Tom Mix Memorial, Pinal County Travel Guide

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A roadside tribute to Tom Mix, the original King of Cowboys, honoring his legacy in film and the Wild West on Arizona's Highway 79.

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Tom Mix Memorial

The Tom Mix Memorial, located near Florence, Arizona, commemorates the life and tragic death of Tom Mix, a celebrated silent film actor and cowboy icon. The roadside monument marks the spot where Mix's car accident occurred in 1940, offering a place for fans to remember his contributions to the Western genre.

A brief summary to Tom Mix Memorial

Florence, Arizona, 85132, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tom Mix Memorial.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography.
Read the plaques to learn about Tom Mix's life and his impact on the Western film genre.
Bring water and snacks, as the area is remote with limited facilities nearby.

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Getting There

Driving

The Tom Mix Memorial is located on the west side of Arizona State Highway 79, between mile markers 115 and 116. From Florence, head south on AZ-79 for approximately 18 miles. The memorial will be on your left. Parking is available at the roadside rest area. There are no tolls on this route.
Public Transport

While public transportation directly to the memorial is limited, you can take the Sun Valley Express bus service to Florence. From there, a taxi or rideshare service is needed to cover the remaining distance to the Tom Mix Memorial, which is about 4 miles. Taxi fare could cost around $10. The Sun Valley Express operates Monday through Saturday.

Discover more about Tom Mix Memorial

The Tom Mix Memorial, situated on Arizona State Highway 79 between Florence and Oracle Junction, is a poignant tribute to Tom Mix, one of the first and most prominent cowboy stars of the silent film era. Born in Pennsylvania in 1880, Mix became a genuine cowboy before his Hollywood career, showcasing his horsemanship and charisma in over 300 films.On October 12, 1940, Mix tragically died in a car accident near this location. While driving his 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton, he encountered a bridge construction site and crashed into a wash, now known as Tom Mix Wash. A heavy suitcase in the car struck him, causing fatal injuries.The memorial features a striking statue of Mix, capturing his iconic cowboy persona, alongside plaques detailing his life story and achievements. Visitors can stroll through the area to see the various tributes and inscriptions left by fans from around the world, adding a personal touch to the site. The monument has caught the eye of motorists passing by on Arizona State Highway 79; there's even a geocache placed at the site in the Western star's honor. One of the covered picnic tables next to the monument displays memorabilia about Mix, copies of newspaper accounts of his death, and a register for guests to sign.