AKA The one-man band…
Okay, it’s time for a break! Sometimes you have to have one. I headed to AZ to see my brother and found a place that time had forgotten. And of course, it’s got a film history, or I would be talking about something else! It’s Oatman, Arizona, located off Highway 40, right on the Oatman Highway. In other words, once you hit Mojave City, head east on Highway 40, and if you hit Kingman, you’ve missed it.
What a history this old mining town has. Rumor is that The old Oatman Hotel is famous for having the honeymoon suite where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their honeymoon night in 1939! You can go upstairs and check it all out for a small donation. But, again, it’s a rumor.
Below are some features shot in Oatmen:
- How the West Was Won (1962) (Old Schoolhouse)
- Roadhouse 66 (1984)
- Edge of Eternity (1959)
- Thunder Run (1985)
- Foxfire (1955)
- Through the Magic Pyramid (1981 TV Movie)
- Route 66 (I) (2019)
- Killer Holiday (2013)
Driving on Highway Oatman as you get near the town, you’ll be on the road used in some films. Added plus, it’s part of the famous Route 66! Be sure to check out the staged gunfight on the weekends. All proceeds go to charities.
But watch out for the donkeys! Trust me, you will see what I am talking about when you get there. Oatman might be a location for your next film or a fun way to spend a day. GO!
Oatman, Arizona, nestled off Highway 40 on the historic Oatman Highway, is a remarkable and quirky town that stands as a living relic of the Old West. What makes Oatman truly fascinating is its unique population—wild burros that roam freely through the streets.
Originally a gold mining town, Oatman thrived during the early 1900s. However, when the gold mines closed down, the town faced abandonment. Today, Oatman has reinvented itself as a tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
The town’s streets are lined with rustic wooden buildings, saloons, and shops that evoke the atmosphere of the Gold Rush era. Yet, what truly steals the show are the burros. These descendants of pack animals left behind by miners now roam the town, mingling with tourists and occasionally begging for treats. They have become beloved mascots of Oatman, and you can even purchase special burro food to feed them.
Oatman hosts various Wild West events, including gunfight reenactments, and visitors can experience a slice of the Old West while taking in its stunning desert surroundings. The drive along Oatman Highway, also known as Route 66, adds to the charm, making Oatman, Arizona, a must-visit destination for history buffs and anyone seeking an offbeat adventure in the heart of the American Southwest.
Be sure to check out Bernardo Pacini’s article for Travel In USA at the link below. It’s got all the info on the great little old town of Oatman, AZ.