When I left Las Vegas, I was looking for interesting places to stop on my way back to Canada. As usual, I pulled up my Atlas Obscura app and found a partial ghost town named Chloride. Who is lucky enough to live in a ghost town? I had to check out Chloride, Arizona!
What a gem of a town with an intriguing and interesting history. Come along as I take you on a tour of Chloride, Arizona.
The History of Chloride, Arizona
Chloride started as a mining town in the 1860s. Getting its name from the silver chloride that was found and mined here in great amounts. Not only was silver found here in generous amounts, they also found zinc, lead, copper, and turquoise.
The town prospered into the 1940s with over 75 working mines supporting over 2000 people. There were banks, hotels, restaurants, and all the amenities that are required by such a large population. The post office was opened in 1893, and although it has changed locations several times, it is the longest-running post office in Arizona.
By 1940, mining was being phased out. Chloride slowly started to fade. Eventually, like most old mining towns, Chloride became more of a ghost town than a community.
In 2023, the population was 157. With a focus on tourism and a few mines, both privately owned and federally owned people are beginning to find this gem of a town again.
Let’s Explore
Chloride, Arizona Post Office
Working for the Canadian Post Office during most of my working career, I often seek out the post office in the community I am in. Unfortunately, it was not open when I was there, but what a fascinating history!
The Chloride Post Office first opened in 1873. For a brief time, the post office closed but opened again in 1893 and has been open ever since. Thus making it the oldest continuously running post office in Arizona.
Sitting on the corner of Tennessee Ave and 2nd Street, it now inhabits what used to be a bar and a pool hall. If you look closely above the post office sign, you can see a rack of billiard balls. The post office has moved several times over the years, but has always stayed open and in business. Inside, you can find historical mailboxes and pictures of Chloride in the 30s and 40s.
Such a unique find!
Chloride Jail
The Chloride Jail was built in 1917. Mines were flourishing, and the population was growing. Having only 2 cells, it mostly held people who got a little too carried away in their celebrations and had to sleep it off.
This little building is no longer inhabitable and is in disrepair. You can not go inside as it has not been used in over 85 years. The decline in both mining and population removed the need for a sheriff, and the jail was closed.
As you look at the building, sitting alone but still standing, it is a beautiful testimony of the courage and stamina of the people who built this wonderful little town.
Yesterday’s Steakhouse Saloon and Shep’s Miner Inn/Hotel
In the heart of Chloride stands a walk back into the past and some darn good food. Yesterday’s is a great restaurant with some great stories and a wonderful western atmosphere. It almost felt as if I should be wearing chaps and should arrive on a horse. Lol
Walking towards the restaurant, the first thing you will see is an old horse-drawn cart with a “gentleman” sitting proudly at the reins. A “rooms for rent” sign at the helm, it is a welcome to a truly great dining experience and some intriguing stories.
Yesterday’s Steakhouse Saloon
This charming restaurant has the early 1900s everywhere. Originally, Seth’s Inn it was a popular place for stagecoach stops and repairs. Walking across the patio with the western decor and the Native statue to greet you, I knew this was going to be an exceptional dining experience. I was not disappointed.
As you walk through the glass doors into a world of rustic elegance. The first thing you notice is the giant murals on the walls, and then you hear a friendly, “Come on in, and have a seat.” Of course, I had to sit at this table. It seemed it was waiting just for me.
After the lady took my order, I had to ask her about the murals that lined the walls. What an interesting story that was.
The mural is over 35 feet long and so big that it had to be cut into sections and placed on different walls. It depicts people sitting and standing at a long bar enjoying a festive evening at a saloon.
The painting was painted for Howard Hughes and was once installed at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas. Within the painting are well-known people of that era. Some you know by just looking, others not so much. Lol.
Attached to the restaurant is a trading post to browse and shop.
It was a great dining experience in a wonderful, interesting atmosphere. Make it a stop on your visit to Chloride.
Shep’s Miner Inn /Hotel.
A picturesque Inn with a famous connection. This beautiful little hotel is quaint and quiet. With wooden walkways beside intricate art pieces, it takes you into a famous past.
The rooms take you back in time to a simple and tranquil space. I loved the comfort and warmth as I walked into each room. Room number 10 held some special memories of a very famous visitor.
In 1967, Jack Nicholson, famous for such hits as The Shining, stayed in this room while filming Rebel Rouser in Chloride. Released in 1970, I just had to watch it again. I love seeing places I have been in movies.
Another star who stopped by Chloride was Ernest Borgnine in 1953 while filming The Badlanders. The author Louis L’Amour stayed in 1945 and even helped a fire brigade put out a fire there.
There is so much beautiful history at this inn. A night’s rest is truly a night’s rest.
Cyanide Springs in Chloride, Arizona
A fictional town inside a living ghost town. Ok, now that is cool. I walked into this fictional town of Cyanide Springs. I fully expected a man on horseback would round the corner any moment. The buildings were just not building fronts; they were built to represent that moment in time. It was fabulous to walk the creaky wooden walkways and explore the insides of these historic replicas.
The jail could have been the jail in town when it was first opened. A two-cell building with a small office.
You could also take a table at the Dead Ass Saloon. I thought that was so cute. In the olden days, with gunfights that could break out at any moment, it was a fitting name. They do have staged shows that go on in Cyanide Springs. Check their calendar for dates, times, and events.
There are four cabins that sit in this town, I am told, that are original miner cabins and were used when the mines were flourishing. There is also a museum run by the Chloride Historical Society that sits in this fictional little town. All of its activities are run without government funding, so make sure you drop a donation in the box in appreciation of their excellent preservation.
What a great find in this little piece of paradise.
Chloride, Arizona, is a gem of a town. There are so many things to see. The murals are on the rocks high above the town. My van almost made it, but the dirt road leading to it was getting a little thin and rocky. The house made of hay and the interesting metal sculptures that lie throughout the town. Make sure you stop by the Mineshaft Market for anything you need, and chat with the lady who works there, she is a wonderful and welcoming tourist guide.
My trip through Arizona was amazing. Chloride is a definite stop when in Arizona, and if you have time, stay for the night. Remember to ask for Room 10 and share Jack’s space.
Want to get a Vans eye view of Chloride? Click the link to my YouTube channel for a look into the past.
Thanks for coming along on my Chipmunk Adventure. See you next week.
Chipmunk
Love this blog! My tip jar is a coffee cup! I can always use another coffee!
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