This abandoned settlement nestled into the breathtaking landscape of the Sonoran Desert, was established in 1863 and developed to meet the needs of Arizona's most successful gold mine. Vulture City’s population quickly rose to 5,000 residents. From 1863 to 1942, the mine produced 340,000 ounces of gold and 260,000 ounces of silver and has been credited with founding the town of Wickenburg. This rise to fame came as swiftly as its fall and in 1942 the War Production Board ordered the closing of all non-essential mines to ensure that resources were focused on the war effort. The closing of the mine determined the fate of Vulture City and the town was abandoned shortly thereafter.
