Mining History near Yuma

This area has numerous abandoned mines which are fun to visit. Most of the ruins have been vandalized over the years and there's not much left as the pictures of the Tumco Gold Mine area show. A nice surprise was the Castle Dome Mines Museum. It is a re-created ghost town with each building being it's own museum. Unlike most museums, the many artifacts are out for visitors to examine and enjoy. A few items are in locked cases, but that is the exception. Castle Dome mined silver galena starting in 1862.

A few of the two dozen buildings in the town with Castle Dome in the background. Along with the church shown here, you can visit the Sheriff's Office and Jail, the Mercantile, a Dentist's Office (ouch), a dress shop, the 2 story Hotel and more.

Our daughter at the hotel saloon.

Inside the gas station and repair shop. Looks like the owner just went out for lunch and did not return.

A card game at one of the smaller saloons. We noticed there are no numbers on the cards.

A pair of Levi's authenticated by Levi Strauss dating back to 1890.

We happened upon these beautiful desert lilies while out for a ride.

Some ruins at the Tumco Gold Mine.

A lizard enjoying the sun. Hope he remembered to put on sun screen.