Apache Junction in Pinal County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Goldfield Mining District
1892 to 1898
The Bluebird Mine was found in 1893 and first worked by J. R. Morse and the Merrill Brothers to a depth of 60 feet on a quartz vein up to 3 feet wide. Some of the richest gold in the district.
In 1947 to 1952 George (Red) Monagan worked the Bluebird. He dug 140 foot tunnel and used an old Spanish arrasta (arrastre) to mill the ore. But only low grade ore was found. Historical photo inside.
In 1960 Maw and Paw Hamaker and family extended the Bluebird another 85 feet. Then in 1961 the Bluebird claim was patented on an assays of 10 ounces of gold per ton.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Resources. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.
Location. 33° 27.463′ N, 111° 29.261′ W. Marker is in Apache Junction, Arizona, in Pinal County. Marker can be reached from North Apache Trail (Arizona Route 88) north of North Farside Lane, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5405 North Apache Trail, Apache Junction AZ 85119, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ghost Town of Goldfield (here, next to this marker); Bluebird Mine and Gift Shop (here, next to this marker); Superstition Mountain Historical Society (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Goldfield Mining District (approx. 1.1 miles away); Apache Trail (approx. 4.4 miles away); Jacob Von Walzer (approx. 4.6 miles away); Canyon Lake (approx. 6.2 miles away); The Dutchman’s Inn (approx. 7.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Apache Junction.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2016, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 444 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 19, 2016, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on May 28, 2020, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.