Visit Chloride
Have you ever heard of Chloride, Arizona?
Chloride is the oldest continuously inhabited mining town in Arizona. This small and charming town is a community of unique people who all wish to create their own little piece of heaven on earth. It is quiet here, and the night sky is breathtaking. Cattle are open range and come into the yards to graze unless they are fenced out. Deer, quail, cotton-tail rabbits, jackrabbits, coyotes, and road runners roam freely. You can hike in the mountains year-round. If ATVing is your thing, you can do that too. There are rocks to climb on, rocks to find, and miles and miles of desert to explore. We love it here - and we hope you'll love it too!
The Visitor Center
Located inside the Mineshaft Market on Tennessee right past the stop sign as you enter the town - Chloride's General Store, you can find information about Chloride and local attractions within a short distance from Chloride.
While you're there, check out some of the locally hand-made jewelry, grab a souvenir, or something to drink to beat the desert heat.
Painted in the 60's by painter Roy Purcell as what he called a journey from the "darkness into the light" and then repainted with his son in the 80's with car paint in order preserve the richness of the artwork for generations to come. Directly across from the murals you can view artwork from the original inhabitants of this area - the Hualapai Indians.
The murals can be found about 1 1/2 miles out the back of the town on a maintained dirt road. More info
The Murals
Cyanide Springs
In the heart of Chloride behind the park, a reenactment town was created to hold onto the Wild West feel of old Chloride. It is a favorite spot for tourists and where gun fights are held on most Saturdays at high noon.
Post Office
Although it changed location within the town at least 5 times, Chloride is the home of Arizona's oldest continuously operating post office. The current location is at the corner of 2nd and Tennessee and was once a pool hall and bar - note the billiard ball rack at the top above the sign. Inside are pictures of old Chloride possibly dating back to the 30's and a display of historical mail boxes.
Chloride Baptist Church
At one time, Chloride had six churches. The only one remaining today is located on Payroll Avenue. It was started in 1891 as a Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1902, it became a Presbyterian Church, continuing until 1916 when Pastor Franklin Day took over. He supervised the building of the church that is standing today. Since 1947, the church has been associated with the Southern Baptist Convention and is considered to be Arizona's oldest continuously operating church. https://chloridebaptistchurch.com/
The Museum
Jim Fritz was a long-time resident of Chloride. He and his sister used to feed the miners from their tiny kitchen. Jim lived to 95 and after his death, his home was dedicated to the townsite and now operates as our museum. Located inside Cyanide Springs and open most Saturdays for a short time, you will find a treasure trove of history stored in the rooms that have been preserved as Jim and his sister left them. The Jim Fritz museum along with other old buildings within the townsite are maintained by the Chloride Historical Society. More info about the Historical Society
The Jail
Located on Merrimac, just one block north of Tennessee this 1917 relic looks like it was just closed up after the last drunken miner spent a night sleeping off his visit to one of the saloons of the town. In 1937, electricity was added. In much need of repair, and having no sheriff in town the jail has not been used in probably 85 years.
Art and History
Chloride was once known as an artsy town and the yards around town are full of strange and weird pieces of art often made from items found nearby.
On Tennessee Rd, a long-standing family of Chloride recovered many items from the abandoned mines and has set up an excellent display in their yard. Be careful this private property is protected by an electric fence.
Chloride Cemetary
The Chloride Cemetery predates the existence of the town. The cemetery is maintained by two residents of Chloride and plots are still available to purchase at a very inexpensive rate.
Every Memorial Day, volunteers gather to replace the flags on the graves of every known service member buried there.
Many people travel through town and make videos of Chloride. Some of the history stated in the videos is not completely accurate but we appreciate the excitement of those wanting to spread the news about Chloride!