1. Oatman
Disney has churros. Arizona has burros.
Cozied in the Black Mountains near California’s Mojave desert, is a ghost town ruled by wild burros. Disney has churros. Arizona has burros.
Oatman was founded and settled in 1908. During its height, its mines produced over 1.8 million ounces of gold and 2.8 million lbs of burro droppings. Today, the town has a population of 135 –not including the burros. Burros first came to Oatman with early day prospectors. As the mines closed and people moved away, the burros were released into the surrounding hills. Wander the hills and mingle with the donkeys to your hearts content. (P.S. we made up that stat about burro droppings.)
They are still considered wild animals, but most of the burros are docile and love nibble of burro chow. (Every store in Oatman sells a bag of hay cubes and carrots).
2. Jerome
Today the mines may be silent, but Jerome has found new life as the largest ghost town in America.
Jerome Arizona has a population of about 400. 400 ghosts or people? That will be up for you to find out.
Located near the top of Cleopatra Hill between Prescott and Flagstaff is the historic copper mining town of Jerome Arizona.
Once known as the wickedest town in the west, Jerome Arizona was born a copper mining camp, growing from a settlement of tents into a roaring mining community. The Mine Museum explores Jerome’s history as a booming copper-mining town. Jerome State Historic Park is home to Douglas Mansion, built in 1916 by a mining magnate.
After its founding in 1876, Jerome was at one time the fourth largest city in Arizona with the population peaking at around 15,000 in the 1920’s. The Great Depression slowed the mining operation and the claim eventually went to Phelps Dodge, who still holds the claim to this day.
In 1967 Jerome was designated a National Historic District by the federal government.
Today the mines may be silent, but Jerome has found new life as the largest ghost town in America.
3. Goldfield
Quirky shops, a museum, and a restaurant
Goldfield Ghost Town is nestled at the foot of the Superstition Mountains. Goldfield is fairly small and there are only about 4-5 shops, all of which were quirky, 1 tiny museum, 1 sit down restaurant, but there are some pretty fun things to do if you’re into cheesy activities. Which, (who are we kidding,) we all are!
Goldfield Ghost Town was originally under the impression that it was built for the sole purpose of entertainment but in actuality Goldfield was created in 1892 by the rush that followed the discovery of gold in the vicinity. By late 1897 the gold mines had played out and the population moved out leaving a ghost town. After several years a small community called Youngsberg evolved on the site of the old ghost town. The town had its revival when mines were opened nearby and a mill and cyanide plant was installed. Unfortunately it was all short lived as the mines played out again and the town was deserted.
