Fairbank Historic Townsite
Fairbank is a "ghost town" located within the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (NCA), along the San Pedro River.
Its life as a town began with the construction of a railroad in 1881, and it soon became an important depot as well as the closest railroad stop to Tombstone, then one of the largest western cities (15,000 in 1882). Originally called Junction City, Kendall, then Fairbank, it was officially named Fairbank on May 16, 1883. The name refers to N.K. Fairbank of Chicago, who helped finance the railroad.
The town, was built on an old Mexican land grant, the San Juan de las Boquillas y Nogales, which was bought by the Boquillas Land and Cattle Company in 1901. The company evicted all potential land owners, but continued to lease the mercantile building and a few residences well into the 1970's. The Bureau of Land Management acquired the land that was once the Mexican Land Grant in 1986 as part of the San Pedro Riparian NCA.
Today, the area is open for the public to enjoy. Take a self-guided tour around what was once a thriving boom-town of the wild west! Be on the look-out for historic points of interest. But note: It is illegal to remove any historic artifacts from public lands. Please leave everything in its place. Thank you for your help in preserving our historic resources!
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
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Cell phone reception at Fairbank Historic Townsite can be spotty during bad weather, but generally the service is good.
Townsite. A general parking area with packed gravel is located to the east of the townsite and has room for about a dozen vehicles. A hardened trail leads from this lot to the townsite. Closer to the townsite there are 2 concrete parking spaces for accessible parking only, with an access aisle between them to accommodate vans.
An accessible single vault toilet sits on a concrete pad near the accessible parking spaces. Accessible drinking water is available in multiple areas within the site from 5 water spigots with easy-to-use lever valves.
A concrete path runs from the accessible parking spots to the schoolhouse building, an accessible living interpretive site open Friday – Sunday. The schoolhouse has interpretive panels and large flip books about the history of the site and the surrounding area.
The other buildings at the townsite are closed to the public, but there are interpretive signs explaining the buildings’ history and functions scattered across the site.
Picnic area. Approximately 6 uncovered picnic tables sit on natural ground in an area shaded by trees. The tables were not designed with accessibility in mind, but there is an accessible fire ring with grill attachment for safe use at sitting height.
Next to schoolhouse is a larger group picnic site that’s also shaded by trees. This site has several picnic tables with inset legs and an oversized pedestal grill all sitting on a large concrete pad.
Trail. A hardened, 1.25-mile trail of compacted gravel leads to the old mill to the north of the townsite. This trail is relatively flat, with a grade of less than 2 percent.
Descriptions and photos uploaded February 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
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Directions
From Tucson, follow I-10 E to AZ-90 S in Benson. Take exit 302 from I-10 E. Follow AZ-90 S and take AZ-82 E to Fairbank Historic Townsite. From Sierra Vista, follow AZ-90 N and take AZ-82 E to Fairbank Historic Townsite.
Fees
Day use throughout the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is free; you don't need a permit.
You must have a permit for overnight backcountry camping. Permit fees are $2 per person per night. You may have a campfire only in designated areas. Camping is limited to seven consecutive nights in any one location, unless otherwise authorized.
Commercial operators must secure special authorization prior to their planned visit.