Big Bug is a ghost town located in Yavapai County, Arizona. Established in 1862, it was once a thriving mining community but is now abandoned, with little remaining of its original structures. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Yavapai County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: Approximately 34°18′54″N, 112°04′00″W
Elevation: Approximately 3,461 feet (1,055 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST) (UTC-7)
Established: 1862
Disestablished: Circa 1910
Comments: Big Bug was founded by Theodore Boggs during the American Civil War. Boggs, the son of former Missouri Governor Lilburn Boggs and grandson of pioneer Daniel Boone, settled along Big Bug Creek and began working a mining claim. The town grew around this mining activity, with an average population of about 100 residents. In 1890, the population was recorded at 115. The town’s decline began in the early 20th century, leading to its eventual abandonment.
Remains: As of 2010, little, if anything, remains of the town.
Current Status: Abandoned
Remarks: Big Bug’s history is emblematic of many mining towns in the American West, experiencing rapid growth during mining booms and subsequent decline as resources were depleted. The town’s connection to notable historical figures adds a unique dimension to its story.
