Program 8/14/2012-History of the Ruby Mine Arizona

 
Howard M Frederick, grew up here in Tucson.  Went to UofA (PhD in biochemistry and nutrition).  Worked for years (here and in Australia) with livestock producers; main interest now is zoo and wildlife nutrition.  Married (wife a retired veterinarian now doing welded animal sculptures) and have 2 sons.

The Ruby is the mining camp that supported the Montana mine, about 70 miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona in the Oro Blanco Mining District, near the Mexican border about 12 miles from Arivaca. About half way there, the road goes from pavement to dirt. But it’s well-maintained and a standard sedan can easily travel on it Settled at 4,200 feet altitude, amongst beautiful rolling hills and rugged canyons west of the Atascosa Mountains, the mine and old mining camp lie at the foot of 5,370-foot Montana Peak, the most distinctive landmark in the area.

When Arizona became a state in 1912, Montana camp opened the “Ruby” post office, named for the postmaster’s wife, whose maiden name was Ruby. Gradually the entire camp became known as Ruby. During the years 1912-1926, the Montana mine successfully transitioned from producing silver and gold to producing lead and zinc (with some silver).

You can visit the mine - Historical information and maps are provided for self-guided tours and entrance fees are $12 per person over 12 years of age. The fees go to the non-profit foundation: Ruby Mines Restoration Project.

Since the 1960s’s Howards family has owned Ruby Mines . ... Suelee