Books
 |
Metal Detectors
 |
| Garrett GTI 2500 |
Prospecting Tools
 |
Outdoor Gear
 |
Radios
 |
GPS
 |
Power Inverters
 |
Fun Stuff
 |
Clocks
 |
COUNTY: MOHAVE
LOCATION: ABOUT 10 MILES NW OF KINGMAN, AZ ABOUT 3.3 MILES EAST OF HWY. 93
HOW TO GET THERE: Head north on HWY 93 from Kingman, AZ approximately 10 miles from the intersection of HWY 93 with Interstate 40 and look for the Cerbat Historical marker on the right side of the highway. Ahead of you is a graded dirt road heading east. Take this road for .7 miles to an intersection of 3 roads. Turn left and head north again. After .6 mile you will see a road turning east again. Turn right up this road and continue 2.6 miles. This road goes past a ranch and some mining property. Respect these operations. Above here, the road climbs a hill and becomes rough. What is left of the town is located on either side of the road in heavy cactus.
GPS: 35º 17.74' x 114º 10.0'
SUPPLIES: KINGMAN, BULLHEAD CITY
MOJAVE GREEN RATTLESNAKES LIVE IN THE AREA. THIS RATTLESNAKE IS ONE OF THE MOST DEADLY RATTLESNAKES IN THE UNITED STATES. DO NOT PLAY WITH THESE!
History: |
Remains of the old townsite can be found throughout the cactus and brush on the south side of the road. |  |
The old mill is located at the entrance to the canyon, before you actually get to the townsite |
Cerbat came to life in the 1860's as a mining camp in the Cerbat mountains northwest of Kingman, AZ. In 1871 Cerbat became the county seat taking the title away from Hardyville (located on the Colorado river near present day Bullhead City). It lost the title to Mineral Park in 1873. Important mines of the area were the Golden Gem (producing $400,000 worth of gold, silver, lead, and zinc), Flores, Idaho, Esmeralda, Night Hawk, and the Big Bethel. At its peak, the town had stores, saloons, a "free" school, and smelting facilities.
Mining Information:
The primary minerals of the area include pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, zinc blende, stibnite, and native gold. Native silver, argentite, ruby silver, and horn silver are also represented. The water table is reported as 80' deep leading to sulphide ores.
Current Information:
I have explored this area extensively. The site is partially open but there is a ranch nearby and new mining at the old townsite. Some of the townsite is posted but many of the stone walls on the south side of the dirt road are still open. Do not enter the mining operations and be courteous. There are some rock walls, dumps, and a mill-site at the location. The dirt road is rough in several places and high-clearance or better yet, 4WD is recommended.
REFERENCES: Arizona Place Names, by Byrd H. Granger and Ghost Towns of Arizona, by James E. and Barbara H. Sherman and The History of Mohave County to 1912, by Dan W. Messersmith
