Gillett, Arizona: A Ghost Town in Maricopa County
Gillett, located in the rugged landscapes of Maricopa County, Arizona, once thrived as a bustling mining town during the late 19th century. Today, it stands as a ghost town, offering a glimpse into the past and inviting explorers to uncover its secrets. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Maricopa County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 34.0142° N, 112.1686° W
Elevation: Approximately 1,575 feet (480 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Established: 1878
Disestablished: 1886
Comments: Gillett was established primarily as a milling town, serving the nearby Vulture Mine, one of Arizona’s most productive gold mines. The town quickly grew, hosting a post office, saloons, and a hotel, becoming a hub for miners and businessmen. However, its prosperity was short-lived as the milling operations moved closer to the mine, leading to a rapid decline in population.
Remains: Little remains of Gillett today; most of the original structures have succumbed to the elements. Visitors may find scattered ruins and foundations of buildings that once stood. The remnants serve as silent witnesses to the town’s once-thriving community.
Current Status: Gillett is considered a ghost town, with no permanent residents. It is a site of historical interest, attracting tourists and historians intrigued by its past.
Remarks: Gillett’s history is a reflection of the boom-and-bust cycles of mining towns in the American West. Its ghostly remains offer a poignant reminder of the transient nature of such settlements, as well as the enduring allure of the frontier spirit that built them.
