Henry Wickenburg came to the area in search of gold. He was rewarded with the discovery of Vulture Mine (1863-1942), where over 340,000 ounces of gold and 260,000 ounces of silver were found.

There are still relics around the area that stand as a tribute to these early adventurers, as well as a walking tour around Vulture City, which is adjacent to the present-day Vulture Mine.

It was a rough start for the town with Indian wars, mine closures, desperados, drought, and a disastrous flood in 1890 when the Walnut Creek Dam burst. Despite these trials and tribulations, the town continued to grow. In 1895 the railroad arrived in town. The historic depot still stands today as the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce building.