Oatman: A Wild West Ghost Town on Route 66

Oatman, Arizona, nestled in the Black Mountains, is a captivating step back in time. This former mining town, born from an early 1900s gold rush, offers visitors a unique blend of touristy charm and authentic Wild West atmosphere. Named in honor of Olive Oatman, who was kidnapped and enslaved by Native Americans in 1851, the town's history is as colorful as its present-day attractions.Once a bustling hub with a population exceeding 3,500, Oatman boasted two banks, seven hotels, twenty saloons and ten stores. The mines were incredibly productive, but as the gold dwindled and the Route 66 was rerouted in 1953, Oatman faced abandonment. However, it has survived as a nostalgic Route 66 stop with a Wild West feel.Today, Oatman is famous for its wild burros, descendants of the original animals used by miners. These burros freely roam the streets, interacting with tourists and adding to the town's unique character. Visitors can also witness staged gunfights by the Oatman Ghost Rider Gunfighters, explore the Oatman Hotel, and visit the Oatman Mine Museum to learn about the town's rich mining history.