Arizona

Bradshaw City, named after its founder William D. Bradshaw, was established in 1863 following a major gold discovery on the northwest slope of Mount Wasson. What started as a modest tent settlement quickly flourished into a bustling mining community. At its height, the town boasted hundreds of structures, including saloons, eateries, dance halls, and lodgings, serving a vibrant population of nearly 5,000 fortune seekers.

The town’s lifeblood was the Tiger Mine, located near the historic "Central #26: Crown King Back-road." However, by the late 1870s, the mining industry began to wane, prompting miners to disperse. By the 1880s, Bradshaw City had largely faded into obscurity as the Tiger Mine's output dwindled.

Today, visitors can explore the remains of this once-thriving town. Scattered stone foundations and a surviving forest service marker stand as echoes of its past. A portion of the cemetery remains, a solemn reminder of Bradshaw City’s rich yet fleeting history.

Rachel, the founder of AZ Places, camped at Bradshaw City in April 2021, venturing through small canyons and side roads. She discovered piles of stones marking the remnants of old structures and found a wooden archway believed to be part of the town’s mining operations. The peaceful forest environment offers endless exploration opportunities and stunning scenery.

Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw Ranger District