Ghosts of The Oatman Hotel
Nestled among the rugged Black Mountains, Oatman, Arizona, is a ghost town with a population of barely 100 people. Yet, it holds the reputation of being one of the most haunted places in the American Southwest. Located off a perilous section of Route 66 known as “Bloody 66,” Oatman was once a bustling gold mining town and now serves as a haunting reminder of the past.
Why is Oatman haunted?
Named after the ill-fated Oatman Family, who were massacred by Native Americans 280 miles away, the town has a rich history of gold rush fever, tragedy, and otherworldly activity. Keep reading to uncover the tragedies of this cursed location, and to see some of Arizona’s most haunted locations in person, book a ghost tour with Phoenix Ghosts!
The Oatman Family Tragedy
The town of Oatman is named after the Oatman Family, whose story captivated the nation in the early 1800s. The family was part of a splinter group of Mormons called Brewsterites, who faced the harsh realities of the Southwestern desert as they traveled west. Royce Oatman, his pregnant wife, and their seven children were among the last to continue their journey, ultimately facing disaster near the Gila River.
Struggling with dwindling supplies, the Oatmans were approached by a group of Western Yavapais who initially asked for food but soon turned violent. The family was brutally attacked, with only three children—Olive, Mary, and Lorenzo—surviving. The girls were taken captive, while Lorenzo managed to escape and later returned to bury his family.
Olive and Mary endured harsh treatment until they were traded to the Mojave tribe, who treated them more kindly. Mary died of starvation, but Olive thrived and was given traditional Mojave tattoos. In 1857, after two years among the Mojaves, Olive was rescued and reunited with Lorenzo. Their story became a national sensation, immortalized in a book by Pastor Royal B. Stratton.
Origins and Rise of Oatman
Founded in the late 1800s, Oatman began as a modest tent settlement during the gold rush era. As word spread of gold discoveries, prospectors flocked to the area, transforming it into a thriving town. The discovery of a rich gold vein in 1908 brought newfound prosperity, and by 1915, the town’s population surged as miners extracted nearly $40 million worth of gold—equivalent to about $2.6 billion today. The Oatman Hotel, originally known as The Durlin Hotel after its founder, John Durlin, became a central hub for the town’s activities.
Oatman reached its peak in the 1930s, with a population of around 10,000. Among its notable visitors were Hollywood stars Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, who honeymooned at The Durlin Hotel in 1933. Their stay has since become legendary, with many believing their spirits still haunt the hotel’s rooms. The hotel, now a museum and tourist attraction, is listed as a national historic landmark and remains a focal point of ghostly tales.
Unearthly Activity at The Oatman Hotel
Visitors to The Oatman Hotel frequently report strange occurrences, including mysterious whispering, disembodied voices, and objects moving on their own. Some believe the spirits of Gable and Lombard, who found happiness during their stay, linger in the room they occupied. Carole Lombard’s tragic death in a plane crash in 1942 adds to the hotel’s haunting atmosphere, as it is thought that spirits often remain where they experience significant joy or sorrow.
One of the most infamous spirits is “Oatie,” an old Irish miner who allegedly drank himself to death in the hotel. His restless spirit is said to roam the premises, pulling sheets off display beds and opening windows. Another eerie presence is that of a former chambermaid believed to have been murdered in the hotel. She leaves imprints of her body in the dust on the second floor. Guests also report toilets flushing on their own, glasses flying through the air, and other unexplained phenomena.
Oatman Today
Despite its ghost town label, Oatman remains a vibrant community, attracting tourists eager to experience its Wild West charm and ghostly legends. Burros, descendants of the pack animals used by miners, freely roam the streets, adding to the town’s unique atmosphere. The Oatman Hotel continues to draw visitors, offering a glimpse into the town’s gold mining past and the spirits that are said to haunt its halls.
Oatman’s haunted history and enduring spirit make it a fascinating destination for those interested in the spiritual and the Old West. The town’s blend of historical significance, ghostly legends, and picturesque setting in the Black Mountains offers a unique experience for visitors. Whether it’s the allure of the haunted Oatman Hotel, the tragic tale of the Oatman Family, or the chance to walk among the ghosts of miners and celebrities, Oatman remains a testament to the enduring fascination with America’s haunted past.
Haunted Arizona
Arizona is filled with haunted locations, and Phoenix Ghosts has the inside scoop on where to find them. Check out our blog for more haunted tales of the desert, and to see these locations in person, book a ghost tour with Phoenix Ghosts!
Source:
http://www.echoesofthesouthwest.com/2012/04/oatman-massacre-town-and-haunted-hotel.html
https://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-oatmanhotel/
https://www.apcrp.org/OATMAN_FOURR/1_Oatman_Massacre_-_Fourr_Cem_120612_1.htm
https://www.travelinusa.us/oatman-ghost-town-arizona/
https://living-las-vegas.com/2017/03/ghosts-burros-oatman/
https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/route66/durlin_hotel_oatman.html
https://southwestexplorers.com/oatman-arizona-guide-to-a-living-ghost-town/
