In 1902, Ben Taddock discovered gold on a trail. By 1905, the claim had been bought by the Vivian Mining Company, who fully developed the mine. By 1907, $3,000,000 in gold had been mined. In 1908, another gold mine was started nearby. The town had been known as Vivian up to this point. It was now renamed Oatman. In 1913, anothe gold mine was again started nearby. Soon after, Oatman had a population of 10,000. The mines finally closed in the 1930's. After the mines were closed, many of the miners turned their mules loose into the mountains.Today, their descendants roam the streets of Oatman. Oatman has many interesting buildings worth exploring.
DIRECTIONS
To get to Oatman and Goldroad, start in Kingman, Arizona. Go west on I-40 to exit 44. Turn right about a mile to Oatman Road. Take a left on Oatman Road (west) and continue on about 25 miles. Goldroad is just past Sitegraves Pass. From Goldroad, continue on 3 miles to Oatman. These roads are suitable for passenger vehicles (all paved).
