Pronounced Ah-ho, this obscure mining town in southern Arizona was a boomtown from the 1920s until the early 1960s. The high level of copper production accounted for significant wealth in Ajo and has left the little town with a legacy of some significant structures. Two of the more prominent buildings are the Ajo Plaza and the Immaculate Conception Church. They face other across the broad square in the center of town.
At present, though, Ajo is better known for its proximity to the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (15.3 miles south of the town) and for an impressive collection of mosaics and murals spread throughout the town. Over the years Ajo has evolved into a lively center of creativity, attracting artists from around the world who are drawn to the beauty and landscapes of the vast Sonoran Desert wilderness.
Ajo has done a splendid job of reinventing itself as the copper mining industry faded away. The train station (pictured above) was transformed into a center for welcoming tourists and a former public school has become a gallery and clay studio, also offering unique lodging for visitors. Ajo has also become something of a culinary hot spot, offering an appreciable selection of Mexican and Native American dishes and family fare along with vegetarian/vegan options.
The art works pictured above are a small sampling of what can be seen around the town, which also offers scenic drives, off-road trails, pollution-free skies for stargazers, nature & wildlife areas, golfing…basically, something for everyone! Ajo is well worth a visit!
