42 NOVEMBER 2023 T he history of Vulture City Ghost Town, near Wickenburg, reads like a script from a classic Western movie. As the legend goes, in 1863, a prospector named Henry Wickenburg walked across the Arizona desert to pick up a dead vulture when something shiny caught his eye: gold! Soon, Vulture City was the place to be, and the Vulture Mine would become Arizona’s most active and profitable gold mine. With that discovery, it wasn’t long before there was a massive influx of people to the area. Soon, Vulture City was home to a thriving mining operation and a booming town. This led to the development of agricultural communities in central Arizona, like Prescott and Phoenix. Vulture Mine was an economic engine connected to one of the most famous legends of the American West. Jacob Waltz, aka the Lost Dutchman, briefly worked for Vulture Mine. High grading – a term used in mining to steal high-grade ore – was standard. Waltz left but later returned, telling a story about the Superstition Mine and presenting gold he claimed to have found there. Through testing, miners discovered that the ore was actually Vulture Mine gold. In 1942, America fought in World War II, and the War Production Board closed Vulture Mine. For years, Vulture City sat abandoned, and the historically significant buildings were in danger of being torn down. Vulture City Ghost Town needed a visionary, a hero; and as luck would have, it got two: Rod Prat and Robin Moriarity. When Rod and Robin bought the town, the walls of the old adobe buildings were on the ground. It took love, ingenuity, and skills from restorationists to bring life back to Vulture City Ghost Town. Today, gunfights and gold panning are alive and well. Stephen Cerutti, who also helped to restore the town, provides tours through the buildings. He points out the workmanship, sharing its storied past, haunting present, and providing that Old West hospitality to visitors. Vulture City Forge adds to the authenticity by sharing the history of blacksmithing, a craft that has mystified people for thousands of years. The owner, Brock Phalen, shares demonstrations and provides a variety of classes for visitors to create bespoke items and heirlooms. Vulture City wouldn’t be an authentic mining town without mining. Now, instead of gold, Vulture City Ghost Town is mining magic. Boneyard Mining Company is the creation of world-renowned artist and magician Ray Villafane, who specializes in sculpture. Ray and his band of “Ghouligans” remind us of the importance of creativity and imagination by providing art and magic to those who visit. Unlike other Old West ghost towns, guests won’t find tourist traps like gift shops and food vendors. Instead, they’ll walk the path of legends and be inspired by authentic buildings and learn the significance of Vulture City Ghost Town to Arizona’s past – and present. An abandoned town brought back to life Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Robins Adventures Vulture City was established in 1863 and became one of Arizona’s most successful gold mines. Today, the ghost town offers tours and entertainment. 5431 E EXETER BLVD | PHOENIX $9,250,000 | 7 BEDS | 8 BATHS | 7,743 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270 10225 E JOURNEY LN | SCOTTSDALE $8,750,000 | 6 BEDS | 7.5 BATHS | 8,062 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270 5301 N KASBA CIR | PARADISE VALLEY $5,750,000 | 5 BEDS | 5.5 BATHS | 5,474 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270  5324 E MARIPOSA ST | PHOENIX $6,000,000 | 5 BEDS | 4.5 BATHS | 5,992 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270 3900 S CLUBHOUSE CIR | FLAGSTAFF $4,500,000 | 6 BEDS | 5.5 BATHS | 6,429 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270               

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