Chloride, Arizona – Preserving the Past for the Future

Nestled in the rugged landscape of Mohave County, Arizona, lies Chloride, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Old West. This historic silver mining camp, recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited mining town in Arizona, offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era, where fortunes were sought in the depths of the earth and communities carved out a life amidst challenging conditions. Today, Chloride stands as a living museum, carefully preserving its rich heritage while embracing the future through tourism and a thriving community.

The story of Chloride is one of boom and bust, of perseverance and reinvention. Like its sister town of Oatman, Chloride faced near-extinction when the mines closed and its population dwindled. However, unlike many ghost towns that succumbed to the ravages of time, Chloride has revitalized itself by embracing its past and inviting visitors to experience the allure of the Old West. While often mistakenly labeled a ghost town, Chloride is very much alive, home to a resilient community of over 300 residents who are dedicated to preserving its unique character.

The lure of precious minerals first drew prospectors to the area in the 1840s. It wasn’t until the early 1860s that significant silver veins were discovered on what became known as Silver Hill. This initial discovery ignited a mining boom that would eventually unearth other valuable resources, including gold, lead, zinc, copper, and turquoise, establishing the area as a significant mining district.

The mining camp of Chloride was officially founded around 1863, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s history. However, the early years of the settlement were fraught with challenges. The presence of hostile Hualapai Indians posed a significant threat to the miners and hindered the growth of the town. It wasn’t until the late 1860s, when the U.S. Army began to exert its influence in the area, that the situation began to improve.

In the early 1870s, a pivotal treaty was signed with the Hualapai, effectively clearing the path for more extensive mining operations. This agreement ushered in a period of growth and prosperity for Chloride. The population began to swell as more miners and their families arrived, drawn by the promise of riches. In 1873, the town established a post office, a symbol of its growing importance and permanence. Although it temporarily closed, the post office reopened in 1893 and has remained in continuous operation ever since, making it one of the oldest continuously operating post offices in the state of Arizona, a testament to the enduring spirit of the town.

As Chloride flourished, new businesses began to spring up, catering to the needs of the growing community. In 1898, the Santa Fe Railroad extended its tracks from Kingman to Chloride, a development that significantly reduced the cost of transporting ore and supplies. This connection to the outside world further fueled the town’s growth. By 1900, Chloride boasted a population of 2,000 residents, primarily supported by two major mines: the Tennessee and the Schuylkill. These mines became the economic backbone of the town, producing substantial quantities of gold, silver, lead, and zinc well into the late 1940s.

The peak years for Chloride spanned from 1900 to 1920, a period during which approximately 75 mines were actively operating in the area. In 1910, the railway line was extended directly to the Tennessee Mine, the largest and most productive mine in the district, further solidifying its importance to the town’s economy.

By the 1930s, the Golconda Mine, located between Kingman and Chloride, emerged as the richest mine in the region. It is estimated that the Golconda produced an impressive six and a half million dollars worth of ore. Later, the Tennessee Silver Mine surpassed the Golconda in terms of total ore produced, further highlighting the significance of mining in the area.

However, the prosperity of Chloride was not destined to last forever. In 1935, the Santa Fe Railroad, which had been providing passenger and cargo service to the town since 1898, decided to close its station in Chloride. This marked the beginning of a decline that would eventually lead the town to the brink of abandonment.

By 1944, the cost of materials and labor had increased to such an extent that it became economically unfeasible to continue extracting precious minerals from the nearby hills. As a result, the mines closed, and the population of Chloride declined dramatically. Despite the mass exodus, the post office remained open, a beacon of hope in the face of adversity. Within a short period, Chloride was widely considered a ghost town, a relic of a bygone era.

During the counterculture movement of the 1960s, a group of hippies, led by an artist named Roy Purcell, established a commune in the hills east of Chloride. During their time there, Purcell created a series of vibrant murals on the rocks, which have since become known as the "Chloride Murals." These murals, depicting Native American themes and spiritual imagery, added a unique artistic dimension to the town’s cultural landscape. Forty years later, Purcell returned to repaint the murals on the anniversary of their creation, ensuring that the artwork remained vibrant and captivating for future generations.

While a few mines continue to operate on a small scale, Chloride has shifted its focus towards tourism as its primary source of economic activity. Over the past decade, the residents of Chloride have worked together to transform the town from a near ghost town into a popular tourist destination and a haven for snowbirds seeking a warm and welcoming community during the winter months. The overarching goal of the residents is to preserve the town’s rich history while allowing it to thrive in the future.

The year-round population of Chloride hovers around 300 residents but swells to nearly 400 during the winter months. This quaint Old West town is replete with gift shops offering a variety of handmade art, crafts, and jewelry, catering to the tastes of visitors. Attracting approximately 20,000 tourists annually from across the globe, Chloride provides an exceptional opportunity to immerse oneself in the history of this captivating old mining camp.

The town takes immense pride in preserving its historic buildings, including the Jim Fritz Museum, the old jail, the historic post office, and the old train station. These structures serve as tangible reminders of the town’s rich past. The Chloride Volunteer Fire Department, the oldest in Arizona, proudly displays its meticulously maintained 1939 Ford Fire Engine to visitors, showcasing the town’s commitment to preserving its heritage.

On Saturdays at high noon, visitors can enjoy lively gunfight reenactments performed by local troupes, providing a comical and entertaining glimpse into the Wild West.

The remnants of the Tennessee and Schuylkill mines can be found east of town, although they are closed to the public due to safety concerns. To the west of town lies an old cemetery, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who once called Chloride home.

Beyond the town limits, visitors can explore the Chloride Murals, as well as a collection of ancient petroglyphs, providing a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past.

To reach the murals, take Tennessee Avenue, the main road in Chloride, past the post office, and then follow the signs. The unpaved road leading to the murals generally requires a high-clearance vehicle. With a four-wheel-drive vehicle, it is possible to continue up a steep and rocky incline, where more mining remnants can be observed, offering a more in-depth exploration of the area’s mining history.

Chloride, Arizona, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Old West. By preserving its historic buildings, celebrating its unique culture, and welcoming visitors from around the world, Chloride ensures that its past will continue to inspire and captivate future generations.