Once known as the Dude Ranch Capital of the World, Wickenburg, Arizona, has had many lives since its founding during the Civil War years. When German immigrant Henry Wickenburg discovered the Vulture Gold Mine in the fall of 1863 and put down roots as a miner and farmer, he also set down the beginnings of the city that would be named in his honor. Early residents and visitors included miners, ranchers, gunslingers, newspaper editors, and saloon keepers. Families made their way to town in the early 20th century and opened businesses, established churches and a library, and sent their children to local schools. In the 1930s, dude ranches blossomed in and around the city limits and tourists were enchanted by the real Wild West ambience. As the century progressed, people remained in town for generations, while newcomers regularly moved in to enjoy Wickenburgs desert setting and modern amenities.

The massacre at Wickenburg was one of the most notorious crimes committed in the Wild West--a story revealed in this book through a criminal investigation. November 5, 1871. A westbound stagecoach carrying seven men and one woman left Wickenburg in the early morning hours. At 8:00 a.m., six of the passengers were shot dead. One man and the lone woman, severely wounded, escaped into the desert. Debates raged over the identity of the murderous ambushers -- Indians? Mexican bandits? The two survivors? After a massive investigation, the U.S. Army concluded that a band of local Yavapai Indians were responsible, which led to a policy of "removal and concentration" that altered the fate of nearly every Indian in America's Southwest. Wilson, a longtime law enforcement officer who has spent decades researching 19th century crimes, presents the first book about this notorious crime and its resulting fallout. This is an intriguing look into the past, and a riveting story that reads like a mystery novel. R. Michael Wilson has served as a consultant for "The History Channel" about crimes of the Old West and the author of several books, including Great Train Robberies of the Old West. He lives in Las Vegas.

Bruce and his wife Sylvia move to Wickenburg, Arizona to start a ranch. Silvia doesn’t like the idea of living in a sandbox as she refers it too but goes along with her husband. shortly after the ranch is underway life looked good. However, someone has set their desires for that same property to make a lot of money and tries to force Bruce off his land by giving him all kinds of trouble.

A history of the 130 years of Wickenburg, Arizona, and how it has changed and survived.