Tip Top Arizona

Founded in 1876, Tip Top Arizona is a old Silver Mining town and ghost town located in Yavapai County, Arizona. The town site is located west of Black Canyon City, in the southern foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains.

Northern end of Tip Top, circa 1888. Visible are the stamp mill (1), assay office (2), brewery (3), beer hall (4), restaurant (5), saloon (6), hotel (7), and mine workings (8).
Northern end of Tip Top, circa 1888. Visible are the stamp mill (1), assay office (2), brewery (3), beer hall (4), restaurant (5), saloon (6), hotel (7), and mine workings (8).

In the late 1870s, gold and silver were discovered in the Bradshaw Mountains, attracting prospectors and miners seeking their fortune. In 1876, the Tip Top Mining District was established by two men, Jack Moore and Bill Corning, and the town of Tip Top sprung up around it. Initially, nearby Gillett served as the milling town.

The district quickly gained a reputation for its rich ore deposits and attracted significant investment and development. The first mining claims were staked, and a stamp mill was constructed to process the ores. With the arrival of the railroad in nearby Phoenix, Tip Top saw an influx of miners, merchants, and entrepreneurs, leading to its rapid growth. A Post Office is established on August 12, 1880

During the boom times, Tip Top boasted six saloons, a brewery, two restaurants, a Chinese laundry, a feed yard, a blacksmith shop, a shoe store, and many residences. The Post Office is closed February 14, 1895.

Southern part of Tip Top, circa 1888. Visible are the stamp mill (1) and the mine office (2).
Southern part of Tip Top, circa 1888. Visible are the stamp mill (1) and the mine office (2).

During is heyday, the silver mines of Tip Top produced over $4,000,000 from its ore deposits.

Town Summary

NameTip Top, Arizona
LocationYavapai County, Arizona
Latitude, Longitude34.0508662, -112.2468296
Elevation765 meters / 2510 feet
GNIS1669455
Population1200
Post OfficeAugust 12, 1880 – February 14, 1895

Trail Map

According to Dangerous Roads the trail into Tip Top Arizona is closed and and the area is undergoing land changes. Other resources state that the road was closed in 2009.

References