Abandoned places aren't out of the ordinary here in Arizona. In fact, coming across a ghost town, an abandoned mine, or other hints of has-been human life is pretty common, even in the most remote areas. Today, we're going to look at one of the abandoned mansions in Arizona, in particular, that was once rich and lively: the Gold King Mansion.
Tucked away in the Hualapai Mountains is an old, crumbling building, a relic of the wealth that seemed to endlessly flow from the mountain’s mines.
...or, at least, the wealth that should have flowed. Mohave County was formed in 1864, right around the same time gold was discovered in Arizona’s mountainous landscape. Located southeast of Kingman, the Gold King Mine opened in 1929.
A rough, drive-up dirt road or a long hike will take you to the site of the now-abandoned luxury palace.
One of the buildings constructed here in 1929 was what is now called the Gold King Mansion in Arizona.
It was originally designed to be one of a series of modern accommodations for miners and investors.
The parent company announced plans to create a series of two-story concrete bunkhouses for its employees and contractors. These buildings were expected to feature some incredible modern technological advances that were definite improvements over the tents and shacks miners lived in traditionally. The company promised a fireproof building with electricity and good insulation. It was an excellent draw....
...however, this was the only modern bunkhouse that would be built.
Not a lot of documentation exists about what exactly happened, but one rancher reported in 1933 that the building was not being used for its original purpose. Instead, it had quickly transformed into a spot to wine and dine potential stockholders -- and they left the miners out of the equation.
What a sight it must have been! The source also mentioned copper screens covering the windows, and a fish pond sitting in the yard outside.
A visit here will show you what remains -- which is meager, but telling.
Though you won’t see many details left, an in-person visit here will allow you to more fully explore what remains -- much better than any written-word article ever can!
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 what was planned to be miners’ housing.
The good times didn’t last long.
The mine opened in 1929, the same year as the stock market crash that led to the Great Depression. This led to a halt in mining, and the few attempts to get it started back up failed - causing the mine to simply sit for long periods of time. By 1957, the Arizona Department of Mineral Resources proclaimed the mine "idle" - and it was officially abandoned.
This is all that now remains of the once-garish mansion: a hollow building stripped bare and hidden away from view by the general public.
By the 1970s, most of the decorative interior was completely gone or had been vandalized. To preserve what was left of the building, the Bureau of Land Management and Arizona Site Stewards now oversee the care and protection of this building for future generations to enjoy.
Gold King Mansion is in the Hualapai Mountains southeast of Kingman. Directions coming from the city can be found on Google maps.
If you want to see more from the comfort of your home, check out this drone footage of the mansion!
When visiting, don’t forget to follow the "leave no trace" principles: leave whatever you find, and always take your trash with you. Need an awesome pair o' sneakers to properly explore? Our pals at REI have everything you need.
Want to see some more fascinating abandoned places in Arizona? Check out these fascinating ghost towns in Arizona that are sure to send a chill up your spine.
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