8 Staggering Photos Of An Abandoned Mansion Hiding In Arizona
Abandoned sites aren’t out of the ordinary here in Arizona. In fact, coming across a ghost town, abandoned mine, or other hints of human life are pretty common even in the most remote areas. Today, we’re going to take a look at one abandoned place in western Arizona that was once rich and lively: the Gold King Mansion.
Tucked away in the Hualapai Mountains is an 88-year-old building, a relic of the wealth that seemed to endlessly flow from the mountain’s mines. Or, at least, should have.
Mohave County was formed in 1864, right around the same time that gold was discovered in Arizona’s mountainous landscape. Located southeast of Kingman, the Gold King Mine was opened in 1929.
A rough drive up dirt roads or a long hike will take you here, to the site of the now-abandoned Gold King Mansion.
The company announced plans to create a series of two-story concrete bunkhouses for its miners and other workers. These buildings were supposed to feature some incredible modern advances that were definite improvements over the tents and shacks miners just years before lived in. The company promised a fireproof building with electricity, and good insulation.
However, this was the only modern bunkhouse created.
Not much documentation exists as to what happened but one rancher reported in 1933 that the building was not being used for its original purpose. Instead, it quickly transformed into a spot to wine and dine potential stock holders.
And what a sight it must have been! The rancher mentioned copper screens covering the windows and a fish pond sitting in the yard outside.
For example, the intricate ceiling molding is unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else! The gently arched entryways, giant windows, and high ceilings make this feel more like a villa than miners’ housing.
The mine opened in 1929, the same year as the stock market crash that led to the Great Depression. This led to a hault in mining, a few failed attempts to get it started back up, making the mine sit idle for long periods of time. By 1957, the Arizona Department of Mineral Resources proclaimed the mine idle and it was abandoned.
This is now what remains of the once rich mansion: a hollow building stripped bare and hidden away from view.
By the 1970s, most of the decorative interior was either completely gone or vandalized. In an effort to preserve what’s left of the building, the Bureau of Land Management and Arizona Site Stewards now oversee the care and protection for future generations to enjoy.
Gold King Mansion is located in the Hualapai Mountains southeast of Kingman. Directions from the city can be found at this link. You can also find additional information about visiting the mansion by contacting the Bureau of Land Management’s Kingman office.
When visiting, don’t forget to follow the “leave no trace” principles: leave what you find and always take your trash with you.
Monica is a Diné freelance writer and photographer. Born in New Mexico and raised in Arizona, she is a Southwestern girl through and through. You can reach her at [email protected]
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