Lavender Pit

Located in the heart of #BisbeeArizona, an area saturated with a rich #CopperMiningHistory, our renowned Bisbee Tours provide an immersive experience into the region's storied past. A major focal point on the journey, visible from State Route 80, is the remarkable #LavenderPit, an iconic historical landmark that has significantly shaped Bisbee's history.

The adventure with Bisbee Tours is further amplified by captivating pit-stop views that encompass a variety of geographical sequences. This includes the distinctive features of Bucky O'Neil Hill, Holbrook Extension, Sacramento Pit, and of course, the famed Lavender Pit.

Originally a hub teeming with high-grade copper ore mines, the #LavenderPit faced a crisis in the mid-20th century. By 1950, copper content in the ore had depleted drastically to a mere 2%, rendering mining operations significantly less profitable. However, the future of the pit was revolutionized thanks to the strategic contributions of Carl Trischka, the Chief Engineer at #PhelpsDodgeCorporation, and Harrison Lavender, the corporation's Vice President.

Their innovative mining methodology revitalized the Lavender Pit, leading to the relocation of several local communities to new areas such as Saginaw, Bakerville, and East Galena. Galena, established in 1942, played a crucial role, providing accommodation for miners and soldiers. This quaint town with its maze-like network of streets, each named after an old mine (with the exception of #MasonAdditionRoad, dedicated to a relocated community), brings history to life in a most unique way.

The shift in mining approach that occurred in 1951 marked a new era for Bisbee. This year heralded the onset of open-pit mining, resulting in the decommissioning of several significant underground mines like Lowell, Hoatson, Oliver, Sacramento, Gardner, Irish Mag, Spray, Holbrook, and Czar. Today, residual tailings serve as potent reminders of the valley's once-bountiful underground mines, arousing great interest among rock enthusiasts.

Fast-forward to the present day, and #LavenderPitTourism has taken flight. The appeal of exploring Bisbee's deep-rooted mining history continues to draw in droves of visitors. Even the old dynamite-watching parking lot has been repurposed, now offering tourists a strategic vantage point to observe the vast expanse of the open-pit mine.

A particularly intriguing aspect of the tour is #Dump7, a geologically complex terrain featuring a plethora of captivating elements. The East Side showcases a purple overburden interspersed with the mesmerizing Bisbee Blue Turquoise, while the West Side is characterized by waste dirt containing traces of copper ore or malachite. The top surface is dotted with more than 50 leaching ponds, each of which contribute to an annual copper yield of about 0.05%, translating into roughly $1,000,000 in revenue each year.

To sum up, the Lavender Pit serves as a living testament to Bisbee's vibrant mining history. Today, it stands as a must-visit destination on the #BigJeepTours, offering visitors a chance to delve into the pit's history, appreciate its unique geology, and gain insights into the various mining operations. And of course, the mesmerizing views of the open-pit mine only add to the allure, making it a truly unforgettable experience.