Chloride, AZ; Population 150

Roughly two years ago, I felt the urge to travel from my Las Vegas residence to bordering small towns. Perturbed by the constant interaction with the Las Vegas community, I lacked the opportunity to indulge in the peace and tranquility offered by nature. A brief visit to a less populated town not reliant on major highways and large corporations is a vacation I desired. Chloride, AZ, roughly 80 miles south on the 93, was included on my list.

Known as "The oldest mining town in Arizona," Chloride was once home to over 2500 residents in the early 1900's. Prospectors from across the region hastily flocked to the town after silver chloride was discovered. Since then, the town flourished with people in need of adequate living quarters and other necessities. A Post Office was constructed in 1873, and has maintained operation since. From the mid 1800's to early 1900's, Chloride even offered public transportation in the form of the Butterfield Stage Line and Santa Fe Railroad; serviced until 1935. In 1944, the Chloride population began to swiftly decline as the mines closed and individuals abandoned the town in search of other thriving economies. It is now considered a ghost town.

Though a few reside in Chloride, it remains a tourist attraction to travelers guided by highway 93. Mock gunfights based on historical events are reenacted on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturday of each month. Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Christmas seasons offer free gifts, drinks, and prices to visitors. The town also includes two bars, haunted attractions, and historical features such as the old jail. Whether you prefer to indulge in the town festivities or not, surrounding countryside is often visited by campers, hikers, and horseback riders. Other nearby attractions include the Joshua Tree forest, views of the Grand Canyon, and the Hoover Dam outside Las Vegas, Nevada; all within an 80 mile radius of Chloride.

Upon visiting the town, I discovered a quiet, friendly escape from the sporadic routine of Las Vegas life. The shop owners of the local convenience store and bar were proud of their town heritage; we were even indulged in a few local ghost stories involving the mine and local cemeteries. Though I neglected to visit the nearby campgrounds and other attractions, my discovery of such essence and tranquil self-assurance more than paid for the half a tank lost in gas consumption. I also returned with a few souvenirs.

Chloride Chamber of Commerce (2009). Retrieved Nov 10, 2009 from http://www.chloridearizona.com/index.html