In April 1929, the discovery of a vein of gold and lead ore in the Hualapai Mountains, near Kingman, spurred the development of the Gold King Mine. And today, a building known as the Gold King Mansion stands as a reminder of the area’s mining history.
The Gold King Mine’s proprietor was Paul M. “Paddy” Woods — who, according to a local legend, drove a large Cadillac to and from the mine. Another legend claims that the company’s secretary would literally ride shotgun, with a 12-gauge on her lap, as the two ferried the mine’s payroll to the site from Los Angeles.
By the end of 1929, the mine was fairly well defined, and Woods turned his attention to the structures above ground. Those included a reinforced concrete bunkhouse that probably was built around 1930 and later enlarged to its present configuration. Ultimately, rather than being used by mine workers, the bunkhouse provided overnight accommodations where prospective investors could be wined and dined. There were copper screens on the windows and a fishing pond on the side of the house — relative luxuries in a remote and rugged location.
The Gold King Mine never lived up to the opulence of the Gold King Mansion, despite producing gold, silver, copper and lead. It was shuttered by the mid-1930s, then revived during World War II, but Woods’ death in 1948 quickly brought an end to operations at the site, and most of the structures there faded into history.
But the robustly built mansion remains, and it sits at the end of an eroded, deeply rutted route called the Moss Wash OHV Trail, which is unsuitable for a Cadillac (and most other vehicles). Instead, those wishing to visit can park along Blake Ranch Road, an easy dirt route, and hike the 1.5-mile trail to the site.
The mansion’s poured concrete roof remains intact, and on the second floor, a fireplace and sections of ornate trim are visible. Smaller vestiges of the Gold King’s heyday are scattered around the site, which is governed by the federal Bureau of Land Management. Be sure to leave them, and the Gold King Mansion, as you find them, so others can enjoy the history and scenery of this strange and isolated place.
HUALAPAI MOUNTAINS Kingman Field Office, 928-718-3700, blm.gov/office/kingman-field-office