Ruby, Arizona
A mere stone throw from the Mexican border stands the remains of a once bustling copper mining town named Ruby. Today, it is considered one of the best preserved ghost towns of the southwest.
Ruby began as a mining camp in the early 1800's and lasted until the 1940's when the Montana Mine closed. For decades the foothill of Montana Peak was home to thousands who worked in the mines searching for copper.
The
town of Ruby was once complete with mining machinery, general store, worker's
houses, school, and post office. Most of the buildings are gone, but a few
do remain.
Tailings surround the old mine, pulverized rock that now forms a sandy beach for two nearby lakes. Often during the night mountain lions and other creatures stroll down to the water for a drink, leaving behind their prints.
Mountain lion tracks discovered on tailings.
