Tiger Mine History

Friday, September 29, 6:30 PM – Speaker Event – Vince Majalca – Tiger Mine History

Come and join us at the Acadia Ranch Museum on Friday, September 29 at 6:30 PM for a power point presentation by Vince Majalca on the history of Tiger, Arizona. There is no charge but donations are always welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Questions? oraclehistoricalsociety@gmail.com or 520-896-9609.

Tiger is now a ghost town buried beneath the Magma Copper/BHP open pit mine. Tiger’s history goes back to the 1880s. Learn about its history and the people of what was once a community of 1,800 people. Find out how Armando Carillo and friends were able to put a reunion of the former town’s residents and their descendants together in 1996 some 42 years after they were evicted by Magma to expand the mine. The town may be gone forever but “Tiger exists in our hearts” said one of the former residents.

Vince Majalca Born in 1980 and raised in Oracle, Vince is a graduate of San Manuel HS, class of 1998. After serving in the Army, Vince returned to Oracle where he coached San Manuel athletics and worked with at risk teenage boys for Sycamore Canyon Academy.

In 2013 Vince earned his bachelor’s in social sciences from the University of Arizona as well as his Masters degree for education in 2017. He currently works for Pima Community College as the Athletic Eligibility Officer.

“This presentation was created in conjunction with Armando Carrillo Jr. who was born on March 12,1949 and raised in Tiger. Armando raised me alongside his son Adam so I have known him all of my life. Due to a personal matter, he will not be able to tell his story. I have taken the responsibility and honor to tell it for him.”

“Memories of Tiger” is about growing up in the now ghost town of Tiger Arizona. With the help of visual aids, Armando’s interview, and published sources we invite you to join us to revive the memories of a small mining town that like others, have become a lost piece of Arizona history.