Old Yuma Mine Tour – Tucson Mountains – Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society

Note: This post refers to an event that took place on Mar 26, 2016.

Learn about Arizona’s mining history with archaeologist Avi Buckles. From Antonio de Espejo to Charles Poston, the quest for metallic resources has played a large role in the development of Arizona. Hard rock mines and mining camps dot the region with numerous mineral districts located in the hills near Tucson. The Old Yuma mine was the most important mine in the Amole (Tucson Mountains) mining district and was worked during the late 1800s and early 1900s for lead, silver, gold, copper, zinc, molybdenum, and vanadium. While abandoned, the mine remains well-known today for its beautiful orange wulfenite specimens. The site tour will detail the history of the mine and explore the surface workings, old mill foundations, and residential features at the site. A slide show introduction to mining archaeology will precede the tour.
Access to the site is over a one-mile, unimproved trail and participants should wear appropriate hiking clothes. Prehistoric petroglyphs can be seen along the access trail. Carpooling from a destination in Tucson (TBA) is encouraged as parking near the site is limited. The tour is limited to 20 people. To register contact Cannon Daughtrey.