Grit, adventure, and romance are what Westerns are made of. While the Wild West’s heyday may be over, some places, like Oatman, AZ, are keeping the spirit alive. Called a “ghost town,” Oatman is a unique gem in the Southwest landscape. If you’re planning a trip to Arizona, here’s why you should add an Oatman tour to your itinerary. 

Oatman History

The site was founded by Johnny Moss, a prospector who came to the area to mine for gold in the 1860s. He named two mines, including the Oatman mine, after Olive Oatman, who was kidnapped by Apache warriors and later sold to the Mojave before being released in 1855.

Around 1904, when Vivian Mining Company came to the area, a town began to take shape. Originally called Vivian, the town changed its name in 1909 to honor Olive Oatman. When prospectors struck $14 million worth of gold in 1914, the town entered its heyday, with the population exploding to more than 3,500 in a year. 

In the 1920s, Route 66 road was built to pass Oatman. Still a thriving mining community, the town also became a popular destination. Even though a fire burnt much of the town in 1921 and the town’s primary employer, United Eastern Mines, shut down, Oatman recovered and carried on. By 1930, the area mines had produced approximately 36 million dollars worth of gold. Oatman had two banks, seven hotels, 20 salons, and ten stores, with a population of over 10,000.

The town remained an attractive spot for tourists until a new road between Kingman and Needles, California, was built in 1953, allowing travelers an easier route between the two towns. By 1960, Oatman was mostly deserted. 

What Makes Oatman Special Today

These days, the ghost town of Oatman is full of life. Located high in the Black Mountains with the Mohave Desert as a backdrop, Oatman provides stunning scenery and numerous Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. Its streets are lined with historic buildings and populated with wild burros and costumed period actors staging gunfights and sporting authentic late-1900s garb.

It’s home to the famous Oatman Hotel, where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard stayed on their honeymoon. In addition to the honeymoon suite, the hotel is famed for Oatie, the ghost. Oatie is a benevolent spirit thought to be that of William Ray Flour, an Irish miner who died on the hotel grounds and was buried there. Today the hotel serves as a museum, bar, and restaurant. Many Oatman tours also include visits to attractions like the Oatman Jail and the Olive Oatman Restaurant and Saloon. 

 

If you’re interested in an Oatman tour, turn to Laughlin Tours. Since 2001, this company has provided a range of exciting guided tours, including Oatman, Grand Canyon Skywalk tours, and Hoover Dam excursions. Call (702) 420-5345 to speak with a friendly staff member about your next adventure or visit their website to learn more about their Oatman tours.