Those four words sum up what to expect when you visit the not-quite ghost town of Oatman located across the Colorado River, up from Laughlin, Nevada. This once-thriving gold mining town was once home to nearly 4,000 people, mostly miners, all looking to strike it rich. Today, only remnants of the once rich gold mining history remains with abandoned mine entrances, a saloon, and wild burros left over from their days as beasts of burden hauling gold and prospector supplies.
During the halcyon days of prosperity, from the early 1900s to the middle of the 1940s, Oatman and nearby Gold Road were the largest producers of gold in the state of Arizona. The Drulin Hotel, built back in 1902, still stands today as the Oatman Hotel, and is still operational. Back in 1902, Ben Taddock staked his claim after finding gold, then sold his claim a year later to Judge E.M. Ross, who later sold the claim to the Vivian Mining Company.
The town, nothing more than a tent city, was originally named Vivian. The $3,000,000 in gold mined between 1904 and 1907 meant rapid growth and the formation of a thriving economy. The town changed its moniker back in 1909 in honor of Olive Oatman, a young girl that was captured by the Apache Indians after they massacred her family. After living with both the Apaches and Mojave Indians, Olive was eventually rescued in 1857, near the site of where Oatman would eventually stand.
In the 1920s, the original Route 66 was built and Oatman was one of the beneficiaries as the “Mother Road” ran through town. Oatman was thriving at the time and the road added to the area’s popularity. Route 66 was the first major interstate road that stretched from Chicago to California. In 1921, a fire torched much of Oatman, but the town was rebuilt in support of the United Eastern Mining Company. In the end, a new road was built in 1952 that bypassed Oatman in favor of the Yucca route. Oatman was soon reduced to near-ghost town status with today’s population around 60.
But, enough about reading history, this day road trip is more about viewing history first hand and feeling as if you had traveled back in time. The road to get you there is of course the old stretch of the famous Rte. 66—just driving on that road is like traversing history. In fact, the stretch of Rte. 66 that runs through that area is the longest contiguous stretch of that road anywhere in the country. Kick back, take your time, and take in the scenery just like those folks in their Model T automobiles did back in the 1920s when the road was freshly paved.
Once you arrive in Oatman, stroll down the Main Street and take in the sights of what was once a thriving gold mining community. Walk around town and you’ll find a photo opportunity around every corner. Old, abandoned mine entrances and wild burros provide a unique way to capture a bit of history. The burros are in fact a carryover from the gold mining days when prospectors used them to carry picks, shovels, and other supplies—and hopefully gold if they were lucky enough to strike it rich. Today those burros are protected under Federal law and it’s not uncommon to see a burro being scooted out of one of the town’s establishments.
While probably not an everyday thing in the original town of Oatman during its heyday, visitors are treated to a daily display of an old western ritual on Main Street thanks to the Ghostrider Gunfighters that shoot it out with six-guns blazing. And yep, just like in the movies, the shootouts are at high noon (there’s also one later in the day).
A day trip to Oatman is more than a fun day out—it is a chance to relive history and view a slice of Arizona life that is part of the areas bygone days.
Getting There is Half the Fun
There are several ways to get to Oatman, but we suggest the scenic route that takes you down winding roads and a piece of history traveling along Route 66. Travel time from Lake Havasu is approximately 1 1/2 hour.
Here’s how to get there:
Head north on AZ Hwy. 95 and turn left on to Interstate I-40 W heading to Los Angeles/Bullhead City. Take Exit 1 toward Golden Shores/ Oatman. Turn right onto Co. Hwy 10/ Historic Rte. 66/ Oatman-Topock Hwy.
This scenic route will take you parallel to the Colorado River to the community of Golden Shores–continue past Golden Shores all the way to Oatman. The drive is as scenic as it is nostalgic and offers many photo opportunities along the way that will have you pulling over to capture the beauty.
Travel Tip: Why not get an early morning start from Lake Havasu
and stop by the Rte. 66 Topock Resort and Restaurant for a
delicious breakfast? They’re located off Exit 1 on the Golden
Shore/Oatman exchange and are easy to spot as you cross under
the railroad bridge.