Signal, Arizona

History

Signal came into existence because of silver and gold mining in the area. In 1874 the McCracken mines opened up and Signal grew up a couple years later in 1876 to 1877. During its time, the town had mills for local mines and the nearby McCracken mines. A major problem for Signal was getting freight to the isolated location. Shop owners had to make their orders 6 months in advance. At the town's heyday it had 5 stores, 3 restaurants, and 13 saloons and its own brewery. The town was mostly abandoned by 1932, but a few ranches in the area continue to this day.

Town ruins

Little remains of the original mines and mill still exist. Scattered ruins of mine equipment and adobe ruins of the town mark the site today. The ruins are well-preserved due to the remote location. An intact town cemetery also remains. There is a part-time caretaker of the town. The historical remnants of the town sit on Bureau of Land Management land. The area around Signal is not entirely uninhabited as there are several farms and houses nearby, and the unincorporated area of Signal is still listed as populated.

Geography

The town is located about 16 miles off U.S. Route 93, approximately 60 mi south of Kingman. The Big Sandy River runs to the east of the town site. The river runs mostly year-round at a trickle, but is sometimes impassible after a rain. Signal is at the northern end of Signal Wash. The Arrastra Mountain Wilderness is about three miles south of the town site. The Artillery Mountains run along the western side of the Big Sandy River to Alamo Lake, 12 miles (19 km) to the south.

Notes

References

1. "Signal – Arizona Ghost Town".
2. (1991). "Ghost Towns and Historical Haunts in Arizona". American Traveler Press.
3. [http://www.apcrp.org/SIGNAL/Signal_Mast_081110.htm American Pioneer & Cemetery Research Project – Signal Arizona]
4. (1980). "Arizona's Best Ghost Towns". Northland Press.