Henry Wickenburg was a Prussian prospector who discovered the Vulture Mine and founded the town of Wickenburg in the U.S. state of Arizona. Wickenburg later in life became a farmer and died penniless despite the fact that the mine that he discovered produced as much as $70 million worth of gold during its course of operation, making it the most important gold mine in Arizona.
Early years
Wickenburg was born in Essen, Prussia, a coal and steel town in what is now Germany. Together with his brother he mined coal on the land which belonged to his family. However, the mineral rights were claimed by the government and Wickenburg immigrated to the United States in 1847, after the local authorities raided the family farm.
On one occasion Wickenburg had noticed a quartz ledge about fourteen miles from group's camp. His observation was ignored by the others. Wickenburg went by himself to investigate the quartz ledge and believed that the ledge had potential. He returned to the camp and told his associates. A claim was staked by Wickenburg and his associates; A. Van Bibber, J.B. Green, W. Smith and N.K. Estil. His associates continued to seek other ventures and Wickenburg worked the mine by himself and began to sell the gold ore to other prospectors. He established an encampment which he named Wickenburg's Ranch. Wickenburg helped to finance Jack Swilling's Ditch Project, which later became the Salt River Project. After the flood of 1890, which destroyed all of the farm and mining operations he had recently invested in, Wickenburg was forced to sell the 80% interest of the Vulture mine which he owned, for eighty-five thousand US dollars. He received twenty thousand in cash and a promissory note for the rest of the sixty-five thousand dollars. The new owners refused to pay him because they claimed that Wickenburg did not have a clear title to the property. Wickenburg killed himself as a result of losing his fortune and land in 1819. The Vulture was the most important gold mine in Arizona.
Town of Wickenburg
The Vulture Mine played an instrumental and pivotal role in the founding and development of the town of Wickenburg. After Wickenburg established an encampment as Wickenburg's Ranch, James A. Moore who went into partnership with Wickenburg, wrote to Governor Goodwin and Secretary McCormick and referred to the tent camp as Wickenburg. In 1865, two five-stamp mills were erected and several stores, saloons and two hotels were established. In 1866 it missed being named Territorial Capital by only two votes of the Territorial Legislature. In 1868, the town site was surveyed and platted. Wickenburg donated land for the first church built in the town. Wickenburg discovered the Vulture Mine in 1863. In 1866 he sold 4/5ths of his stake in the Vulture to Mr. Phelps of New York. The contract price was $85,000. However, Henry only received $25,000, because it was said that he could not provide clear title to the mine. While Wickenburg did have litigation fees, he still had other claims and was deeded a 160 acres in 1879, which deed was signed by President Rutherford B. Hays. This property became downtown Wickenburg. Wickenburg eventually surveyed his property and began to sell city lots. He, and others helped to finance Jack Swilling's Ditch Project, which later became the Salt River Project and was instrumental in the development of the City of Phoenix. Wickenburg was very influential. His discovery of the Vulture Gold Mine was an important one and helped lead to the development of the Territory, Many of the people that were affiliated with the mine, became town and Territorial leaders. Henry was a member of the Seventh Arizona Legislature and served on various committees.
Later years
Wickenburg served as the town's Postmaster,Justice of the Peace, Trustee for Wickenburg Schools, served on the school board, was a Census Taker, served on the Coroner's Jury,was the President of the Wickenburg Mining District, gave an easement to the railroad, so it could come into Wickenburg and donated land for the first permanent church in Wickenburg. In 1903, Wickenburg initiated a deed, in which he named Helene Holland, as beneficiary of his estate. F.X. O'Brien bought his ranch and Wickenburg built his adobe home, located at 225 S. Washington Street, known as the Wickenburg-Boetto Home. Wickenburg died from a gunshot wound in 1905. Many felt that the ruling of "suicide" was questionable, including the Maricopa County Sheriff. Wickenburg was laid to rest, in what is now known, as the Henry Wickenburg Pioneer Cemetery.
