Oatman, Arizona, Mohave County is a ghost town that once thrived as a gold mining town in the early 1900s. Today, it attracts tourists with its rustic charm and resident burros. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Mohave County
Zip Code: 86433
Latitude / Longitude: 35.0261° N, 114.3847° W
Elevation: 2,710 feet (826 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Established: 1906
Disestablished: Not formally disestablished, but the population markedly declined after the 1940s.
Comments: Oatman was named after Olive Oatman, a young girl who was famously captured by Native Americans in the 1850s. The town’s fortunes rose and fell with the mining industry, particularly during the gold rush era. After the mines were depleted, Oatman nearly became a ghost town.
Remains: Many original structures remain, including the Oatman Hotel, built in 1902, which is famed for being the honeymoon spot of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. The town’s wooden sidewalks and vintage storefronts preserve its old-time atmosphere. The burros, descendants from the prospectors’ pack animals, roam freely through the town.
Current Status: Oatman is considered a living ghost town, with a small population and numerous tourist attractions. It is popular for its wild west shootouts, annual burro races, and Route 66 memorabilia.
Remarks: Despite its ghost town status, Oatman thrives on tourism, drawing visitors with its quirky charm and historical significance. The town provides a unique glimpse into the past and embodies the spirit of the American West, offering an escape into a bygone era for those seeking adventure and nostalgia.
