In 1863, a gold prospecting party led by mountain man Pauline Weaver pushed deep into Arizona Territory. Trackers from the party were trailing a runaway burro when, on a dry hill top (now known as Rich Hill), some “spud-sized” objects in the dirt attracted their attention by reflecting sunlight. A closer look revealed that the flashy objects were exactly what they had set out to find- huge nuggets of gold! Once word got out, the stampede started! Stanton, just north of Wickenburg (and at the base of Rich Hill), was rescued from obscurity in 1978 when LDMA purchased 65 acres of deeded, patented land for recreational use. Over the years, several historic buildings, including the Stanton Hotel, have been restored. Recently an additional 60 acres were purchased which includes the rest of the historic ghost town and a major portion of the main wash that drains the famous Rich Hill! Members now enjoy camping and prospecting, telephone, showers, water and electrical hook-ups, along with 70 new full hook-ups. There is a full time care taker on the premises.

In 1863, a gold prospecting party led by mountain man Pauline Weaver pushed deep into Arizona Territory. Trackers from the party were trailing a runaway burro when, on a dry hill top (now known as Rich Hill), some “spud-sized” objects in the dirt attracted their attention by reflecting sunlight. A closer look revealed that the flashy objects were exactly what they had set out to find- huge nuggets of gold! Once word got out, the stampede started! Stanton, just north of Wickenburg (and at the base of Rich Hill), was rescued from obscurity in 1978 when LDMA purchased 65 acres of deeded, patented land for recreational use. Over the years, several historic buildings, including the Stanton Hotel, have been restored. Recently an additional 60 acres were purchased which includes the rest of the historic ghost town and a major portion of the main wash that drains the famous Rich Hill! Members now enjoy camping and prospecting, telephone, showers, water and electrical hook-ups, along with 70 new full hook-ups. There is a full time care taker on the premises.