Alto is a ghost town located in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Established in the early 1900s as part of the Tyndall Mining District, it once thrived due to its mining activities. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Santa Cruz County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 31°36′36.50″N, 110°52′20.86″W
Elevation: Not available
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST) (UTC-7)
Established: Early 1900s
Disestablished: 1933
Comments: Originally named El Plomo, meaning “lead” in Spanish, the town’s name was later changed to Alto, meaning “high,” likely due to its elevated mining locations. Alto’s post office operated from March 6, 1907, until December 30, 1933. The town was part of the Tyndall Mining District, east of Tubac in the Santa Rita Mountains.
Remains: Scattered ruins, including adobe walls of the old post office and remnants of other structures.
Current Status: Abandoned
Remarks: Alto’s history is intertwined with the mining booms of the early 20th century in Arizona. Today, it stands as a testament to the transient nature of mining towns, with its remaining structures offering a glimpse into its past.
For a visual exploration of Alto and its surroundings, you might find the following video insightful:
