Castle Dome Mines Museum, Yuma, AZ

**TCao** · 03-29-2009, 08:59 PM

The Castle Dome Mines Museum was founded by Allen and Stephanie Armstrong in 1996. This ghost town is a collection of twenty or so restored buildings which the Armstrongs relocated except for the main building which was at this site originally. Located approximately 40 miles north of Yuma, AZ, the Castle Dome Mines Museum is approximately 10 miles from mile marker 55 on US95 in the Kofa National Wildlife Reserve. This ghost town is named after the 3788-ft Castle Dome peak named by soldiers stationed at Fort Yuma.

Part I.

Castle Dome peak

The gravel road to the ghost town can be done in 2WD

Castle Dome ghost town

Abandoned mine

Mill

to be continued.

**nevadaesh** · 03-29-2009, 09:10 PM

Very nice. I'll know to stop the next time we're down that way. Looking forward to more pics.

**volhoo** · 03-29-2009, 09:32 PM

Nice report Tong, I'll have to check it out...

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**TCao** · 03-30-2009, 07:05 PM

Part II.

Most of the artifacts were collected from the various mines in the areas by the Armstrongs. It’s hard to believe that at one time in history, Castle Dome City was bigger than Yuma. Mining operations started around 1862 and some mines were operational until 1979. There were five different saloons in this area and Allen had recreated five in his Museum.

Saloons

Sheriff’s office

Twid’s Gas and Café

to be continued

**TCao** · 03-31-2009, 06:54 PM

Part III.

Adam’s cabin, one of the smallest buildings in this area

Church (looks like something from Sergio Leone's spaghetti western set)

Last grave marker of Castle Dome Mines

Well digger

Mercantile

Provisions

to be continued

FJ_Marine · 03-31-2009, 06:57 PM

Very Cool!!!

***TennesseeSquire*** · 03-31-2009, 07:05 PM

Awesome pics, I wish we lived closer to the west.

**TCao** · 03-31-2009, 07:08 PM

Quote:

FJ_Marine previously said:

Very Cool!!!

Thanks Dave. The Armstrongs dedicated one building to all who have served our country to sign these walls. I saw quite a few signatures of WW II veterans as well as returning military personnel from OIF and Afghanistan. This ghost town is but a few miles away from the Kofa Range on the Yuma Proving Ground.

Expended munition

FJ_Marine · 03-31-2009, 07:13 PM

Quote:

TCao previously said:

Thanks Dave. The Armstrongs dedicated one building to all who have served our country to sign these walls. I saw quite a few signatures of WW II veterans as well as returning military personnel from OIF and Afghanistan. This ghost town is but a few miles away from the Kofa Range on the Yuma Proving Ground.

Expanded munition

That is too cool there. Next time I'm in Yuma I gotta check this place out.

4XX4 · 03-31-2009, 07:16 PM

Glad to see someone taking great care with these treasures. So easy to just let these places just rot into dust.

Thanks for sharing.