Oatman, Arizona – A Living Ghost Town
Nestled within the rugged embrace of the Black Mountains in Mohave County, Arizona, lies the captivating town of Oatman. More than just a dot on a map, Oatman is a vibrant tableau vivant, a place where the echoes of a boisterous past resonate amidst the stark beauty of the Arizona landscape. Its story is etched in the weathered facades of its buildings, the dusty streets, and the free-roaming burros that have become synonymous with its unique charm.
Oatman’s origins are deeply rooted in the allure of gold. In the early 1900s, prospectors, driven by dreams of striking it rich, descended upon the area after a significant gold discovery. What began as a rudimentary mining camp quickly blossomed into a bustling settlement, its fate inextricably linked to the precious metal buried beneath the harsh terrain. Later, destiny intertwined Oatman with the iconic Route 66, further cementing its place in American lore.
While often referred to as a "ghost town," Oatman defies simple categorization. It exists in a fascinating liminal space, a vibrant community that carries the weight of its history with a unique resilience. Though a mere shadow of its former glory, when its population swelled to over 10,000 residents, Oatman now sustains a tight-knit community of just over a hundred year-round inhabitants. Yet, its pulse continues to beat, fueled by the steady stream of tourists drawn to its authentic charm and quirky character.
A visit to Oatman is an immersion into a bygone era. The town offers a delightful sensory experience, where the past feels palpable. Strolling down its main street, one is immediately transported to the Wild West. Historic buildings stand as proud testaments to the town’s rich heritage, offering countless opportunities for capturing the perfect photograph. But it is the living elements that truly bring Oatman to life. Wild burros, descendants of the working animals brought by early miners, freely roam the streets, adding a touch of untamed authenticity. Costumed gunfighters engage in theatrical shootouts, a playful reenactment of the town’s rough-and-tumble past. Ladies in period attire stroll through the streets, adding to the atmosphere of nostalgia and creating a living, breathing historical diorama.
During its heyday, spanning from the early 1900s to the 1940s, Oatman, along with its neighboring town of Gold Road, reigned supreme as Arizona’s most prolific gold-producing region. The area’s mineral wealth fueled the town’s rapid growth and attracted a diverse population seeking fortune and opportunity.
The town’s name itself is a poignant reminder of a pivotal event in the region’s history. In the 1860s, prospector Johnny Moss staked claims to two mines, one named Moss and the other Oatman. The latter was named in honor of Olive Oatman, a young woman whose life took an extraordinary turn when she was kidnapped by Apache warriors. She was later sold to Mojave Indians and lived among them for five years before being released near the site of the present-day town in 1855. Olive Oatman’s story became a symbol of resilience and survival, forever linked to the town that bears her name.
While Johnny Moss first mined the area for gold in the 1860s, gold mining in the Black Mountains experienced fluctuations until the early 1900s. As the Vivian Mining Company commenced operations around 1904, an official town began to take shape, complete with a Post Office. The emerging tent city known as Vivian quickly expanded as miners flocked to the area in search of opportunity. Between 1904 and 1907, the mine generated over $3,000,000, and a significant gold discovery at the Tom Reed Mine in 1908 resulted in a yield of $13,000,000. Recognizing the growing significance of the town, its name was officially changed to Oatman in 1909 to honor Olive Oatman.
The Drulin Hotel, constructed in 1902, thrived as a popular establishment catering to the needs of the local miners. Later renamed the Oatman Hotel in the 1960s, this historic landmark stands as the only two-story adobe building in Mohave County. Although the hotel no longer offers overnight accommodations, it continues to welcome visitors with a museum on the upper floor and a bar and restaurant on the ground floor, offering a glimpse into the town’s past.
The discovery of a $14 million gold deposit by two miners in 1915 triggered another period of prosperity for the settlement. The town expanded rapidly, with new businesses and amenities catering to the growing population. The Oatman Miner newspaper was established, providing local news and information to the community.
When Route 66 was initially constructed in the 1920s, supporters advocated for the road to follow the railroad through Yucca, where they resided. However, Oatman, at its peak as a mining community, possessed greater influence. As a result, despite the increased difficulty for early automobiles, the road took the hazardous route up Sitgreaves Pass, bypassing Yucca.
In 1921, a devastating fire ravaged much of Oatman, but the resilient townspeople rebuilt. However, three years later, the leading mining company, United Eastern Mines, ceased operations permanently. Despite this setback, Oatman persevered, sustained by the burgeoning Route 66 and smaller mining ventures, catering to the increasing number of travelers on the iconic highway.
By 1930, an estimated $36 million worth of gold had been extracted from the mines. The town boasted two banks, seven hotels, twenty saloons, and ten stores, serving a population of over 10,000 residents in the surrounding area.
During World War II, the government’s need for other metals prompted the closure of the Oatman mines, as miners were reassigned to other regions. The gold reserves remained untouched, awaiting a more favorable time.
In 1953, Route 66 was rerouted to provide an easier passage south of the mountain passes. By this point, Oatman had lost its earlier influence, leading to its gradual decline into a near-ghost town.
The resurgence of nearby Laughlin, Nevada, as a popular gambling destination in the 1970s, coupled with the renewed interest in Route 66 in the late 1980s, breathed new life into Oatman. The town experienced a revival, attracting tourists from around the world.
In 1995, the Gold Road mine was reopened, yielding 40,000 ounces of gold annually. However, low gold prices led to its closure again in 1998. Subsequently, the mine offered gold mine tours for several years, but with the current rise in gold prices, the tours have been discontinued as the mine has resumed operations.
Today, Oatman thrives as a popular tourist destination. The main street is lined with an array of shops and restaurants catering to visitors. The descendants of the miners’ burros wander the streets, adding to the town’s charm and unique appeal. The Ghostrider Gunfighters entertain audiences with daily reenactments of blazing six-gun shootouts in the middle of Main Street.
The road to Oatman from Kingman is narrow and winding, featuring several sharp hairpin curves. Vehicles over forty feet in length are prohibited on this road. The road from Golden Shores, on the other hand, is less steep and winding. Parking in Oatman is limited, and RVs or vehicles with trailers may encounter difficulties in finding a suitable parking spot.
Traveling westbound on Route 66, the Oatman Highway continues for another 20 miles to Golden Shores. The landscape along the way is adorned with remnants of mining operations from more prosperous times, providing a glimpse into the region’s industrial heritage.