However, the mineral rights were claimed by the government and Wickenburg immigrated to the United States in 1847, after the local authorities raided the family farm.

In 1862, he joined the Pauline Weaver party, who had struck gold in the Antelope Peak, and traveled into the interior of what was then the Arizona Territory.

[2][3][4] On one occasion Wickenburg had noticed a quartz ledge about fourteen miles from the group's camp.

His associates continued to seek other ventures and Wickenburg worked the mine by himself and began to sell the gold ore to other prospectors.

[4] After the Walnut Grove Dam burst in 1890, which destroyed all of the farm and mining operations he had recently invested in, Wickenburg was forced to sell the 80% interest of the Vulture mine which he owned, for eighty-five thousand US dollars ($85,000).

[2] The Vulture Mine played an instrumental and pivotal role in the founding and development of the town of Wickenburg.

[4][2][3] Wickenburg eventually surveyed his property and began to sell city lots.

His discovery of the Vulture Gold Mine was an important one and helped lead to the development of the Territory.

[4][2][3] In 1903, Wickenburg initiated a deed in which he named Helene Holland, as beneficiary of his estate.

Many felt that the ruling of "suicide" was questionable, including the Maricopa County Sheriff (Murphy).

[2] The Vulture Mine is said to have produced over 200 million in gold, but due to various reasons failed to be a money-maker.