There are many Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association properties throughout the United States. Each location is unique because of its facilities, landscape and climate. The one thing all the properties have in common is the potential for finding gold, but one area stands out among the rest.

 

During the winter months, the most popular destination is Stanton, Arizona. While many properties battle snow, rain and cold, Stanton enjoys relatively mild, sunny days and enough modern conveniences to attract LDMA members from all across the nation. In addition to the camping and prospecting, visitors can enjoy telephone, showers, water and electrical hook-ups and the assistance of a full-time caretaker on the premises. The property is photogenic with an abundance of history and good gold potential with thousands of acres of GPAA (Gold Prospectors Association of America) claims in the area.

 

At the base of Rich Hill in Yavapai County, Stanton is located 20 miles north of Wickenburg. Rich Hill was aptly named due to the discovery of gold at the site in 1863. Legend says that when a prospector left his group to go round up some mules on a nearby hill, he literally stumbled on gold nuggets lying atop the soil. The subsequent strike allowed the group to dig up $100,000 of gold in less than six months. This soon led to a gold rush on the property.

 

The subsequent settlement at the base of Rich Hill, which was eventually named after Charles P. Stanton, was originally called Antelope Station because of its proximity to Antelope Creek. Sources claim that Mr. Stanton transformed the town drastically when he entered in 1871. Not only did he change the name of the settlement after himself, he took on numerous titles such as postmaster, deputy, and justice of the peace. Stanton’s control of the town ended in 1886 when he was shot to death in his own store by a man claiming to be avenging an insult Stanton had hurled at the man’s sister.

 

At its peak, Stanton had a mill, boarding house, store, and at least a dozen houses. Several of these buildings are still at the site today and are being restored by LDMA volunteers, who are careful to preserve and maintain the history of each structure.

 

Once the gold rush ended near the turn of the century, so did the town’s population, and Stanton faded into obscurity. That drought ended in 1978 when the LDMA purchased 65 acres of the land in, and around, the old ghost town for recreational use. As time passed, several historic buildings such as the Hotel Stanton, Opera House and Wells Fargo were restored and are now used today by campers and members. The hotel is the present residence of a small library, game room and kitchen.

 

An additional 60 acres were also purchased by the LDMA, including the Antelope Creek wash that drains from Rich Hill. This is one of many spots on the property and surrounding claims that prospectors search for the elusive yellow metal with anything from drywashers and metal detectors to highbankers and dredges. Stanton provides guests with a view into Arizona's Wild West history and attracts thousands of visitors, particularly during the winter season. The bumpy dirt road leading into the ghost town is a good reminder that some things haven’t changed over the years.

 

Every year, Stanton hosts the annual “Rendezvous at Stanton.” Chapter board members and state directors from as far as Maine and Alaska have attended this event. The rendezvous, which has been running for five years, was founded by Colorado State Director Wayne “NuggetBrain” Peterson. Attendance is always high and camping spaces as rare. It’s always good to call ahead to make sure room is available.

 

Daily meetings are designed to take the time educate the chapters about general guidelines and really focus on helping chapters grow and be successful. The members also get the opportunity to share ideas that have been beneficial to them and to their members. 

 

Jerry Hobbs, President of Public Lands for the People (PLP), attended in February and spoke about land rights and provided a wealth of information on issues that are affecting different states. Vendors talked about, and demonstrated, the latest prospecting gear and products that chapters can use to raise money. Each year, “NuggetBrain” leads a group of volunteers through various different building projects that need to be done around camp. This year’s project involved saving one of the original historic buildings.

 

Other participants in this year’s rendezvous joined GPAA Claims and Expeditions Director Blake Harmon at a small highbanking common operation on Antelope Creek where some fine gold and small pickers were found and split among the participants. The teamwork of Peterson, Harmon and all of the volunteers from the Stanton LDMA camp allow life at the town to remain as vibrant as it was nearly 150 years ago.

 

Stanton also hosts two additional outings each year, one in April and another at the end of December which leads into a New Year’s Eve celebration. Good weather means year-round activity at the camp ... and more chances to discover gold.

 

For more information on events and reservations in Stanton, call (928) 427-9908.