Humbug, along with nearby Columbia, came into existence during the early 1870's as placer gold was found in Humbug Creek. A mill was constructed and the town operated until the turn of the century. A caretaker resided at the mine for years and then production started again. The town thrived and the mine was extensively worked until the early 1930's. I had the opportunity to interview Warner Watkins, who had worked at Humbug in its later years. He told of what life was like when he he had to drive to Wickenburg every night to get milk for the town, or how the miners would walk to Crown King (about 20 miles uphill) every weekend to go to the saloon. Today many buildings remain and have even been renovated, and there usually is a caretaker.

Humbug
Courtesy Kurt Wenner