Oatman AZ
While staying in Laughlin Nevada, one of the more popular day tours is a visit to the old Ghost Town of Oatman AZ.
Located across the Colorado River and just up the hill from Ft. Mohave is the ghost town of Oatman. Situated along the Black Mountains of Arizona at an elevation of 2,700 feet, Oatman is a small settlement between Kingman and Needles on historic Route 66. In 1902, Ben Taddock discovered gold and staked a claim there but did not have the funds to build a mine. He then sold his claim to Judge E.M. Ross and Colonel Thomas Eqing in 1903 who then sold the claim to the Vivian Mining Company. The town, then called Vivian, took off, as miners from all over the country came to work the mine. Over 3 million dollars worth of gold was taken from the mine between 1904 and 1907.
The town changed its name in 1909 in honor of Olive Oatman, who was captured by Indians while her family was attacked on its’ trek out west. Olive Oatman was rescued near the site of the town in 1857. In 1910 there was another gold strike and the Tom Reed Mine was established. As that mine was depleted and the town started to fall on hard times, another mine struck gold and gave up over 14 million dollars worth of the precious metal.
The 1920s brought the construction of Route 66 through Oatman, again reviving the town. But in 1921, a fire broke out and almost completely burned the town down. The town was rebuilt and by 1930 it was estimated that 36 million dollars worth of gold had been mined and nearly 20,000 people living in the area. During this time Oatman was home to twenty saloons, seven hotels, two banks, and even had its’ own newspaper, the Oatman Miner.
The only original building that survived the fire and is still standing today is the Oatman Hotel. The Hotel, originally called the Drulin Hotel was built in 1909. The Oatman Hotel is the oldest 2 story adobe structure in Mohave Valley and is a historical landmark. Its’ biggest claim to fame is where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their honeymoon in 1939. Tours of the Honeymoon suite are available and the Hotel is now going through some renovation.
Oatman remained a viable tourist town located on busy Route 66 until 1953 when Highway 40 was built and completely bypassed the town. Today, Oatman has been revived once again by the gambling town of Laughlin, which brings thousands of visitors a year to the area. There are many shops and cantinas for visitors to roam about, through the half mile long town. Many of the products, including jewelry made from the many gems found in the area, along with items gathered from around the world, are available in storefronts that still reside in many of the buildings that were rebuilt after the fire. Once again, the price of gold has brought the old mine back to life. Many of the outbuildings to the mine have been retrofitted and the mine, which once held tours, is now back in business.
Burros also roam the streets looking for a carrot which can be bought at any of the stores. These Burros are believed to be descendents of the original animals used for the work in the mines. Although there are signs that these Burros are wild animals, they seem quite tame and make the trip to town everyday about noon for the Wild West shootout that is reenacted in the middle of Route 66. They know that wherever large groups of tourists gather, they will be fed.
Oatman is truly like stepping back in time. From the washboard wooden sidewalks to the 1890s attire, one cannot help but be entertained by the sites to see along the way. Some of the hillside is still barren from the strip, or hydro mining that has taken place. Old foundations of building still scatter the countryside and one can’t help but wonder what it must have been like to live their over 100 years ago.
On July 4th Oatman hosts its’ annual sidewalk egg contest. People gather from all parts of the country to fry their special eggs on the sidewalk for prizes and bragging rights. And if you’re there before Christmas, you will notice that the bushes in the desert along the road to Oatman are decorated for their Christmas contest. During Laughlin Bike Week, at the end of April, you will find motorcycles lining the street from one end to the other and many tour buses find it a regular stop.
If you have never been to Oatman you will need to plan at least a half day to take in the sights. From the casinos it will take a little under an hour to get there by car. After crossing the bridge into Bullhead City, take 95 south through Ft. Mohave and then left on Boundary Cone Rd. Head towards the mountains where you will intersect onto Route 66 and then continue on to Oatman about 4 miles further. There are also tours available from the casinos if you don’t feel like driving.
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