After our delectable lunch at Haunted Hamburger we set out to explore more of Jerome. And suddenly we found ourselves in the friendly Ghost Town of Haynes AZ.
Almost there!
Homes build on the mountainside in Jerome AZ
Friendly Ghost Town Haynes AZ
Welcome to the Friendly Ghost Town Haynes AZ
What fun! An honest to goodness Ghost Town. At one time Haynes, Arizona was a bustling mining town and suburb of Jerome. Some say that Jerome is also a ghost town because so many of the establishments are haunted. But Jerome is obviously alive and well. We had lunch in that wickedly wild and wildly artistic town. However, it’s our visit to Haynes that I want to share with you.
Haynes is the Gold King Mine Ghost Town
A relic from Haynes AZ
In 1890, the Haynes Copper Company sunk a 1,270-foot shaft into the center of one of the riches copper deposits that were ever discovered. But guess what? They found no copper! But don’t shed a tear for them because they struck gold instead. And in doing so, they created a small boom town they called Haynes. The friendly Ghost Town of Haynes AZ that we visited held remnants of that bygone era. It was an intriguing mix of ghost town and mechanical hobbyist’s paradise.
Lots to explore at the Friendly Ghost Town Haynes AZ
While the Gold King Mine Ghost Town boasts an unused mine shaft and antiquated buildings, the owner/proprietor Don Robertson is both the source of and a large part of the main attraction. A tinkerer with a knack and an enthusiasm for all things mechanical, Don purchased the site of the abandoned town of Haynes and has turned it into his own gearhead paradise.
An abandoned tiny house in the Ghost Town
This friendly chicken is not a ghost!
The things that are assembled and lovingly cared for by Don Robertson include antique mine equipment still cranking away, as well as a turn-of-the-century sawmill still actively filling orders, a circa 1901 blacksmith shop, classic gas engines, and a wide assortment of restored antique cars, including vintage trucks and race cars. The open-air museum also features resident animals that include donkeys, rabbits, goats, and chickens that are looking for treats and scratches from visitors.
From boom town to ghost town
In 1901 the population was 304! They even had their own post office from 1908 – 1922. By 1914 the population had dwindled to 14 and by 1950 0. Fast forward to 1970 and the population rose all of the way up to 1, where it has remained, at least until 1999.
No more gold
A bird’s eye view of the Verde Valley from Jerome AZ
Or course, the gold ran out and the mine was closed. Ninety-one years later the area was rediscovered by Terry and Don Robertson. In 1981 Don’s dream was to share with the world some of the most unique and important icons of the industrial revolution.
Restored vehicles on display at the Friendly Ghost Town Haynes AZ
Today, the property is filled with vintage transportation: over 180 cars, trucks and motorcycles, including Studebaker’s and Harley’s. There is mining equipment, historic buildings and a Stamp Mill that was used for crushing the ore. You will also find a working sawmill and Blacksmith shop with gold panning and a petting zoo for the kids!
The Ghost Town Gift Shop
The awesome gift shop in the Friendly Ghost Town Haynes AZ
But it was the gift shop that was the most fun because of the really cool character who worked there. He regaled us with stories and was so knowledgeable about the town that we asked if he was the owner. He was not. Don Robertson passed away in 2016 at the age of 73.
All we need is the topper for this buckboard base!
Fabulous Arizona Vista
So I wonder – does his ghost haunt the Friendly Ghost Town Haynes AZ?
