About Oatman
Oatman is an unincorporated community in Mohave County, Arizona, with an estimated population of under 100 residents. Located 28 miles southwest of Kingman and 25 miles east of Bullhead City along Historic Route 66, Oatman sits in the Black Mountains at an elevation of 2,710 feet. Famous for its gold mining history, wild burros roaming the streets, and Old West atmosphere, Oatman is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors with its historic charm and proximity to the Colorado River.
History and Origins
Oatman was founded in 1906 as a gold mining camp, named after Olive Oatman, a settler who lived with the Mojave people in the 1850s. The town boomed in the early 20th century, with the Tom Reed Mine and United Eastern Mine producing millions in gold. By the 1940s, mining declined, and Oatman became a near-ghost town. Its revival began in the 1960s with the rise of Route 66 tourism, boosted by staged gunfight reenactments, the Oatman Hotel’s fame (where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned), and the burros, descendants of miners’ pack animals. The Oatman Historic District preserves its legacy.
Geography and Environment
Located at 35°01′35″N 114°23′01″W, Oatman covers an estimated 1 square mile, all land, nestled in the Black Mountains. The rugged desert terrain offers scenic views along Route 66’s winding Sitgreaves Pass. The semi-arid climate features hot summers, mild winters, and minimal precipitation, with excellent air quality. The area has a moderate earthquake risk, high UV exposure, and occasional flash flood risks in washes, but its elevation supports clear night skies for stargazing.
Demographics and Economy
Oatman has a median household income estimated at $30,000 and a median home value of $100,000, among the most affordable in Arizona. Housing consists mainly of historic buildings, mobile homes, and small cabins, with most residents owning their properties. The median age is estimated at 60, with a retiree-heavy population, predominantly White (Non-Hispanic) with small percentages of Hispanic and Native American residents. The economy is tourism-driven, with local businesses like gift shops, saloons, and the Oatman Hotel employing residents. Many commute to Bullhead City (25 miles west) for additional work.
Did You Know? Oatman’s wild burros, descendants of miners’ pack animals, are a beloved attraction, with shops selling burro feed and the annual Oatman Burro Biscuit Toss celebrating their legacy.
Education and Community Services
Oatman has no schools, with students attending Kingman Unified School District facilities, such as Black Mountain Elementary or Kingman High School, 28–30 miles away, or schools in Bullhead City (25 miles west). Emergency services are provided by the Oatman Fire Department and Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, with medical facilities in Bullhead City (Western Arizona Regional Medical Center) or Kingman (Kingman Regional Medical Center). Residents rely on Bullhead City or Kingman for shopping, dining, and libraries, with Oatman’s general store offering basic supplies.
Recreation and Attractions
- Oatman Historic District: Features preserved buildings, the Oatman Hotel, and daily gunfight reenactments, immersing visitors in Old West history.
- Wild Burros: Roam freely in town, delighting tourists who can feed them at designated spots, with events like the Burro Biscuit Toss.
- Route 66 and Sitgreaves Pass: Offers scenic drives and hiking with panoramic views of the Black Mountains, popular among road trippers.
- Cool Springs Station: 8 miles west, a restored Route 66 landmark with a gift shop and museum, ideal for history enthusiasts.
Lifestyle and Appeal
Oatman offers a rural, tourism-centric lifestyle with a population density of under 100 people per square mile, ideal for retirees and those embracing its quirky charm. The community is walkable, with a low crime rate and a vibrant tourist season. Events like the Oatman Egg Fry and July 4th celebrations draw crowds, fostering a lively atmosphere. Its affordability, historic appeal, and burro-filled streets are key draws, though summer heat and limited services require self-sufficiency.
Plan Your Visit
Reach Oatman via Historic Route 66 from Kingman (28 miles northeast) or Bullhead City (25 miles west). Explore the Oatman Historic District, feed the wild burros, or drive the scenic Sitgreaves Pass. Local saloons and shops offer dining and souvenirs, with Bullhead City providing additional amenities. For extended trips, Lake Havasu City is 70 miles south, and the Grand Canyon Skywalk is 100 miles northeast. Oatman is a nostalgic stop for Route 66 adventurers and history buffs.