The Ghost Town of Nothing, Arizona: A Desert Dream That Became… Nothing
Driving along U.S. Route 93 between Wikieup and Wickenburg, Arizona, a curious sight appears: a wooden sign atop a tower proclaiming “Nothing.” This marks the location of the ghost town of Nothing, a tiny settlement with a surprisingly ambitious history.
A Town Founded on Hope (and a Little Bit of Irony)
Established in 1977 by Richard “Buddy” Kenworthy, Nothing, Arizona, briefly boasted a population of four residents.1 The town consisted of a gas station and a small convenience store aptly named “All-Mart.”1
The original town sign proudly declared: “Town of Nothing Arizona. Founded 1977. Elevation 3269 ft. The staunch citizens of Nothing are full of Hope, Faith and Believe in the work ethic. Thru the years, these dedicated people had faith in Nothing, hoped for Nothing, worked at Nothing, for Nothing.”1 This tongue-in-cheek motto perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the town and its founder.
From Mining Dreams to a Pizza Oasis
Kenworthy initially hoped to strike it rich through mining, believing the area held potential for gold, silver, or copper.3 The area attracted hobbyist miners hoping to find their fortune.3 After a fire destroyed his businesses in 1988, Kenworthy rebuilt the store and garage, but the town struggled to regain its former momentum.3
By 2005, Kenworthy had moved on, leaving Nothing on the path to becoming a true ghost town.2 However, the story didn’t end there. In 2008, Mike Jensen purchased the land and attempted to revive Nothing by opening a pizza stand with a portable oven and planning to add RV accommodations.2 Unfortunately, this venture also failed, and by 2011, Nothing was once again abandoned.2
Nothing Today
Today, Nothing is an uninhabited ghost town located at 34°28′47″N 113°20′7″W.2 It sits along U.S. Route 93, approximately 118 miles northwest of Phoenix and 23 miles south of Wikieup.2 The Arizona Department of Transportation even installed a motorist call box at the location.2
While little remains besides crumbling structures and faded signs, Nothing continues to capture the imagination of travelers passing through the Arizona desert. It serves as a reminder of the dreams, hopes, and occasional ironies that dot the American landscape.