Ajo Arizona

A great way to spend a weekend back in time is a visit to Ajo Arizona. I really enjoy the adventure and history so close to Phoenix.

A Spanish mine was developed near Ajo in the 1750, called the “Old Bat Hole”. The mineshaft was on a sixty-degree angle and about every ten feet a layer of mesquite logs four feet long and three feet wide were placed to serve as rest stations for the men carrying the ore. The miners had rawhide buckets strapped to their backs to carry up the rock.  

Unfortunately, it was abandoned due to Indian raids. Then in 1847, the first American set up his mine in the Ajo area. Tom Childs came upon a deserted mine and found high-grade native copper.

Ajo became the first copper mine in Arizona . Then the Ajo Copper Company organized in 1854. During this time pack mules carried the ore to Yuma, where it was shipped down the Colorado River. Then it was sent on by boat around the Cape Horn to Swansea, Wales for smelting. However, Ajo did not flourish. The mining town remained relatively unnoticed, until the beginning of the 1900’s. The reason for its sudden popularity was the development of new ore-refining techniques, which made mining in Ajo much easier and more profitable. One of the first companies in Ajo was the New Cornelia Copper Company.

John Campbell Greenway started the company, along with some partners. The mine was named after one of the partner’s wives. Eventually, the town began to prosper.
A downtown plaza was built in 1917. The plaza reveals the Spanish architecture that has influenced the town, due to its proximity to the Mexican border. Then in 1931, the company was sold to Phelps Dodge. The company had over 1,000 men working in the mine, until 1986 when it closed down. Phelps Dodge sold many of its homes in town to retirees.

Today you will find the town is a prefect retirement spot. As for the name of the town, it is hard to pinpoint. Some say it is from the Spanish word garlic, which Mexican miners found in the area. Others say it came from the Papago Indian word for paint, because this was the area the Indians collected copper minerals to make the paint for their bodies.

The Ajo Historical Museum gives visitors an opportunity to see Ajo’s beginnings. The museum is located in the old Saint Catherine’s Indian Mission. The museum was developed in 1975, in response to the need
to preserve the treasures of Ajo’s past.

The museum consists of two main rooms. One room is in honor of General John C. Greenway, who was instrumental in getting Ajo on the map. Greenway was a Rough Rider and created the mine in town. He was also selected as the first citizen in Arizona to be represented by a statue in the Statuary Hall of the United States Capitol Building. At the museum, you will see photos and artifacts that retell the story of the town’s past.

The second room is sectioned off by topic, ranging from mining and cowboys to Native Indians. Visitors will see gemstones, mineral samples, a packsaddle, spurs, Navajo blankets and arrow points. There is a special spot in the museum that houses a variety of United States flags, which is very unique.  The Ajo Historical Museum has a gift shop for you to browse through during your visit.  The Ajo Historical Museum is open everyday during the winter, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Summer hours are by appointment only. If you have any questions about the museum, you may call 520-387-7105.

The museum is located in the town of Ajo at 161 Mission Street. You can get to the museum from State  Highway 85, by turning right onto LaMina and traveling on to Indian Village Road. Turn right on Indian Village Road and go past the Mine Overlook. When you hit a fork in the road, take the unpaved road called Mission Street and continue on to the museum. The Ajo Historical Museum is a great place to stop and learn more about this small town.

The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge covers 860,000 acres of beautiful desert land. The name comes from the Spanish word for black head, referring to the black lava granite peak within the refuge. The refuge is the third largest refuge in the contiguous 48 states and is the largest designated wilderness area in the contiguous 48 states. It was created in 1939, for the conservation and development of natural wildlife resources and to protect endangered wildlife. The refuge has a 56-mile common border with Mexico.

The land inside the refuge is mountainous and includes valleys, sand dunes and lava flows. The area has a wide variety of plant life. There are saguaro, creosote, ocotillo and ironwood. This is amazing because the area’s annual rainfall averages about 9 inches in the eastern section of the refuge; it dwindles to 3 inches on the western side. There are places within the refuge that can go an entire year without a single drop of rain. The refuge protects endangered desert bighorn sheep, an endangered lesser long-nosed bat and a herd of pronghorn antelopes.

Visitors might also see kangaroo rats, pocket gophers, jackrabbits, bobcat, desert tortoise, kit fox, gila monster, sidewinder snakes and lizards. There are seasons when migratory birds pass through the refuge. During this time, you might see swallows, prairie falcons and quail. It is important to note that part of the Barry Goldwater Air Force Range airspace is located over the refuge. This requires visitors to obtain a permit before gaining passage into the wildlife refuge. Visitors may obtain a permit at the visitor center.

When traveling through the refuge, it is recommended that a four-wheeled vehicle be used. Visitors are encouraged to come prepared for the desert drive. A summer time drive can be dangerous. The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge prohibits firearms and campfires are limited.The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge is open Monday through Friday 7:30 to 4:30 pm. There is no admission charge to the refuge.

If you would like more information on the refuge, call 520-387-6483.The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge is located in the town of Ajo. It is at 1611 North Second Avenue. The signs for the refuge are evident from State Highway 85, which goes through town.

Rocky Point, Mexico is a popular destination for many Arizonans. The small Mexican town is just two hours from Ajo. The name dates back to 1826, when Lieutenant Robert William Hale Hardy of the British Royal Fleet was sailing by the coast searching for pearls. He named the point Rocky Point. The name was then on marine maps. Then in the 1930, the President of Mexico changed it to Puerto Punta Penasco (Port Rocky Point).

Later on, Americans dropped the “Port” from its name. Rocky Point began as a small fishing village and has grown to a seaside resort area. Here you can bask in the sun and relax. Many people rent small cabins, camp or stay in hotels. Some people have vacation homes by the beach. Visitors also have the opportunity to participate in numerous activities. You can choose from ATV riding, fishing, jet skiing, water biking, scuba diving, snorkeling and para-sailing.

All of these exciting activities are located in a great spot along the Gulf of Mexico. You can get to Rocky Point from Ajo by taking State Highway 85 south out of town and continue past the small town of Why. You will travel past the Organ Pipe National Monument and on to the border. You will arrive at the small border town of Lukeville, Arizona . Here you will cross into the town of Sonoita, Mexico. Once you cross the border, you may be flagged through or you may be asked to pull over for a search. A word to the wise: Be polite and courteous. Most importantly do not bring a firearm, it will end your trip and start your troubles. Jail is the certain result of being being in position of a firearm or ammunition. 

As long as you are traveling just to Rocky Point, you will not need a passport or visa. When you have crossed the border head south, until you come to a three-way intersection. Stay to the left toward Caborca. Then a block later, you will come to a “Y” in the road. Keep to the right of the “Y”. Then continue on to Rocky Point. The road between Sonoita and Rocky Point is about 50 miles long. It would be best not to travel this road at night, due to the livestock in the area. Rocky Point is a fun place to soak in the surf and sun.