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Old Sasco Building Remains: Echoes of a Smelting Town

Explore the historic Old Sasco Building Remains in Marana, AZ: a glimpse into Arizona's mining past amidst stunning desert scenery.

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Explore the evocative ruins of Old Sasco, a former smelting town in Marana, Arizona. Once a bustling hub for processing ore from nearby mines, today it offers a glimpse into Arizona's mining past amidst a scenic desert landscape. Discover the remnants of the Hotel Rockland and the towering smelter complex.

A brief summary to Old Sasco Building Remains

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and optimal lighting for photography.
  • Wear sturdy shoes, as the terrain can be rocky and uneven.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities on-site.
  • Take time to read any informational plaques to fully appreciate the history of the site.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Tucson, take I-10 Northwest towards Phoenix. Continue on I-10 for about 20 miles. Take exit 240 for Marana Road towards Marana. Turn right onto Marana Road and continue for about 3 miles. Turn left onto W Avra Valley Rd and then right onto S Sandario Rd. After about 2 miles, turn left onto W Sasco Rd. Follow this road until you reach the Old Sasco Building Remains, which will be on your right. Parking may be limited. High clearance vehicle recommended.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Sun Tran bus route 6 from downtown Tucson towards Marana. You will need to transfer at the Marana Transit Center. From there, you can take a rideshare service (like Uber or Lyft) to the Old Sasco Building Remains. The Sun Shuttle also offers dial-a-ride service in the Marana/Avra Valley areas. Trip reservations should be made one to seven days before the day of travel by calling (520) 792-9222. A single Sun Tran bus fare is $1.75. A short Uber or Lyft ride from the Marana Transit Center to Old Sasco Building Remains will cost approximately $10-$20.

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Discover more about Old Sasco Building Remains

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.

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