Unveiling the Beauty, Culture, and Stories Unique to Our Desert Haven
Welcome To Ajo, Arizona
Welcome to Ajo, Arizona, where the vibrant desert landscape meets a rich tapestry of history and culture. Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Ajo beckons adventurers with its rugged beauty and serene atmosphere. Here, you'll discover more than just a town; you'll find a community deeply rooted in its mining heritage, yet constantly evolving to embrace the modern world.
Explore the historic downtown adorned with charming adobe buildings, or embark on a journey through the majestic Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument nearby. Whether you're captivated by the stunning sunsets painting the sky in hues of orange and pink or intrigued by the tales of the past echoing through the streets, Ajo invites you to experience the enchantment of the desert like never before. Come discover the allure of Ajo, where every corner holds a new adventure waiting to be uncovered.
New Cornelia Mine
• Native Americans mined surface exposures of copper veins for pigments including red copper oxide and green copper carbonate.
• Spanish Miners were known to have excavated test shafts in the area by 1750.
• Americans claimed the location in 1854.
• Full-scale mining using steam shovels was started in 1917, making the New Cornelia the first large open pit mine in Arizona.
• The mine was shut down in 1983.