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Mohave & Milltown Railroad Mill Site: A Glimpse into Arizona's Mining Past

Explore the remnants of a short-lived, narrow-gauge railway that once served the Leland Gold Mine in the heart of the Mojave Desert near Oatman, Arizona.

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The Mohave & Milltown Railroad Mill Site offers a tangible connection to Arizona's fleeting mining history. Built in 1903, the narrow-gauge railway serviced the Leland Gold Mine near Oatman, transporting ore to the mill. Though short-lived, lasting only a year due to devastating washouts, the site provides a fascinating look into the ambitious, yet challenging, endeavors of early 20th-century mining operations in the Mojave Desert.

A brief summary to Mohave& Milltown Railroad Mill Site

  • Unnamed Road, Mohave Valley, AZ, 86440, US

Local tips

  • The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from September to May, as summer temperatures in the Mojave Desert can be extreme.
  • Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as shade is limited in the desert environment.
  • Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to hike the Mohave and Milltown Railroad Trails, as the terrain can be rough.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Mohave Valley, the Mohave & Milltown Railroad Mill Site is accessible by car. Take an unnamed road off of Oatman Road. The road is a 4x4 road. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for off-road conditions. There are no parking fees.

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Discover more about Mohave& Milltown Railroad Mill Site

The Mohave & Milltown Railroad Mill Site marks the location of a once-bustling operation tied to the dreams of striking it rich in the Mojave Desert. Constructed in 1903, the 17-mile narrow gauge Mohave & Milltown Railroad aimed to efficiently transport ore from the Leland Gold Mine, as well as the Vivian and Midnight Mines near Oatman, to the mill located here. The railroad began on the Arizona side of the Colorado River, across from Needles, California, and ran northeast through Milltown. The Mohave Gold Mining Company, the driving force behind the railroad, sought to address the challenge of transporting ore in the rugged terrain. The mill was equipped with a pumping plant along the Colorado River and an 8-inch pipeline to supply water, a precious resource in the arid landscape. The railroad's construction was a significant undertaking, employing hundreds of workers and requiring the construction of trestles to navigate the landscape. Despite initial success, the Mohave & Milltown Railroad's lifespan was tragically cut short. Severe washouts in September and October 1904 caused extensive damage, leading to the railway's abandonment. The rails were removed in 1912, marking the end of this ambitious venture. Today, the mill site stands as a historical landmark, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of early mining endeavors in the American West. The Bureau of Land Management preserves seven miles of the abandoned railway grade as the Mohave and Milltown Railroad Trails, inviting hikers, mountain bikers, and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts to explore this historic corridor.

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