One of our favorite old western towns is Qatman. A trip you'll never forget, with natures glorious beauty, historic landmarks, and a great old western gold country. The town is 24 miles west of Kingman AZ. on U.S. Highway 66, in the Ute Mountains, one of natures grandest viewpoints and home of the richest gold lode in the west. It is the heart of a great western gold mining region. The discovery of gold was made at the famous Moss Mine on Silver Creek in 1863. The first pocket of gold produced two tons, netting $114,000.00 in gold, at the 1863 prices. And produced $18,000,000 in gold in three and one half years. Three motion pictures have been filmed in Oatman. "How The West Was Won" "Foxfire" "Edge of Eternity". Near by is Sitgreaves Pass which has a 100 mile view of three states, Arizona, California, Nevada. From there the Silvery Colorado river can also be seen. One of the attractions beside the many old building, with shops, restaurants, and the old "Oatman Hotel" is the burro's that roam the streets looking for the tourists to feed them carrots, which can be bought at many of the stores. The Oatman Hotel is now a restaurant, and a must see place, where the food is great. On the walls it is said that there are over $70,000 dollar bills that people have signed and stapled on just about every flat place there is. The most famous people too have stayed in the hotel are Clark Gable and Carol Lombard. There are gun fights every day that are some what real looking. Stage coach rides are available, offering a tour of the area. But the best way is to start at one end of town and walk down one side then back on the other side. Allowing you to enjoy all that there is to see. I feel that so far this is the highlight of our trip.
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