The Interesting History Of Two Guns, Arizona.
Two Guns, Arizona, is a ghost town unlike any other. Unlike most other ghost towns in Arizona, Two Guns wasn't a mining town or frontier settlement that disappeared over time. Instead, it was a roadside attraction built to capture the attention of travelers along historic Route 66. Perched on the edge of Canyon Diablo, the ruins of Two Guns stand as a haunting reminder of Route 66's golden age, surrounded by legends, tragedies, and unanswered questions.
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A Town Off Of Route 66
Two Guns, Arizona, began as a small Route 66 roadside stop owned by Earle and Louise Cundiff, who operated a gas station, trading post, restaurant, and post office. For many travelers crossing northern Arizona, it provided a welcome place to rest.
In 1925, entrepreneur Henry E. Miller leased the property and transformed it into a tourist attraction, adding shops, sightseeing attractions, and a small zoo featuring mountain lions, bears, gila monsters, and more. It is also reported that he would sell Apache skulls, construct fake cliff dwellings, and give tours into a nearby haunted cave.
Although Two Guns prospered for several decades, many believed the town was cursed. A series of fires, financial setbacks, and ownership disputes plagued the community, and in 1938, Route 66 was bypassed by Interstate 40, which no longer connected to the town. Miller eventually disappeared from the area, and by the 1970s, Two Guns had been completely abandoned.
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Cursed Town
Many people believe that Two Guns was cursed, as it seemed to suffer one tragedy after another. Henry Miller reportedly survived being mauled by one of his own mountain lions, and a series of devastating fires repeatedly destroyed businesses throughout the town.
The nearby Apache Death Cave, infamous for the 40+ deaths that took place inside, only added to the area's dark reputation. As disasters, financial troubles, and failed business ventures mounted, locals began to wonder whether Two Guns was unlucky or if there was an underlying, supernatural factor to its misfortune.
READ MORE ON THE APACHE DEATH CAVE: Exploring The Tragic History Of Apache Death Cave
Modern Activity
Today, Two Guns is little more than a collection of ruins, old buildings, and legends. Visitors can explore the remnants of stone buildings, abandoned service stations, and the remains of Miller's once-famous zoo. The nearby Canyon Diablo Bridge, which carried Route 66 traffic across the canyon for decades, is another popular attraction.
Over the years, rumors of paranormal activity have spread throughout the area, with visitors reporting strange sounds, shadows, and uneasy feelings among the ruins. Whether drawn by history or ghost stories, travelers continue to make the journey to Two Guns.
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Two Guns, Arizona, is a ghost town with an unusual beginning and an even stranger end. What started as a thriving Route 66 tourist attraction eventually became one of the state's most intriguing abandoned places, known for its tragedies, mysteries, and enduring legends.
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