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Clifton Historic Shovel: A Mining Relic

A monumental tribute to Clifton's mining history, showcasing a restored excavator shovel that symbolizes the town's industrial heritage.

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The Clifton Historic Shovel is a restored P&H Model 1800 excavator, a monument to Clifton's copper mining past. This massive machine, which operated in the Phelps Dodge Morenci pit for over two decades, now stands as a reminder of the town's rich industrial heritage.

A brief summary to Clifton Historic Shovel

  • 169 Park Ave, Clifton, Arizona, 85533, US

Local tips

  • Take photos with the massive shovel to appreciate its scale and historical significance.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of Clifton's historic Chase Creek Street to see well-preserved Arizona Territorial Period architecture.
  • Visit the Greenlee Historical Museum to learn more about the region's mining history and cultural heritage.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Clifton Historic Shovel is located at 169 Park Ave, Clifton, AZ. From most points in central Clifton, the shovel is accessible by foot. Walking from the Clifton Hotel, head north on Coronado Blvd/US-191, turn left onto Park Avenue. The shovel will be on your left, a short walk from the intersection. There is no fee to view the shovel.

  • Driving

    If driving from outside of Clifton, follow US-191 to Park Avenue. Turn onto Park Avenue, and the shovel will be a short distance on your left. Parking is available along Park Avenue. There are no parking fees.

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Discover more about Clifton Historic Shovel

The Clifton Historic Shovel is a preserved P&H Model 1800 Excavator Shovel #11, a relic from Clifton's copper mining boom. This colossal machine worked in the nearby Phelps Dodge Morenci Pit from January 20, 1958, to February 11, 1980, moving vast quantities of earth and ore. Saved through the joint efforts of Phelps Dodge Morenci and the Town of Clifton, the shovel was restored as a reminder of the machinery that helped build post-war America. The restoration project, completed on June 5, 1993, involved over 458 hours and 40 volunteers. During its 22 years of service, the shovel moved 68,483,849 tons of material. To visualize this, if the total tonnage was stacked on top of a 1700 sq. ft. home, the pile would reach 202.7 miles high. Today, the shovel serves as a landmark and a testament to the copper mining industry that shaped Clifton and the surrounding region. Clifton itself is a town with a rich history, founded in 1873. Copper mining attracted diverse groups of people, including Scottish, Italian, Mexican, and Chinese immigrants. While other mining towns disappeared, Clifton persevered, maintaining its unique character.

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