If you're interested in Route 66 history, a visit to Oatman City is a must. This historic town has an unmistakable western feel, with wild donkeys roaming the four blocks and beg for "burro chow." These creatures are descendants of pack animals that worked in the mines and were left behind when the last settlers moved on. The US Department of Interior protects the wild donkey population in Oatman City.
The city began thriving as a mining center in the early twentieth century. In the early part of the 20th century, United Eastern Mines made Oatman its hub. Unfortunately, after the war, the mines ceased operations and the community became almost forgotten. The town continued to survive by catering to Route 66 travelers, but eventually lost its mining operations. The city was almost abandoned by the late 1960s.
The most common race in Oatman is White. The population of this small town is overwhelmingly white, with less than 0.0 percent of the total population being classified as a blue-collar occupation. The national average for blue-collar occupations is 27.7%. Oatman's population is largely made up of manufacturing, sales, and transportation workers. While the local crime rate remains low, it is still important to know how many people live in the area.
Oatman City's history is dotted with interesting facts. The town grew into a major mining town in the late nineteenth century. By 1926, there were more than 10,000 people living here, and there were two banks, seven hotels, twenty bars, and a dozen businesses. Today, only a few hundred people call Oatman home. Several tourists still come to Oatman to see the town's historical sights and experience the quaint culture. In addition, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent a honeymoon in this town.