It’s here where you’ll find Robson’s Arizona Mining World, a replica mining camp that was once the site of an actual gold mine. Visitors can marvel at old buildings, mining equipment and artifacts, and even an actual mine shaft!
If you enjoy visiting old mining towns in Arizona, you must take a trip to Robson's Arizona Mining World in Aguila.
This unique attraction preserves the site of the Nella-Meda gold mine (originally known as the Golf Leaf Mine), which operated from 1917 until 1942, when the U.S. government shuttered all mines at the onset of WWII.
Following the closure of the mine, its engineer, Harold Mason, became caretaker. Upon Mason's death in 1979, Charles Robson purchased the site and began the painstaking restoration process. Robson's Arizona Mining World officially opened to the public on January 19, 1992.
You simply won't believe how much mining history is preserved here. While some of the buildings were constructed specifically for the attraction, many are historical structures with fascinating backstories.
You'll have a blast experiencing what daily life was like in a mining camp. Explore a diner, blacksmith shop, printing press, dentist's office, and more.
Robson's Arizona Mining World offers both foot and horseback tours. For more information about the attraction, please visit the Robson's Arizona Mining World website. You can also call (928) 685-5306 for help with directions.
Have you ever visited Robson’s Arizona Mining World? What are your favorite mining towns in Arizona? Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about nearby Alamo Lake State Park, a beautiful destination that every Arizonan should visit at least once.
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