Description

Stanton, Arizona Territory. The towns of Stanton, and nearby Weaver and Octave grew out of the discovery of a rich gold find by the pioneer explorer Pauline Weaver in 1863. The rich find was near Antelope Peak and in the creeks that ran from it, the Antelope and Weaver. The find was aptly named: "Rich Hill." Charles P. Stanton, "the illegitimate son of an Irish Lord," had been in the general area and learned the mining process by visiting local mines, e.g., the Vulture Mine. He became a partner in the Leviathan Mine, sold his interest, and settled in the Antelope Station Area. The Station grew and prospered along with the mining industry. Charles Stantion bought a cabin and opened a small store in the Antelope Creek area. It also became the local stage and mail stop. The nature of Stanton's personal conduct and activities have been in dispute, was he a successful miner and businessman or a tryant and "very bad man?" There were witnesses who would swear and attest to both characterizations. His story and life ended abruptly in 1886 when he was gunned down in his store by a young Mexican boy for purportedly making improper advances towards the boy's sister. By the early 1900's, the gold around Stanton began to play out. In 1905, mail service was discontinued and general lawlessness became so rampant it drove out most of the population from the area.