Immigrant Mexican miners working for the Ray Consolidated Copper Company built the town of Sonora near here in 1911 and gave it its name. It boomed as a thriving, dynamic community, rich in Mexican culture, language, and traditions. In the mid-1950's, the company began expanding its open pit operation, gradually advancing on the town from the east. By 1965, Sonora had to close and the miners were relocated to a new town named Kearny. Sonora was demolished in 1966. Its close-knit residents shared bonds of family, friendship, and the dream of a better life, and although they were moved and scattered, many went on to fulfill those dreams through success in business, public service, and education. The town continues to live in the memories of the original settlers and their descendants.