Octave - Ghost Town
Octave is a ghost town in Yavapai County, Arizona.
The Story of Octave, Arizona: A Glimpse into a Forgotten Mining Town
Tucked away in the hills of Arizona lies the ghost town of Octave — a place with a rich past and a quiet present. Established during the mining boom, Octave's post office officially opened its doors on April 19, 1900, serving as a vital hub for the growing community. It remained in operation until December 31, 1942, marking over four decades of service to the town and surrounding areas.
Octave’s name has a unique origin: it was named after the eight men who founded the first mining operation there, the Octave Gold Mining Company. During its heyday, the town was a lively center of activity, boasting a school, a post office, a grocery store, a general store, and even a stage line that connected it to the wider world.
Nearby Rich Hill played a crucial role too, supporting not only Octave but also the neighboring towns of Stanton and Weaver. Together, these settlements thrived during the golden era of Arizona mining. However, as the mining industry declined and World War II shifted the nation’s priorities, Octave’s fortunes faded. After the war, many of the town’s buildings were torn down — a move by property owners to lower their land taxes.
Today, visitors to Octave can still see the traces of its vibrant past. The town’s original foundations remain scattered across the landscape, along with one surviving standing building — a quiet testament to a once-bustling community shaped by gold, grit, and the American frontier spirit.