Mojave City, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mohave City, Arizona
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 Mohave City, Arizona
Location in Arizona
Mohave City, Arizona
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Mohave |
| Founded | 1863 |
| Abandoned | 1938 |
| Elevation | 502 ft (153 m) |
| Population
(2009)
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| • Total | 0 |
| Time zone | MST (no DST) |
| Post Office opened | October 8, 1866 |
| Post Office closed | October 31, 1938 |
| GNIS feature ID | 25308 |
Mohave City (sometimes called Mojave City) is a ghost town in Mohave County, located in the northwestern part of Arizona. It was first settled in the 1860s when Arizona was still a territory. The town began as a place where boats could land and goods could be traded. It served miners and soldiers in the area. The town was named after Mohave County.
Contents
What Was Mohave City?
How Mohave City Started
In the 1860s, there were threats from Native American tribes to miners working near the southern Colorado River. To protect these miners, the Army built Fort Mohave. This fort was located where the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation is today.
Because the fort made the area safer, Mohave City was founded in 1863. It was started by soldiers from California who were stationed at the fort. The fort was only about 5 miles down the river.
Life in Mohave City
Mohave City quickly became a place for soldiers and miners to relax. Its saloons were very popular. By 1866, the town had grown quite a bit. It became the main town, or county seat, for the area. A post office was opened on October 8, 1866.
Most ghost towns become empty because their mines run out of valuable minerals. But Mohave City became a ghost town for a different reason. In 1869, Fort Mohave decided to expand its land. This expansion included the town site of Mohave City. The military wanted the town to leave.
In the fall of 1869, the army told all civilians to leave within 30 days. The military then took over the town's land. Many people moved their homes and businesses to new places. However, some residents stayed, and the post office remained open for a long time.
Mohave City's Neighbors: Hardyville
Another town called Hardyville was created in 1864. It was about 5 miles north of Mohave City. Hardyville grew more important than Mohave City. This was because it became the main crossing point on the Colorado River for a road between Los Angeles and Prescott.
Hardyville also became a major stop for steamboats. It was closer to the local San Francisco Mining District mines than Mohave City was. On January 21, 1867, Hardyville took over as the county seat.
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 159 | — | |
| 1900 | 30 | — | |
| 1910 | 175 | 483.3% | |
| Source: | |||
Mohave City and Fort Mohave Together
After the military took over the land, the town was often called either Fort Mohave or Mohave City. The town clearly continued to exist in some way. The 1870 US Census showed that 159 people lived there.
By the 1880s, about 50 people still lived in the town. It also had a post office, a gunsmith, a blacksmith, a pharmacist, and a general store.
In 1890, the government gave the Fort Mohave land to the Indian Service. This was ordered by President Benjamin Harrison. Soon after, the buildings were used as a school for local Native American children. Up to 200 students attended the school.
The school closed in 1935. The Indian Service then gave up the buildings. On October 31, 1938, the post office finally closed. Since then, the land has been part of the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation.
What Remains Today?
Today, there are no buildings left from the original fort or Mohave City.
Where Was Mohave City Located?
Mohave City was located at about 35°02′24″N 114°37′23″W / 35.04000°N 114.62306°W. It was on the bank of the Colorado River. This spot is about 10 miles (16 km) south of Bullhead City.
