View allAll Photos Tagged apacheland
A view of the Elvis Church in Apacheland Movie lot. The church was used in many western movies. Television shows, such as "The Rifleman", "Zane Grey Theater", "Wanted: Dead or Alive", "Stagecoach West", "Death Valley Days", and "Have Gun, Will Travel", used the ranch for some filming.
The dusting of snow is quite unusual for the Superstition Mountains.
Copyright 2015 © Merilee Phillips.
All my images are protected under international authors copyright laws and may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written explicit permission. All rights reserved.
This is the Elvis Chapel at the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum in Apache Junction.
www.pinal.gov/faq.aspx?TID=134
The Superstition Mountain area has long been of interest to filmmakers, with its dramatic views and romantic history. Movie stars such as Glenn Ford, Elvis Presley, John Wayne, and Tom Mix starred in films set in our area. Elvis Memorial Chapel is a movie prop that was built for the 1969 Elvis Presley western Charro!, which was the only movie Elvis made in which he did not sing, but played a strictly dramatic role. During the moving shoot, a specially-made steeple was constructed and put on the chapel so that it could be blown off during an explosion central to the movie's plot
www.mountaintripper.com/historic-buildings-arizona/the-el...
The Elvis Memorial Chapel is a movie prop from the 1969 Elvis Presley film “Charro!” that survived two fires and was relocated to the Superstition Mountain Museum where it stands to this day.
Originally part of the Apacheland Movie Ranch, it is the sole surviving structure from that iconic Western filming location.
Now serving as a wedding chapel, it stands as a testament to preservation efforts and a unique connection to Elvis’ only non-singing acting role.
www.visitarizona.com/directory/superstition-mountain-lost...
Discover Desert Riches at the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum! Our 15-acre campus, nestled at the base of the Superstition Mountains, had trails, mining equipment, Apacheland Barn, the Elvis Chapel, large-scale model trains, Cossack stamp mill, and so much more! Our museum exhibits revisit the Arizona Territory, documenting early settlers, native culture, geology, flora and fauna, mining and smelting, and all you want to know about the Lost Dutchman and his mine. We have family-friendly special events, partnering with local businesses and charities, making out museum a truly community-centric organization.
infoarizona.com/superstition-mountain-museum/
The desert stretches before you—vast, golden, and silent except for the whisper of wind against stone. Towering peaks rise sharply from the earth, their rugged faces glowing in the Arizona sun, each contour etched with stories of fortune and fate. These are the Superstition Mountains, a landscape steeped in legend, where the line between myth and reality fades into the dust.
Tucked against this backdrop lies the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum, a treasure trove of the region’s mysteries. Within its walls, echoes of prospectors, pioneers, and restless spirits come to life through artifacts, exhibits, and tales passed down through generations.
Founded in 1980 by the Superstition Mountain Historical Society, the museum was born from the dreams of “Dutch hunters”—enthusiasts obsessed with the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine. These folks weren’t just casual treasure seekers; they were dedicated to preserving the lore and artifacts of the region, turning their fascination into a cultural institution.
I visited the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum in Apache Junction. This is the Apachland Barn.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movie_ranch
Located in the town of Apache Junction, Arizona, the Apacheland Movie Ranch and Apacheland Studio[3] was developed from 1959 to 1960 and opened in 1960. Starting in late 1957, movie studios had been contacting Superstition Mountain-area ranchers, including the Quarter Circle U, the Quarter Circle W, and the Barkley Cattle Ranch, for options to use their properties as town sets. One notable production during this time was Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957) with Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster. Though historically inaccurate, it features the area known as Gold Canyon, with the Superstitions prominent behind the movie's representation of the Clanton ranch. During this time, Victor Panek contacted his neighbors in Apache Junction, Mr. and Mrs. J.K. Hutchens, to suggest the idea of building a dedicated studio in the Superstition area. Hutchens and Panek found a suitable site that was developed into Apacheland, intended to be the "Western Movie Capitol of the World".
Construction on the Apacheland Studio soundstage and adjacent "western town" set began on February 12, 1959, by Superstition Mountain Enterprises and associates.[4] By June 1960, Apacheland was available for use by production companies and its first TV western Have Gun, Will Travel was filmed in November 1960, along with its first full-length movie The Purple Hills. Actors such as Elvis Presley, Jason Robards, Stella Stevens, Ronald Reagan, and Audie Murphy filmed many other western television shows and movies in Apacheland and the surrounding area, such as Gambler II, Death Valley Days, Charro!, and The Ballad of Cable Hogue. The last full-length movie to be filmed was the 1994 HBO movie Blind Justice with Armand Assante, Elisabeth Shue, and Jack Black.
On May 26, 1969, fire destroyed most of the ranch. Only a few buildings survived, but the sets were soon rebuilt to accommodate ongoing productions. A second fire destroyed most of Apacheland on February 14, 2004. The causes of both fires were never determined. On October 16, 2004, Apacheland was permanently closed. The Elvis Chapel and the Apacheland Barn, both of which survived the second fire, were donated to the Superstition Mountain Museum. Each structure was partially disassembled at the ranch, moved by truck, and reassembled on the museum grounds, where both stand today.[5][6]
www.visitarizona.com/directory/superstition-mountain-lost...
Discover Desert Riches at the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum! Our 15-acre campus, nestled at the base of the Superstition Mountains, had trails, mining equipment, Apacheland Barn, the Elvis Chapel, large-scale model trains, Cossack stamp mill, and so much more! Our museum exhibits revisit the Arizona Territory, documenting early settlers, native culture, geology, flora and fauna, mining and smelting, and all you want to know about the Lost Dutchman and his mine. We have family-friendly special events, partnering with local businesses and charities, making out museum a truly community-centric organization.
infoarizona.com/superstition-mountain-museum/
The desert stretches before you - vast, golden, and silent except for the whisper of wind against stone. Towering peaks rise sharply from the earth, their rugged faces glowing in the Arizona sun, each contour etched with stories of fortune and fate. These are the Superstition Mountains, a landscape steeped in legend, where the line between myth and reality fades into the dust.
Tucked against this backdrop lies the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum, a treasure trove of the regionâs mysteries. Within its walls, echoes of prospectors, pioneers, and restless spirits come to life through artifacts, exhibits, and tales passed down through generations.
Founded in 1980 by the Superstition Mountain Historical Society, the museum was born from the dreams of Dutch hunters - enthusiasts obsessed with the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine. These folks weren't just casual treasure seekers; they were dedicated to preserving the lore and artifacts of the region, turning their fascination into a cultural institution.
Apache Junction historical Grand Hotel Neon Sign visible in Barn. (Successor to the Superstition Ho Hotel)
Happy Fence Friday, HFF,
I visited the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum in Apache Junction. This is the the model railroad east of the Apacheland Barn.
www.visitarizona.com/directory/superstition-mountain-lost...
Discover Desert Riches at the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum! Our 15-acre campus, nestled at the base of the Superstition Mountains, had trails, mining equipment, Apacheland Barn, the Elvis Chapel, large-scale model trains, Cossack stamp mill, and so much more! Our museum exhibits revisit the Arizona Territory, documenting early settlers, native culture, geology, flora and fauna, mining and smelting, and all you want to know about the Lost Dutchman and his mine. We have family-friendly special events, partnering with local businesses and charities, making out museum a truly community-centric organization.
infoarizona.com/superstition-mountain-museum/
The desert stretches before you - vast, golden, and silent except for the whisper of wind against stone. Towering peaks rise sharply from the earth, their rugged faces glowing in the Arizona sun, each contour etched with stories of fortune and fate. These are the Superstition Mountains, a landscape steeped in legend, where the line between myth and reality fades into the dust.
Tucked against this backdrop lies the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum, a treasure trove of the region's mysteries. Within its walls, echoes of prospectors, pioneers, and restless spirits come to life through artifacts, exhibits, and tales passed down through generations.
Founded in 1980 by the Superstition Mountain Historical Society, the museum was born from the dreams of
"Dutch hunters" - enthusiasts obsessed with the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine. These folks weren't just casual treasure seekers; they were dedicated to preserving the lore and artifacts of the region, turning their fascination into a cultural institution.
This shot reminded me of Billy Joel's Piano Man song.
Thanks to Nasos3 for the use of your textures.
I visited the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum in Apache Junction. This is the stagecoach in the Apachland Barn.
www.visitarizona.com/directory/superstition-mountain-lost...
Discover Desert Riches at the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum! Our 15-acre campus, nestled at the base of the Superstition Mountains, had trails, mining equipment, Apacheland Barn, the Elvis Chapel, large-scale model trains, Cossack stamp mill, and so much more! Our museum exhibits revisit the Arizona Territory, documenting early settlers, native culture, geology, flora and fauna, mining and smelting, and all you want to know about the Lost Dutchman and his mine. We have family-friendly special events, partnering with local businesses and charities, making out museum a truly community-centric organization.
infoarizona.com/superstition-mountain-museum/
The desert stretches before you—vast, golden, and silent except for the whisper of wind against stone. Towering peaks rise sharply from the earth, their rugged faces glowing in the Arizona sun, each contour etched with stories of fortune and fate. These are the Superstition Mountains, a landscape steeped in legend, where the line between myth and reality fades into the dust.
Tucked against this backdrop lies the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum, a treasure trove of the region’s mysteries. Within its walls, echoes of prospectors, pioneers, and restless spirits come to life through artifacts, exhibits, and tales passed down through generations.
Founded in 1980 by the Superstition Mountain Historical Society, the museum was born from the dreams of “Dutch hunters”—enthusiasts obsessed with the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine. These folks weren’t just casual treasure seekers; they were dedicated to preserving the lore and artifacts of the region, turning their fascination into a cultural institution.
The Elvis Presley Chapel is a movie memorabilia museum showing the movies that were filmed at Apache Land.
Survivor of two fires, one in 1969 and one in 2004, which decimated Apache Land Movie Ranch, the Elvis Presley Memorial Chapel was donated to the Superstition Mountain Museum by Sue and Ed Birmingham.
The chapel was taken down piece by piece, nail by nail, has been reconstructed on the museum ground. The Apache Land Movie Ranch Museum is a special museum of western motion pictures and television that were filmed there over a 45 year period, including “Charro,” which starred Elvis Presley. Among some of the better known motion pictures filmed at Apacheland were: The Ballad of Cable Hogue, Arizona Raiders ,The Haunted, The Gambler II and Blind Justice. Television series included Have Gun Will Travel, and Wanted Dead or Alive.
It will also serve, as it has since it was first constructed, as a wedding chapel and reservations are being taken.
This is the Elvis Chapel at the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum in Apache Junction.
www.pinal.gov/faq.aspx?TID=134
The Superstition Mountain area has long been of interest to filmmakers, with its dramatic views and romantic history. Movie stars such as Glenn Ford, Elvis Presley, John Wayne, and Tom Mix starred in films set in our area. Elvis Memorial Chapel is a movie prop that was built for the 1969 Elvis Presley western Charro!, which was the only movie Elvis made in which he did not sing, but played a strictly dramatic role. During the moving shoot, a specially-made steeple was constructed and put on the chapel so that it could be blown off during an explosion central to the movie's plot
www.mountaintripper.com/historic-buildings-arizona/the-el...
The Elvis Memorial Chapel is a movie prop from the 1969 Elvis Presley film “Charro!” that survived two fires and was relocated to the Superstition Mountain Museum where it stands to this day.
Originally part of the Apacheland Movie Ranch, it is the sole surviving structure from that iconic Western filming location.
Now serving as a wedding chapel, it stands as a testament to preservation efforts and a unique connection to Elvis’ only non-singing acting role.
www.visitarizona.com/directory/superstition-mountain-lost...
Discover Desert Riches at the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum! Our 15-acre campus, nestled at the base of the Superstition Mountains, had trails, mining equipment, Apacheland Barn, the Elvis Chapel, large-scale model trains, Cossack stamp mill, and so much more! Our museum exhibits revisit the Arizona Territory, documenting early settlers, native culture, geology, flora and fauna, mining and smelting, and all you want to know about the Lost Dutchman and his mine. We have family-friendly special events, partnering with local businesses and charities, making out museum a truly community-centric organization.
infoarizona.com/superstition-mountain-museum/
The desert stretches before you—vast, golden, and silent except for the whisper of wind against stone. Towering peaks rise sharply from the earth, their rugged faces glowing in the Arizona sun, each contour etched with stories of fortune and fate. These are the Superstition Mountains, a landscape steeped in legend, where the line between myth and reality fades into the dust.
Tucked against this backdrop lies the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum, a treasure trove of the region’s mysteries. Within its walls, echoes of prospectors, pioneers, and restless spirits come to life through artifacts, exhibits, and tales passed down through generations.
Founded in 1980 by the Superstition Mountain Historical Society, the museum was born from the dreams of “Dutch hunters”—enthusiasts obsessed with the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine. These folks weren’t just casual treasure seekers; they were dedicated to preserving the lore and artifacts of the region, turning their fascination into a cultural institution.
This man right here was the best dressed on set for a Wild West gun flight outside the Elvis chapel. It was a memorable Saturday.👌🎸
I visited the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum in Apache Junction. This is the the model railroad east of the Apacheland Barn.
www.visitarizona.com/directory/superstition-mountain-lost...
Discover Desert Riches at the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum! Our 15-acre campus, nestled at the base of the Superstition Mountains, had trails, mining equipment, Apacheland Barn, the Elvis Chapel, large-scale model trains, Cossack stamp mill, and so much more! Our museum exhibits revisit the Arizona Territory, documenting early settlers, native culture, geology, flora and fauna, mining and smelting, and all you want to know about the Lost Dutchman and his mine. We have family-friendly special events, partnering with local businesses and charities, making out museum a truly community-centric organization.
infoarizona.com/superstition-mountain-museum/
The desert stretches before you—vast, golden, and silent except for the whisper of wind against stone. Towering peaks rise sharply from the earth, their rugged faces glowing in the Arizona sun, each contour etched with stories of fortune and fate. These are the Superstition Mountains, a landscape steeped in legend, where the line between myth and reality fades into the dust.
Tucked against this backdrop lies the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum, a treasure trove of the region’s mysteries. Within its walls, echoes of prospectors, pioneers, and restless spirits come to life through artifacts, exhibits, and tales passed down through generations.
Founded in 1980 by the Superstition Mountain Historical Society, the museum was born from the dreams of “Dutch hunters”—enthusiasts obsessed with the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine. These folks weren’t just casual treasure seekers; they were dedicated to preserving the lore and artifacts of the region, turning their fascination into a cultural institution.
The backdrop of the Superstition Mountains made this shot. I was disappointed at the poor weather conditions at the time, but as I look back now, it made for an interesting shot with the mist on the mountains. They are a bit creepy to begin with, so this just adds to the mystique!
This was just about the last stop on our SW trip before our late evening flight back to Detroit. A great trip it was, and quintessentially American.
The Little White Church
By Lora Cox
There’s a little, white church that stands on a hill,
In memories of yesterdays, I see it still.
I hear all the old hymns we used to sing
And echoing through time, the bell still rings.
I see family and friends all gathered there
With heads humbly bowed in fervent prayer.
I see the preacher, as before the altar he stands
Holding God’s book, reverently, in his hands.
"Just As I Am", came the altar call
On the day I bent down and gave Jesus my all.
Now sixty years have come and past
Since I entered through those doors last.
Gone are the voices that used to sing
And gone is the bell that used to ring,
But the little, white church still stands on the hill
And etched within my memory, it always will.
Thank you to Lenabem for the use of your texture 93, texture 90 , texture 54, and texture 86.
Thanks to www.cathairstudios.com for the use of your awesome textures. If you are on Facebook, you can follow cat hair studios there also.
For those of you who are interested in learning textures, Kim Klassen, is offering a free texture in 10 minute online course. Stop by Kim Klassen Cafe and check it out.
Clouds loom over the Superstition Mountains and Elvis Memorial Chapel at the Superstition Mountain Museum. The chapel is one of the last remaining pieces of Apacheland Movie Ranch where many classic westerns were filmed (Have Gun Will Travel, Charro, Wanted Dead or Alive, etc.) over a 45 year period. The chapel survived two fires, the last of which destroyed Apacheland. The chapel was later moved to the Superstition Mountain Museum where it resides today as a movie house playing the classics that it had a part in.
5 bracketed shots processed in Luminance HDR and the Gimp.
Luminance HDR 2.0.0 tonemapping parameters:
Operator: Fattal
Parameters:
Alpha: 1
Beta: 0.9
Color Saturation: 1
Noise Reduction: 0
------
PreGamma: 1
Apache Junction, Arizona. It is rare to get any snow in the Phoenix area, but it does happen for a few days every so many years.
Photograph available on Amazon at www.amazon.com/Elvis-Church-photograph-Superstition-mount...
The Elvis Memorial Chapel is a movie memorabilia museum showcasing the movies that were filmed here, including “Charro,” which starred Elvis Presley. In the movie, "Charro", Elvis Presley lays wounded alongside the chapel. The chapel was originally constructed at the Apacheland Movie Studios. After a 2004 fire that destroyed the studio, the surviving buildings, the Elvis Memorial Chapel and the Apacheland movie barn, were dismantled and moved seven miles to the Superstition Mountain Museum and rebuilt on the museum grounds located at 4087 North Apache Trail. After the death of Elvis Presley, the chapel was renamed the Elvis Presley Memorial Chapel.
Shot with the Samyang 14mm T/3.1 (F/2.8) ED AS IF UMC
This picture reminds of the the Ke$ha Tick-Tock Lyric "Before I leave, brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack." For some reason this song puts a smile on my face, maybe because inside I'm still a giddy teenager or, maybe it brings up memories of my younger days when my friends and I didn't have a care in the world. LOL, either way, it puts me in a good mood when I hear this song. Wishing you all a great day.
Listen to Ke$ha's Tick-Tock HERE.
Thanks SkeletalMess for the use of your textures.
My guess is that I was one of thousands who took this picture on January 1st 2015. Many were out to see the rare snow on the Superstition Mountains. This classic spot at the Superstition Mountain Museum on the Apache Trail must be well known because the parking was scarce and the roads were lined with cars (And the museum was closed). I suspect all were there trying to get a great shot of that rare desert snow. Apparently this chapel is a survivor of the Apacheland Movie Ranch where western films and TV shows were made including “Charro,” which starred Elvis Presley. It is in a great location with the Superstition Mountains in the background.
I hope that this picture makes you step back in time in the wild wild west. This shot was taken at the Superstition Museum and the Apacheland Movie Ranch. The gallows in this picture was used in several films, including, The Gambler ll, starring Kenny Rogers and Linda Evans . Here is a list of other films that had parts shot here:
Purple Hills.................1961
Broken Land..................1961
Blood on the Arrow...........1964
Arizona Raiders..............1965
Charro.......................1969
Blind Justice................1994
Thanks to Les Brumes for the use of your textures.
Remnents of a movie set for Elvis Presley's movie Apacheland near Phoenix, Arizona. Now, a living museum. Photos available for purchase at Wits End Photography. Follow Traveling at Wits End for ways to create travel adventures everyday.
Pinal County, Apache Junction, AZ Jul 2, 2011 — This Chapel has had remarkable staying power. It has survived two fires, being moved once. It is now a part of a museum dedicated to the movies of the area. The Apacheland Movie Set was the location of numerous films including Charro starring Elvis Presley. The chapel now serves as a wedding chapel like it did while making such TV shows as Have Gun Will Travel .
____________________
I imported and tagged the photo with Photo Mechanic. I used Adobe Lightroom for adding color profiles, basic adjustments, and creating TIFFS. I used Photomatix to tone-map the images into an HDR image. I spruced-up the image using the Topaz plug-ins: Denoise, Detail, and Adjust, then touched-up the image using Adobe Photoshop.
PENTAX K-5
SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm ƒ2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM
Here is a shot from the photo shoot I went on with mom and J/Bimages last Friday. We went to the Apacheland Museum. Here is what the website says about the place:
The 12 acre Museum site offers untold photo opportunities with it's reproductions of 19th Century businesses including a Wells Fargo office, stage coach stop, barber shop, assay office and other displays of authentic relics of the 1800's. Well marked nature walks crisscross the areas surrounding the museum buildings, all located at the base of the West Wall of the beautiful Superstition Mountain.....a one of a kind location.
Thanks to Lenabem - Anna for the use of your textures.
By Lady Gaga
I wanna hold em' like they do in Texas Plays
Fold em' let em' hit me raise it baby stay with me
Love game intuition play the cards with Spades to start
And after he's been hooked I'll play the one that's on his heart
Thanks to Tim In Ohio for the use of your textures.
Apache Junction, Arizona - May 9, 2021: The Elvis Chapel church, located in the Superstition Mountains Museum, used in Western movies.
A little monsoon storm hit the east valley Sunday afternoon, resulting in this lovely view. Superstition Mountain and the Elvis Chapel on the grounds of the Superstition Mountain Museum.
A summer 108 degree day in July shot of the Elvis Memorial Chapel. This chapel is a survivor of Apacheland Movie Ranch where western films and TV shows were made including “Charro,” which starred Elvis Presley. It is in a great location with the Superstition Mountains in the background.
Photo taken at Apache Land. The prickly pears were in full fruit. There are quite a few recipes using prickly pear,just remember to remove the thorns.
"The Apache Indians were until recently the most warlike of all the Southwestern Indians and have caused the government of the United States, as well as early settlers, no end of trouble. Today, with their number fast diminishing and with several forts on or near their scattered reservations, with the railroad as an ally, the government has no trouble with them and the Indian has turned his talents to the weaving of baskets and plaques and is at least enjoying the fruits of his labors in peace." [Text on the back of the postcard, apparently written by a government toady]
Fred Harvey (1835 – 1901) was an entrepreneur who developed the Harvey House lunch rooms, restaurants, souvenir shops, and hotels, which served rail passengers. He is credited with creating the first restaurant chain in the United States. He was also a leader in promoting tourism in the American Southwest in the late 19th century. Fred Harvey and his employees successfully brought new higher standards of both civility and dining to a region widely regarded in the era as "the Wild West." He created a legacy which was continued by his sons and remained in the family until the death of a grandson in 1965.
Fred Harvey was also a postcard publisher, touted as "the best way to promote your Hotel or Restaurant." Most postcards were published in co-operation with the Detroit Publishing Company. Their Arizona "Phostint" postcards are collected worldwide.