Nestled in the heart of Mohave County, Arizona, lies Chloride, a town steeped in fascinating history and eerie legends. Like a ghostly apparition from the past, the remnants of the town’s mining heyday are a haunting reminder of a bygone era. Chloride’s abandoned buildings and rusted mine and mill equipment are a testament to the town’s once-thriving community, now reduced to a mere handful of residents.
Despite its eerie reputation, Chloride is a must-visit destination for those looking into Arizona’s rich mining history. Established in 1870, the town boomed with a population of 1500 people at the turn of the century and featured a brewery, general store, blacksmith, and several saloons.
Today, only a few residents remain, and the original buildings, mine, and mill remnants are a stark reminder of the town’s past. This article delves into Chloride’s history, notable buildings and residents, and the tragic events and legends that have made this ghost town a hauntingly unforgettable destination.
Key Takeaways
- Chloride is a town in Mohave County, Arizona, known for its eerie legends and rich mining history.
- The town’s economic activities centered around mining, with several mines operating in the area and one mine alone producing a total of $7.5 million by 1948.
- Chloride has a reputation for being haunted, with many visitors reporting paranormal activity at places like the Monte Cristo Saloon and the Rock House.
- Today, only a few residents remain in Chloride, and the town’s abandoned buildings and rusted mine and mill equipment serve as a haunting reminder of its mining heyday.
History and Establishment
Chloride is an Arizona ghost town that was established in 1870 and had a post office established in 1873, shut down, but reestablished in 1893.
Early settlers came to Chloride in search of silver and gold, which were abundant in the area. The town quickly grew and became a booming mining town, with a population of around 1500 people at the turn of the century.
The economic activities in Chloride centered around mining, with several mines operating in the area. One mine alone produced a total of $7.5 million by 1948.
In addition to mining, Chloride had a brewery, general store, blacksmith, and several saloons. Despite its remote location, Chloride was a bustling town with a thriving economy.
Notable Buildings and Residents
One notable building in this Mohave County community established in 1870 was a brewery, along with a general store, blacksmith, and several saloons. These buildings were typical of the old western towns that sprouted up during the mining boom.
However, one unique building in Chloride is the Rock House on Silver Sage Road. This house was built by a naval officer who was fascinated with mining. He built his home out of rocks but unfortunately met his demise in a mining accident. His property was eventually bought and turned into a house of ill-repute. Today, the Rock House still stands, but it is vacant.
Another interesting feature in Chloride is an old mine shaft that was believed to have been dug by the naval officer who built the Rock House. There is no way to know for sure, but it is rumored that his body may still be at the bottom of the shaft. This rumor contributes to the ghostly atmosphere that surrounds Chloride. The town has a reputation for being haunted, adding to its allure as a spooky destination.
Chloride is a fascinating place to visit for those interested in the history of the Old West and the paranormal.
Tragic Events and Legends
Tragic events and legends surround this historic community, adding to its mysterious reputation as a destination for those interested in the eerie and supernatural.
One of Chloride’s most popular ghost stories revolves around the Rock House on Silver Sage road. According to legend, a naval officer built the house after dreaming of drowning and getting interested in mining. He had a shaft dug on his property, but tragically slipped and drowned in it. His property was later bought and turned into a house of ill-repute. Today, the Rock House is still vacant and is believed to be haunted by the ghost of the naval officer.
Another popular legend in Chloride revolves around the Monte Cristo Saloon. The saloon was built in the late 1800s and was known for its rowdy patrons and gunfights. Two cowboys got into a heated argument one night, resulting in a deadly shootout. According to locals, the bullet holes from the fight can still be seen on the saloon’s walls. Visitors to Chloride have reported paranormal activity at the Monte Cristo Saloon, including sightings of apparitions and unexplained noises.
These ghost stories and legends add to the allure of Chloride as a destination for those seeking a glimpse into the supernatural.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular outdoor activities to do in Chloride?
Hiking trails and rock climbing are popular outdoor activities in Chloride. Visitors can explore the nearby mountains and canyons on foot, or challenge themselves with rock climbing on the rugged terrain.
Is there any camping available in or near Chloride?
Nestled in the warm and picturesque landscape of Mohave County lies Chloride, a former mining town with nearby camping facilities. Visitors can enjoy exploring original buildings, remnants of the once-booming industry, and nearby attractions like Kingman.
What kind of wildlife can be found in the area surrounding Chloride?
Wildlife sightings in the area surrounding Chloride, Arizona include coyotes, bobcats, and various species of birds. The region’s conservation efforts focus on preserving habitats and increasing biodiversity through sustainable practices.
Are there any annual events or festivals held in Chloride?
While Chloride’s history is rich with saloons and silver mines, community engagement is lacking. Two discussion ideas for annual events and festivals in the ghost town could be a historical reenactment or a mining-themed carnival.
Can visitors go inside any of the original buildings or mine and mill remnants?
Exploring Chloride provides limited access to original buildings and mine remnants, with some closed off for safety reasons. Visitors may experience ghostly encounters in the abandoned town, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
