History of Mohave County, Arizona

Mohave County, located in the northwestern corner of Arizona, is one of the state’s original counties, established in 1864. Its history spans thousands of years, from early Native American civilizations to Spanish exploration, and later, its vital role in mining, transportation, and tourism. Mohave County is home to significant landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead, and the historic Route 66, which have shaped its identity and economic development. Today, Mohave County is known for its rich cultural history, vast desert landscapes, and its role as a gateway to some of the most scenic areas in the American Southwest.

Mohave County Facts

• Founded: November 9, 1864
• Population: Approximately 220,000 (2023 estimate)
• Area: 13,461 square miles (second-largest county in Arizona)
• Area Codes: 928
• ZIP Codes: 85003–86445
• County Seat: Kingman
• Major Cities: Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City
• Famous Landmarks: Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, Route 66, Hualapai Mountain Park, London Bridge

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Early History and Native American Presence (Pre-1500s)

The earliest inhabitants of what is now Mohave County were Native American groups who thrived in the region’s desert and river environments for thousands of years. These tribes, including the Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi), Hualapai, and Mojave, left behind rich archaeological evidence of their existence.

Ancestral Puebloans and Patayan Cultures (500 AD–1200 AD)

• The Ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi, established settlements and cliff dwellings in the region, leaving behind petroglyphs and other archaeological remains.
• The Patayan culture, a desert-dwelling group that lived along the Colorado River, was known for their pottery, agriculture, and trade networks.

The Hualapai and Mojave Tribes (1200s–1800s)

• The Hualapai (meaning “People of the Tall Pines”) and Mojave tribes were the dominant Native American groups in the area by the 1200s.
• The Hualapai inhabited the high desert and mountains, while the Mojave lived along the Colorado River, where they practiced agriculture and engaged in long-distance trade.

Spanish Exploration and Mexican Period (1540–1848)

Mohave County’s recorded history began with Spanish exploration in the 16th century. While the Spanish did not establish permanent settlements in the area, they conducted several expeditions to map and explore the region.

Francisco Vásquez de Coronado’s Expedition (1540)

• In 1540, Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led an expedition into the Southwest in search of the mythical Seven Cities of Gold. Although Coronado’s party passed through Arizona, including parts of modern-day Mohave County, they did not find the wealth they sought.

Father Garcés and the Mojave People (1776)

• 1776: Spanish missionary Father Francisco Garcés traveled through the Mojave Desert and along the Colorado River, establishing contact with the Mojave people. His travels helped open up the region to further exploration and established the Mojave as an important trade link between coastal California and inland Arizona.

Mexican Period and Transition to U.S. Territory (1821–1848)

• Following Mexican independence from Spain in 1821, Mohave County became part of Mexico’s northern frontier, but Mexican control over the area was limited due to its remote and harsh desert conditions.
• After the Mexican-American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, the territory was ceded to the United States, becoming part of the newly formed New Mexico Territory.

Early American Settlement and the Formation of Mohave County (1850s–1860s)

American settlers began arriving in Mohave County in the mid-19th century, driven by mining opportunities and the strategic location of the Colorado River as a transportation route.

Beale’s Wagon Road and Fort Mojave (1857–1859)

• 1857: Explorer Edward Fitzgerald Beale led an expedition to survey and construct a wagon road across northern Arizona, passing through modern-day Mohave County. This road later became a major route for settlers heading west.
• 1859: Fort Mojave was established along the Colorado River to protect travelers and settlers from Native American attacks. The fort became an important outpost during the U.S. Army’s campaigns against the Hualapai and Mojave tribes.

Formation of Mohave County (1864)

• 1864: Mohave County was officially established as one of the four original counties of the newly created Arizona Territory. The county seat was originally set at Mohave City, near Fort Mojave, but was later moved to Hardyville, and eventually to Kingman in 1887.

Mining Boom and Economic Growth (1860s–1900s)

The discovery of valuable mineral deposits, particularly gold and silver, spurred significant economic growth in Mohave County during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Gold and Silver Mining (1860s–1900s)

• 1863: Gold was discovered in the San Francisco Mining District, sparking a rush of miners to the area. Towns like Chloride, Oatman, and Goldroad sprang up as mining camps.
• 1880s: The discovery of silver in the Cerbat Mountains and other areas of Mohave County led to further mining expansion. By the early 1900s, Mohave County had become one of Arizona’s leading mining regions.

The Railroad Arrives (1880s)

• 1883: The arrival of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad (later part of the Santa Fe Railway) through Kingman significantly boosted the region’s economy, allowing for easier transportation of ore and supplies.
• Kingman became a vital railroad town, serving as a hub for mining operations and trade throughout the region.

Route 66 and Mid-20th Century Development (1920s–1950s)

The advent of Route 66, one of America’s most famous highways, brought new opportunities for economic growth and tourism in Mohave County during the mid-20th century.

Route 66 and Tourism (1926–1960s)

• 1926: Route 66 was established, passing through Mohave County and connecting Kingman, Oatman, and other towns to major cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. The highway brought travelers through the county, boosting local businesses and the hospitality industry.
• The scenic beauty of the surrounding desert landscapes, combined with the historic significance of Route 66, made Mohave County a popular destination for tourists, a legacy that continues to this day.

Construction of Hoover Dam (1931–1936)

• 1931–1936: The construction of the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, near the Nevada-Arizona border, brought thousands of workers to the region and transformed the local economy. The dam created Lake Mead, which became a major recreational area for boating, fishing, and tourism.
• Hoover Dam also provided hydroelectric power, which spurred further development in Mohave County and the surrounding areas.

Late 20th Century to Present: Tourism, Recreation, and Growth

In the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, Mohave County continued to grow as a center for tourism, outdoor recreation, and residential development.

Lake Havasu City and London Bridge (1960s–Present)

• 1964: Lake Havasu City was founded by businessman Robert McCulloch, who purchased land along the shores of Lake Havasu, a reservoir created by the Parker Dam on the Colorado River.
• 1968: McCulloch famously purchased the historic London Bridge from the city of London, had it dismantled, and reassembled in Lake Havasu City as a tourist attraction. The bridge continues to draw visitors from around the world and has become a symbol of the city.

Outdoor Recreation and National Parks

• Grand Canyon National Park and the Grand Canyon Skywalk on the Hualapai Indian Reservation are major draws for tourists visiting Mohave County, offering breathtaking views of one of the world’s natural wonders.
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which includes parts of Mohave County, is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping.
• The county’s vast desert landscapes and historic sites along Route 66 remain key attractions for both tourists and history enthusiasts.

Population Growth and Development (1990s–Present)

• The population of Mohave County has grown steadily since the 1990s, with residential developments expanding in cities like Kingman, Bullhead City, and Lake Havasu City.
• The county’s proximity to major metropolitan areas in California and Nevada has made it an attractive location for retirees and those seeking a lower cost of living.