Lochiel, Arizona, Santa Cruz County is a spellbinding ghost town that sits on the border of the United States and Mexico. It is a place where the whispers of history echo through the deserted streets, drawing in those with a passion for exploration and the stories of the past. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Santa Cruz County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 31.3490° N, 110.6070° W
Elevation: Approximately 4,750 feet
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Established: Lochiel was established in the late 19th century, around 1880, as a mining town and a port of entry between the U.S. and Mexico.
Disestablished: The town declined in the mid-20th century, with most residents leaving by the 1950s.
Comments: Lochiel was once a vibrant community supported by mining and cattle ranching. It played a significant role as a border crossing point until the closure of its customs office in 1983. The town’s history is intertwined with the infamous Planchas de Plata silver discovery in the 1730s, which attracted many miners and adventurers to the area.
Remains: Today, visitors can find remnants of its past, including the old schoolhouse and several adobe structures. The schoolhouse, in particular, is a significant historical site, having been restored by local efforts to preserve the town’s legacy.
Current Status: Lochiel is now privately owned, and while it is a ghost town, it occasionally draws visitors interested in its history and scenic borderland views.
Remarks: Lochiel offers a unique glimpse into the history of the Arizona-Mexico border region. While the town is mostly deserted, the remaining structures and the serene landscape provide a poignant reminder of the area’s past vibrancy. Visitors are encouraged to respect the private property and the delicate state of the remaining structures.
