If there is one thing that seems to fascinate us, it’s Ghost Towns. The name alone seems to conjure up all sorts of visions in our heads of what that resembles. Add the names of some of these towns to the mix, and your imagination can run wild.
The thing that makes Ghost Towns so tricky, though, is they are all in wildly different stages of decay. Some have lots left to explore, others less, and some are wiped out totally.
I always hold the vision of an entire town with no inhabitants, like Bodie in California or Gold Point, Nevada. Two towns with a lot left to see.
We become engrossed in the way places past generations lived, being accustomed to hard work, harsh conditions, and climates without modern amenities.
Cochise, Pearse and Gleeson ghost towns
Having had this trip “pinned” for some time, we were finally able to make it happen—a Ghost Town Tour through southern Arizona. We had no idea what we would discover, but we were excited to find out.
Join us on our adventure through Cochise, Pearse and Gleeson for Ghost Town Tour – Day One!
charleston, millville and fairbank ghost towns
When we first heard about this route, it piqued our interest. You can go back in time to retrace the footsteps of pioneers, outlaws and legends. Get a sense of how life could have looked over 100 years ago and feel more connected to the old west story.
This Ghost Town Tour through Arizona sounded like the perfect trip for us, with a few side excursions on the way, of course. We ventured through old mining camps and railroad stop towns on day one. Sleepy places where well-known outlaws and lawmen had ties and some, where daily life was just as hard as it is to find them on the map today.
Something inherently fascinating and romantic about ghost towns keeps drawing us in. Keeping one foot in the past allows us to peek into yesteryear and capture our little piece of history.
Come along with us on this journey on Day Two and see what’s left of Charleston, Millville and Fairbank.
Charleston, Millville and Fairbank
charleston
This morning, we had a rare opportunity—the chance to go back and find the ruins that eluded us a few days earlier.
We set out to find Charleston Ghost Town with a hand-drawn map in our possession. Unfortunately, this town was used for war games, so many remaining buildings were destroyed. Warning signs of unexploded munitions are placed around the extreme perimeter.
Walking along the old railway, we scoured the area for our first landmark. Once it appeared, we started to get excited, knowing we were close. A river crossing was now in order; some climbing and keen vision ensued. Even being right on top of the ruins, they remain very well disguised.
The last piece to see was the cemetery. Unfortunately, this location will remain a mystery to us. Still, we were pleased to find the ruins. It had become more like a treasure hunt after coming up empty-handed the first time around.
We found it! – Charleston Ghost Town
tombstone
As wild west towns go, this one is known nearly worldwide. It’s been depicted in Hollywood and looked at as the model for all other ghost towns. The colourful characters, the history that rode through the dusty streets, and the name alone make Tombstone a worthwhile destination. You may have heard the stories surrounding Wyatt Earp and the Clanton family, but do you know how Tombstone started? And who founded it?
Believe it or not, a miner named Ed Schiefflin kept roaming the harsh desert on his own, looking for a big strike. The townsfolk told him that if he kept venturing out, the only thing he would find would be his Tombstone. Well, Ed found a rich silver strike and, as an ode to those who scoffed him, named his little encampment Tombstone. It is still thriving today.
Forget what you’ve seen in the movies as they have over fantasised what these towns were really like. Come along with us and take a quick tour around the streets of the town “too tough to die. “
Tombstone – the town too tough to die
Now Get Out There, Go and Explore and Put Another Pin in the Atlas
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