Near Kearny in Pinal County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Sonora, Arizona
Photographed by Arthur Yescas, July 16, 2024
1. Sonora, Arizona Marker
Immigrant Mexican miners working for the Ray Consolidated Copper Company named the town of Sonora, built near here in 1911. It boomed as a thriving, dynamic community, rich in Mexican culture, language and traditions. In the mid-1950's, the company began to expand its open pit operation, gradually advancing upon the town from the east. By 1965, it became necessary to close Sonora and relocate the miners to a new town named Kearny. Sonora was demolished in 1966.
Sonora's close-knit residents shared common bonds of family, friendship and the dream of a better life. Although they were moved and scattered, many went on to fulfill their dreams, becoming successful in business, public service, and education. The town of Sonora continues to live in the memories of the original settlers and their descendants.
Erected 1999 by Arizona Department of Transportation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Natural Resources • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.
Location. 33° 3.102′ N, 110° 54.301′ W. Marker is near Kearny, Arizona, in Pinal County. It can be reached from the intersection of Victoria Circle and Greenwich Street. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, in the San Carlos Apache Nation, and specifically in the Tohono Oodham Nation. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Porter Air Locomotive (approx. half a mile away); Kearny, Arizona (approx. half a mile away).
More about this marker. The Sonora marker has been relocated to the Infant Jesus of Prague Catholic Church in Kearny, Arizona. With expansion of the Asarco Ray Mine, it became necessary to move the marker.
Photographed by Arthur Yescas, July 7, 2024
2. Sonora, Arizona Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, August 3, 2010
3. Sonora, Arizona Marker in its prior location
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, August 3, 2010
4. Sonora, Arizona Marker - old location
The marker is to the right of the covered viewing area.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, August 3, 2010
5. Turn off From Arizona Hwy 177 to Visitor's Viewpoint - old location
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, August 3, 2010
6. Site of Sonora, Arizona - old location
Ray Open Pit Mine as viewed from marker. Those little dots are 275 ton ore trucks.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 4,718 times since then and 291 times this year. Last updated on July 8, 2024, by Arthur Yescas of Kearny, Arizona. Photos: 1. submitted on July 17, 2024, by Arthur Yescas of Kearny, Arizona. 2. submitted on July 8, 2024, by Arthur Yescas of Kearny, Arizona. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 7, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
