Fairbank is located about five miles west of Tombstone, Arizona near the banks of the San Pedro River. The town of Fairbank served as the train depot for the mining/cattle ranches of Tombstone. Anyone coming to Tombstone by train in the 1800’s had to get off the train at Fairbank and then travel by stagecoach/wagon or horse to Tombstone.
All supplies going to Tombstone also came through Fairbank, the cattle from the ranches and ore from the silver mine leaving Tombstone came through Fairbank as well.
The area around Fairbank was settled in 1881 and the town of Fairbank was founded in 1883. The town was named after a Chicago investor Nathaniel Kellogg Fairbank who had partially financed the railroad and was the founder of the Grand Central Mining Company which had an interest in the silver mines in Tombstone (ref. Wikipedia).
The last resident moved out in 1972 and the post office closed shortly afterwards, giving the town back to the coyote, javelina, and cottonwood trees. Today what is left of the town of Fairbank is located within the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area.
Located a few miles west of Tombstone, Arizona on AZ Route 82.Fairbank, AZ in 1890. (Photo taken from Wikipedia -public domain)Fairbank in 2014. (Photo taken from Wikipedia -public domain)Street signs in Fairbank.We didn’t hike the trails.On the trail to the Fairbank cemetery. (Photo taken from Wikipedia -public domain)A sad commentary for a human life. (Photo taken from Wikipedia – public domain)Street signs installed by a nonprofit organization called, “Friends of Fairbank.”LTV owners from left: Maggie Hogan, Paula and Nathan RakestrawOriginal Outhouse. Original Outhouse, I bet this place has some stories to tell… (Photo taken from Wikipedia – public domain)Post Office in Fairbank. The last place to close its doors in 1972. (Photo taken from Wikipedia – public domain)LTV owners Jane and Roland (Tai) TaitanoThe most mature LTV owners of our group – Dave and Donna McCowan. Age: Upper 80’s-low 90’s and still traveling!Dave and Donna McCowan’s LTVMaryAnn and the Traveling Pups at Fairbank.San Pedro River valleyOn route 82 in the San Pedro River valleyThe road (route 82) from Fairbank to Huachuca City, AZ.Views from the road.Photo taken from route 82 going west from Fairbank.Route 82 west of Huachuca City.Photo from route 82 west.Route 82 west from Fairbank.Route 82 west of Huachuca City.Route 82 west. Have I ever mentioned how much I love a straight road.We stopped for a couple nights at RV Resort just north of Huachuca City, Arizona.We are an impressive group when we all pull into an RV park together.
While we stayed in Huachuca City, we spent day four of our tour visiting Tombstone, Bisbee and Sonoita/Elgin area before moving on to Empire Ranch and Patagonia.
(The picture above is of the Pecos River in southwest Texas.) My name is Terry C Barber, I am a disabled veteran, retired military and retired pastor. MaryAnn’s a retired special education teacher. Our Next Chapter, the open road – we call it “the Barber Road.” You're invited to join us as we explore North America in our Leisure Travel Van with two Shitzu pups.
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