Nestled in the heart of Arizona's rugged terrain lies Stanton Camp, a place where history and adventure intertwine. But before it became a haven for modern-day gold enthusiasts, this locale was the backdrop for tales of fortune, ambition, and a dash of Old West drama.

The Discovery of Rich Hill

In 1863, a group of prospectors led by Pauline Weaver and Abraham Harlow Peeples camped near Antelope Creek. While searching for a runaway horse, a Mexican member of the party unearthed gold nuggets "the size of potatoes" atop a nearby mountain. This serendipitous find led to the naming of the area as the "Potato Patch," the mountain as "Rich Hill," and the surrounding mining region as the Weaver District. The district became Arizona's richest producer of placer gold, with major claims including the Devil's Nest, the Leviathan, and the Upton.

The Rise of Antelope Station

The gold rush transformed the area, leading to the establishment of several towns, including Weaver, Octave, and Antelope Station. Antelope Station, located near Rich Hill, became a bustling hub for miners and travelers. Its strategic location made it a vital stop for supplies and rest. This modest boomtown stagecoach stop in 1868, boasted a population of around 3,500 eager prospectors. (The stagecoach building still stands today and is home to the Lost Dutchman’s Stanton Camp office).

Charles P. Stanton's Reign

In the 1870s, Charles P. Stanton, an Irish immigrant, arrived in Antelope Station. Through a series of strategic moves, he gained control of the town, renaming it "Stanton" in his honor. Stanton's tenure was marked by alleged schemes to eliminate competition, making him a controversial figure in the town's lore. He was implicated in several murders, including that of the Martin family, but was never convicted. His control ended in 1886 when he was shot dead by a man named Lucero, reportedly for insulting Lucero's sister. 

After Charlie Stanton met his untimely end in August of 1886 (let’s just say, he made plenty of enemies), the town didn’t exactly settle down into peaceful frontier life. Stanton remained a wild and rowdy place, still carrying the reputation of being Arizona’s version of the Wild West’s last stand. A Prescott newspaper in 1892 even claimed that the locals in Stanton liked to “drink blood, eat fried rattlesnakes, and fight mountain lions.” (Whether that was journalistic flair or just a slow news day, we may never know!)

 Yet, despite the town’s rough-and-tumble image, by the 1890s, Stanton had transformed into a legitimate mining community. It had everything a self-respecting boomtown needed — miners and their families, a general store, a stamp mill pounding away at the gold ore, a hotel, a boarding house, and plenty of other essential businesses. Somewhere along the way, in 1896, the town’s name was officially changed back to Stanton, though no one can quite say why (maybe ghostly Charlie Stanton demanded it from beyond?).

But just like any classic boom-to-bust story, the gold didn’t last forever. By 1905, the once-glittering promise of riches had dried up, and with it, so did the town’s lifeblood. That same year, the Stanton Post Office closed for good, and the remaining residents packed up and left. Stanton became another Arizona ghost town, waiting for time (and treasure hunters) to rediscover it.

The Evolution to LDMA Stanton Camp

After various transformations over the decades, the Lost Dutchman's Mining Association (LDMA) acquired the property in 1976. Today, Lost Dutchman’s Stanton Camp serves as a premier members-only RV campground and gold prospecting site, preserving its rich history while offering modern amenities. Visitors can explore restored original buildings, including Stanton's store, an old saloon and dance hall, and a hotel. The re is always something happening in camp to ensure that the spirit of adventure remains alive. 

A Living Legacy

Stanton Camp stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the Old West. Whether you're drawn by the promise of gold or the tales of yesteryear, this historic site offers a unique glimpse into Arizona's storied past.

Make plans to come stay for a few days, weeks, or the season from October thru May.

Call the Camp Office at 928-427-9908

Not a Lost Dutchman's Member? You can join for as little as $50 a Month