Spenazuma, Arizona, Gila County is a ghost town shrouded in intrigue and mystery, drawing interest due to its brief and tumultuous history during a mining boom. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Gila County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: Approximately 34.33°N 111.05°W
Elevation: Approximately 4,500 feet
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Established: 1898
Disestablished: 1899
Comments: Spenazuma was established as part of a fraudulent mining scheme orchestrated by Colonel William C. Greene. The town quickly sprang up as part of efforts to attract investors to the supposed riches of the Spenazuma Mining District. However, it was soon revealed that the mining claims were worthless, leading to the town’s rapid decline and abandonment.
Remains: Today, Spenazuma’s remains are scant, with little more than scattered debris and faint foundations marking its former location. Given its brief existence and fraudulent origins, few structures were ever erected.
Current Status: Spenazuma is considered a ghost town with no active population or development. It stands as a historic site reflecting the era of speculative mining ventures in Arizona.
Remarks: Spenazuma serves as a cautionary tale of the speculative frenzy that characterized the mining booms of the late 19th century. It highlights the potential for exploitation within such economic bubbles and reminds us of the impermanence of settlements built on deception. The town’s ephemeral nature and the audacious fraud that led to its creation continue to captivate historians and ghost town enthusiasts alike.
