Entry No. 52 — the Phoenix file — filed under: ghost town

Old Smith Mine

Established in 1872 by P.W. 'Bill' Smith, this historic gold mining and milling site processed ore from the nearby Vulture Mine extension. A short-lived boomtown named Seymour was platted here in 1879, but it was quickly abandoned and later devastated by a massive flood in 1890 when the Walnut Grove Dam failed. Today, the site is a quiet ghost town with only a dilapidated one-room stone house and a historic ore-grinding millstone remaining on a private ranch.

The move: Take a scenic drive along the historic backroads of Morristown and hike along the public sections of the dry Hassayampa River bed to appreciate the rugged desert landscape that once hosted Arizona's early gold rush.

📍 Before you go The remaining ruins of the town of Seymour and the old mine workings are located on a private, working cattle ranch and are strictly off-limits to the public, with dangerous open shafts in the area.

• 📍 Old Smith Mine
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Old Smith Mine, Arizona 85342, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: phoenixnewtimes.com · westernmininghistory.com · maricopacountyparks.net

last checked: 2026-07-20