Fairbank Historic Townsite
Near Tombstone, Arizona
Fairbank Historic Townsite does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!
Overview
Fairbank is a "ghost town" located within the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA), along the San Pedro River. It was founded in 1882 when a railroad station was built here.
Its life as a town began with the construction of a railroad in 1881, and it soon became an important depot as well as the closest railroad stop to Tombstone, then one of the largest western cities (15,000 in 1882). Originally called Junction City, Kendall, then Fairbank, it was officially named Fairbank on May 16, 1883. The name refers to N.K. Fairbank of Chicago, who helped finance the railroad
The town was built on an old Mexican land grant, the San Juan de las Boquillas y Nogales, which was bought by the Boquillas Land and Cattle Company in 1901. The company evicted all potential landowners, but continued to lease the mercantile building and a few residences well into the 1970's. The Bureau of Land Management acquired the land that was once the Mexican Land Grant in 1986 as part of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area.
Today, this area includes the Fairbank Trailhead with parking for cars and trailer vehicles, a Visitor Contact Station in the historic Fairbank School House, operated by the Friends of San Pedro River and several historic buildings along the historic Railroad Avenue including the Mercantile Building which operated until the early 1970s. Near Fairbank is the San Pedro River and beautiful examples of riparian and mesquite woodland, as well as the historic Fairbank Cemetery, and the historic Grand Central Mill north of town. The Fairbank historic town and San Pedro River corridor became part of the NCA in 1998.
The area is open for the public to enjoy. There is an interpretive trail in the townsite and a visitor center and museum in the historic schoolhouse. Take a self-guided tour around what was once a thriving boomtown of the wild west!
Be on the look-out for historical points of interest. But note: It is illegal to remove any historic artifacts from public lands. Please leave everything in its place. Thank you for your help in preserving our historic resources! The use of metal detectors is prohibited.
While you explore the Fairbank Historic Townsite, you may encounter birders, walkers, bicyclers, equestrians, dog walkers, and backpackers.
A Junior Ranger book introduces young adventurers to the lands and resources managed by the Bureau of Land Management, including the SPRNCA.
Hours and Seasons
The Schoolhouse Museum is staffed by the Friends of the San Pedro River. It is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, plus Monday holidays. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The parking area is open from sunrise to sunset. The volunteer staff can provide you with information about Fairbank and the history of the area. Museum exhibits contain artifacts, photos, and information about the people that lived here in the Territorial days.
Features and Services
- Drinking Water: Visitors should bring their own water and bring plenty for hiking in this area.
- Toilets: There is a toilet at the trailhead as well as at Miller Backcountry Camp and the San Pedro House along the San Pedro Trail.
- Cell Phone and Internet: Cell phone reception can be spotty during bad weather, but generally the service is good. Public internet/Wi-Fi is not available.
- Pets: Pets are generally allowed in the SPRNCA but must be kept on a leash at all times in developed areas, including trailheads, interpretive sites, and locations near the two visitor contact stations. Please pack out any pet waste.
