Fairbank, Arizona, Cochise County is an enchanting ghost town that once thrived during the silver mining boom. It served as a crucial hub for transportation and commerce in Arizona’s Wild West era. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Cochise County
Zip Code: 85602
Latitude / Longitude: 31.7232° N, 110.1934° W
Elevation: Approximately 3,904 feet (1,190 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Established: 1881
Disestablished: Not formally disestablished, but declined significantly in the early 20th century.
Comments: Fairbank was named after Nathaniel Kellogg Fairbank, a Chicago investor in the local railroad. It played a significant role as the nearest railroad stop to the bustling silver mines of Tombstone. The town’s strategic location made it a pivotal point for transporting silver and other goods. Fairbank included a post office, several stores, saloons, a schoolhouse, and a stagecoach station.
Remains: Several structures still stand today, offering a glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore remnants such as the old schoolhouse, a mercantile store, and a few residential buildings. The Fairbank Historic Townsite is preserved within the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, providing a protected environment for exploring this historic site.
Current Status: Fairbank is considered a ghost town, with no permanent residents. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and serves as a historical site open to the public for tours and educational purposes.
Remarks: Fairbank’s location along the San Pedro River and its proximity to Tombstone made it an integral part of Arizona’s mining history. The town’s decline began in the early 1900s as the silver mines in Tombstone dried up and railroads expanded elsewhere. Today, Fairbank stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American frontier, inviting exploration and reflection on the past.
