Local Landmarks showcase Cave Creek’s historical milestones

Cave Creek, Arizona – Cave Creek Museum’s one-of-a-kind Local Landmarks program encompasses the town’s amazing history dating back to the 1800s.

Historic locations like Black Mountain Gas Company, Carpenter’s Trading Post and American Legion Post 34 showcase the town’s tough work ethic tenacity and growth.

The property that is home to El Encanto Mexican Cuisine originally was founded as Black Mountain Gas Company in 1952. Black Mountain Gas Company played an important role in bringing natural gas service to the rapidly growing communities of Cave Creek and Carefree. While it was a small utility, it became key to the area’s development as ranch land and desert communities grew.

According to the Cave Creek Museum and the town’s historic Local Landmarks program, the office building at 6248 E. Cave Creek Road was constructed specifically for Black Mountain Gas Company. Today, the building is home to El Encanto. The property’s signature pond began as a natural aquifer before being transformed into a customer favorite that features outdoor dining, swans, turtles and other local wildlife.

Black Mountain Gas was created to provide natural gas distribution to homes and businesses in northern Maricopa County at a time when much of the area relied on propane, wood, or electricity for heating and cooking. As Cave Creek and Carefree grew into the 1970s, the company expanded its underground gas distribution system, making modern utility service available to thousands of residents. In 2003, Black Mountain Gas was acquired by Southwest Gas Corporation. The acquisition integrated the company’s systems into the larger Southwest Gas network.

Bill Nelson purchased the property in 1989 and created th Mexican old-world mission style oasis restaurant. The Nelson family has owned and operated El Encanto for more than 37 years

Carpenter’s Trading Post was opened by E.B. Carpenter in 1951. A talented lapidary (gem cutter), silversmith and avid rockhound. Carpenter spent much of his time exploring the desert and mountains for agate, jasper, petrified wood, quartz and other semi-precious Arizona gemstones. Rather than operating a traditional frontier trading post, Carpenter specialized in locally collected Arizona stones that he transformed into handcrafted jewelry and Western souvenirs. Visitors could purchase pieces made from rocks collected a few miles from the shop, giving the Trading Post a connection to the local landscape.

The early 1950s marked an important period in Cave Creek’s history. Carpenter’s Trading Post became one of several businesses that catered to visitors. He operated the Trading Post until his death in 1969. Following his passing, the original business closed, ending nearly two decades of continuous operation.

Although the original trading post business no longer exists, the small rustic building remains one of Cave Creek’s historic landmarks. It has housed many businesses while preserving a distinctive Western appearance. The structure is a reminder of the artisans and entrepreneurs who helped shape Cave Creek during its postwar growth. His contributions focused on the importance of lapidary arts and Arizona gemstones in the local economy, and the entrepreneurial spirit of local craftsmanship that blended mining traditions with Western artistry.

American Legion Post 34 has a rich and historical history in Cave Creek. The post shares its historical ties with the community as written in the Cave Creek Chronicle, a publication started during World War II for people from Cave Creek who were preparing to fight the war or work in the war effort. Veterans were a key part of the leadership in Cave Creek in the early 1940s, constructing the first building to serve as a haven for veterans returning from war.

In 1945, American Legion Post 34 raised funds to build a Legion home and community hall. It was a big undertaking for a community the size of Cave Creek. The Legion held a dance at the Legion Club building, which finally received a permit to operate from the State Department Club Committee.

Cave Creek Museum’s Local Landmarks program celebrates Cave Creek’s history, its wonders and promotes the many iconic buildings and special spaces places that have shaped the town’s vibrant character.

In addition to recognizing significant places in town, Local Landmarks created a Local Landmarks Passport program to promote these places. Residents and visitors can unearth Cave Creek’s rich history and hidden gems by exploring its Local Landmarks. Learn about the town’s iconic buildings and special spaces that have shaped the town’s character. Discover historic photos and dive into the heritage that makes Cave Creek special. Pick up a passport from the Cave Creek Museum or the Cave Creek Visitors Center and visit up to 10 locations, answer the questions, then bring it to the museum or the visitors center in town for some Cave Creek swag.

Visit these, and the other 20 historic Landmarks sites, to learn more about Cave Creek’s roots and rich mining history. For more information about the Local Landmarks program, visit cavecreekmuseum.org/local-landmarks. Local Landmarks is managed by Cave Creek Museum for the Town of Cave Creek.

The 56-year-old 501(c)(3) museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area through education, research, and interpretive exhibits. The Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek, Ariz., 480.488.2764. Open October through May.