VisitYuma.com 38 Nestled amid the rugged desert landscapes of southwest Arizona, a hidden gem awaits those with a thirst for history and a penchant for adventure — the Castle Dome Mine Museum. This attraction transcends time, offering a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of pioneers and prospectors of the mid-1800s, when the Castle Dome Mining District, the oldest in Arizona, flourished as a thriving hub for silver and minerals. Guided tours entertain with tales of hardship, discovery and the human spirit. The array of meticulously curated artifacts, ranging from mining equipment to preserved Levi’s®, paints a vivid picture of life in the town's heyday. For those seeking a deeper experience, an underground tour of the Hull Mine offers a chance to stand in the very tunnels where miners once worked. Donning helmets and headlamps, get transported down a paved path to explore the underground world. Deep within the hidden nooks and crannies of the mine lies a natural wonder — the most colorful fluorescent mineral wall in the world. The Castle Dome Mine Museum is more than a repository of artifacts; it is a living tribute to those who carved a life out of the unforgiving desert. It stands as a reminder that the past is not merely relegated to textbooks but can be touched, smelled and experienced. A visit to the museum is more than a trip — it's an immersion into the heart and soul of the American West. Meet the Stewards Behind Castle Dome Mine’s Preservation Allen Armstrong, a historian, and his anthropologist wife, Stephanie, are the dream team behind the restoration of this blast from the past. Together, their expertise has breathed new life into Castle Dome Mine Museum, ensuring that its legacy remains vividly etched in the sands of time. Life for the Armstrongs literally revolves around Castle Dome, as the couple resides on the grounds. What started out as 25 acres when they purchased the property 30 years ago is now 350 acres surrounded by federal government land. Their passion for preserving this historical town and sharing its legacy with others becomes abundantly clear upon your first glimpse at Castle Dome Mine Museum. FROM THE PAST Castle Dome Mine Museum
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