Twenty-five miles from Yuma, Arizona, north of highway 80, is the ghost town of Tumco, California. A track walker whose last name was Hedges, made a find in the early 80s that created some excitement that eventually lured as many as 3000 persons to the site. The town was named Hedges, probably for the reason nobody cared what it was called given the torturous desert summer heat. Water was piped in from the Colorado River. Hedges had all the makings of a boomtown except a hotel. Everyone lived in cabins of wood or stone. When Hedges felt he had made enough money, he sold his holdings to Borden, the condensed milk baron. The new owner operated under the name of The United Mining Company. He renamed the town, taking the initials of the company and coined TUMCO. Borden ceased operations in 1909, thus creating a true ghost town. The most sorrowful scene is that of the cemetery. Over populated for a small town, every grave is unmarked which only adds to the feeling of complete desolation. Submitted by Henry Chenowith.

Tumco
Courtesy Kurt Wenner