Known for its breathtaking scenery and extensive history, Arizona is also home to an amazing variety of abandoned locations. Every location narrates a tale from a distinct era, providing an insight into the past and the ever-evolving passage of time. Five of these fascinating sites are explained here:
Twin Arrows Trading Post
Originally built on the 1937 Route 66 route, the Twin Arrows Trading Post was once known as the Padre Canyon Trading Post. The Troxell Family built the distinctive wooden arrows in the parking lot in 1955 to direct vehicles to the trading post’s entrance.
A coordinating pair of massive arrows was created from two decaying telephone poles. It was the outcome of an alliance between the Hopi tribe and a group of enthusiasts for Route 66 who are committed to maintaining the history of this famous route.
It’s currently baking in the sun with a plethora of graffiti surrounding it that somehow balances it out and provides for an amazing backdrop for a selfie. Be mindful of broken glass as the grounds are not in good shape.
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B-24 Liberator Crash Site
The wreckage of an eight-person plane crash, a forgotten memorial to their terrible mishap, is still visible at Arizona’s highest point.
A US Army Corps B-24 Liberator Bomber destroyed the ship and killed all eight of its crew members when it fell into a boulder field close to the top of Humphrey’s Peak on the evening of September 25, 1944.
The far-off accident scene, high up in a mostly unreachable part of the highlands, was virtually unaltered, with shining metal and engine parts sticking out from between the rocks.
Though it is no longer accessible, the wreckage is still present today. Nevertheless, the crash was discovered by courageous hikers searching for a unique and covert memorial to a military accident.
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Two Guns
Although Two Guns’ entire history is far more bizarre, we won’t go into that here. Earl and Louise Cundiff established Two Guns in the 1920s as a trading post. Later, “Injun Miller,” a non-Native American, turned it into a zoo.
After killing Earl with a gun, Injun (real name Harry) was attacked by one of the mountain lions he had imprisoned. After Route 66 was rerouted to the opposite side of Gorge Diablo’s canyon, the store shuttered.
The relics of Injun’s “Apache Death Cave,” the ancient Route 66 concrete arch bridge spanning the canyon, a few decaying stone structures, a set of gas pumps that appear to have burst, and a sign that reads “Mountain Lions” are all that are left of Two Guns/Canyon Diablo.
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Pinal Airpark Graveyard
Pinal Airpark is a tiny, single-runway airfield north of Tucson, Arizona, that has hosted some of the most well-known jets in the world. Several contractors manage the aircraft storage and reclamation procedures at the airport on-site.
Pinal Airpark has served as an aviation “boneyard” for many years, storing and disassembling aircraft. It has changed throughout time to accommodate different changes in the aviation sector.
Several airports implemented storage schemes for a large number of aircraft. Due to its surrounding dry environment, Pinal Airpark has witnessed a substantial increase in demand in recent months, making it ideal for long-term aircraft storage.
The little airpark’s 5,000-foot runway used to see up to seven arrivals every day at one point. About 300 aircraft from various carriers are housed at Pinal Airpark.
Although it is a locked-down and operational airplane scrap yard, they do provide tours, which are well worth the trip.
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Goldfield Ghost Town
The town of Goldfield gained notoriety in 1892 after the major gold strike. That first strike may have been worth as much as three million dollars, which was a substantial sum of money in the Wild West era.
A series of strikes kept the community of four thousand people thriving. In its heyday, the town boasted a general store, post office, several saloons, a meat market, a blacksmith, a school, a boarding house, a hotel, and a brewery. The resilient Goldfields peasants lived interesting lives amidst all that wealth.
Visitors may enjoy a fantastic experience steeped in western heritage at Goldfield today. By seeing the town and taking part in its many activities, tourists can experience what the miners did in their early years.
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To Conclude
From ancient trade posts and forgotten plane crashes to active mining towns and aviation graveyards, Arizona’s abandoned sites provide a window into the state’s varied past. Curiosity-seeking tourists who value adventure and history should investigate each place as it narrates a different story.
Certain places are better enjoyed from a distance, but there are others that provide excursions and experiences that make the past come to life. Put on your hiking boots, gather your sense of awe, and go off to explore the intriguing desert environment of Arizona.