Old Sasco Building Remains, Pima County Travel Guide

The Old Sasco Building Remains, located in Marana, Arizona, offer a captivating journey into the state's rich mining history. Sasco, an acronym for the Southern Arizona Smelting Company, was established in 1907 as a company town to serve several mines in the region. Unlike typical mining towns, Sasco was primarily a smelting and milling center, processing ores from the Silver Bell Mine and others.During its short-lived heyday, Sasco was home to around 600 residents and featured a hotel (Hotel Rockland), saloons, stores, and a power plant. The smelter employed 175 men and processed 245,000 tons of copper ore by 1910. However, the town's prosperity was cut short due to financial difficulties, the Spanish Flu epidemic, and the closure of the Silver Bell Mine in 1921. Most of Sasco's buildings were demolished in the 1930s.Today, visitors can explore the haunting ruins of Sasco, including the remains of the Hotel Rockland, the Sasco Jail, and the smelter complex. The site provides a unique opportunity to witness the architectural remnants and imagine the vibrant life that once filled this industrial town. The surrounding desert landscape enhances the experience, offering scenic views and a sense of tranquility. While exploring, be mindful of broken glass, rusty cans, and signs of vandalism, including paintball splatter and graffiti.