Fairbank Historic Townsite
Fairbank is a "ghost town" located within the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (NCA), along the San Pedro River.
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 Fairbanks, 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 land owners, 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 NCA.
Today, the area is open for the public to enjoy. Take a self-guided tour around what was once a thriving boom-town of the wild west! Be on the look-out for historic 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!
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
People with disabilities who visit this site will find a number of Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant features that facilitate access to this once thriving boomtown of the wild west. These include two parking spaces, one with a concrete pad and a ramp that can accommodate a van carrying a wheelchair; a paved path from parking spaces to the townsite; and accessible restrooms.
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Directions
From Tucson, follow I-10 E to AZ-90 S in Benson. Take exit 302 from I-10 E. Follow AZ-90 S and take AZ-82 E to Fairbank Historic Townsite. From Sierra Vista, follow AZ-90 N and take AZ-82 E to Fairbank Historic Townsite.
Fees
Day use throughout the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is free; you don't need a permit.
You must have a permit for overnight backcountry camping. Permit fees are $2 per person per night. You may have a campfire only in designated areas. Camping is limited to seven consecutive nights in any one location, unless otherwise authorized.
Commercial operators must secure special authorization prior to their planned visit.