In the 1880's, the town of Eden was started as a farming community by some Mormon settlers. They named the town after a Mormon settlement in Utah. In its heyday, Eden had two stores, a post office, a church, many residences and many other businesses. Eden is not like the rest of the towns on this sight. It is not a ghost town in the same sense as the others (never was a mining town or camp). But it is nearly deserted, and would never make it on this site if it weren't for the great old buildings that remain here. Also, it only a mile or two out of the way if you are planning on visiting Klondyke, Arizona (see Klondyke page).
Today, there are still a few buildings still standing. The old Eden Store still stands on the main street. Across the street from it, stands the concrete walls of an old mercantile. On it, you can read the faded words, "Standard Oil Products" and "General Merchandise." Around the corner from it, on a side street, stands an adobe church. A plaque on the church denotes "Eden Ward Church 1925-1951." Also on the main street, to the east about a block, stands the old post office. There are still a few residents in the area, but these buildings, and the town for that matter, are clearly abandoned.
To get to Eden, start in Safford. take Highway 70 west about 15 to 18 miles to a sign that denotes Eden or Eden Road. Take a right at this intersection. Eden is a mile or two down this road. All the roads to Eden are paved. You will notice, right before you come to the Eden road, you will see the turnoff for Klondyke. It is easy to hit both of these sights when in the area.
