Welcome to the Victoria Mine, a place where the echoes of Arizona’s mining history still resonate amid the rugged landscape of the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The story of the Victoria Mine begins in the late 19th century, during a time when the American Southwest was a magnet for those seeking fortunes in gold and silver. Established in the 1890s, the mine was initially tied to the Ortega hacienda at Santo Domingo, Mexico. It was Cipriano Ortega, a Mexican national, who acquired the mine in 1880, extracting significant amounts of silver ore under his ownership until 1899. The mine was originally called ‘La Americana’ under Ortega, reflecting its ties to both Mexican and American interests.
In 1899, Milul Levey, an American businessman and associate of Ortega, purchased the mine, renaming it ‘La Victoria’ in honor of Victoria Leon, the wife of his storekeeper. Despite Levey’s efforts, the mine yielded less silver than anticipated due to technical challenges, such as the high water table which made deeper excavation difficult.
Though the Victoria Mine’s operations ceased completely by 1976, due to the designation of the area as a wilderness by the National Park Service, its historical significance has not been forgotten. In 1978, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized as one of the oldest prospecting sites in southwest Arizona. This designation underscores the mine’s role in the broader tapestry of Arizona’s mining heritage.
Today, visitors can explore this historic site by hiking the 2.2-mile Victoria Mine Trail. This trail offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and imagine the lives of those who once labored here under the harsh desert sun, driven by the hope and promise of precious metals.
The Victoria Mine may not have been the most productive of Arizona’s many mines, but its story is a testament to the tenacity of early miners and an enduring symbol of the region’s rich history.
