Mohave County
July 22, 2008 by Carl Chapman
Filed under Arizona
Arizona ’s First Territorial Assembly met in 1864 to establish Mohave County. The county was named after the Mohave Indians, who had lived along the Colorado River for many years.
Originally, the county included a section of Nevada. Then in 1865, part of Mohave County split away and became another county called Pah-Ute. Later in 1876, a part of Pah-Ute County and portions of Mohave County officially became the lower section of Nevada. This change in boundaries caused Pah-Ute County to shrink in size. The county was too small to hold the title of county. In 1871, Pah-Ute County dissolved and became a part of Mohave County. There is an interesting fact about Pah-Ute County. After Hoover Dam was constructed and the water was released, the area where Pah-Ute County had once been located soon became Lake Mead.
The county seat has moved many times. It began in Mohave City located on a bluff over the Colorado River near Fort Mohave. Then, it moved to Hardyville. Hardyville was also located along the Colorado River and was a trading center for the area. Later, a bill was written and adopted called “An Act to Permanently Locate the County Seat of Mohave County.” This act moved the seat to the town of Mineral Park. In 1887, an election was held to permanently locate the county seat. This time Kingman was given the honor and it has held on to it ever since. Mohave County is the second largest county in the state. It is situated in the upper northwest corner of the state, bordering California, Nevada and Utah. This location makes it ideal when traveling to other areas. Most of the land is desert, however portions of it are the waters of Lake Mead, Lake Mojave and the Colorado River. The county boasts 1,000 miles of shoreline.
There are many attractions in the county. Pipe Springs National Monument is 15 miles southwest of Fredonia. The natural spring drew the Mormons to the area in 1858. They established a settlement and built a fort. This was the site of Arizona Territory’s first telegraph station. Today, the monument preserves the buildings from the past. Lake Mead National Recreational Area includes a portion of the Colorado River, as it winds its way from the Grand Canyon south to Mexico. As the River travels 240 miles through the recreational area it forms two long lakes. Lake Mohave and Lake Mead offer visitors year round fun.
There is fishing, boating and camping. Havasu National Wildlife Refuge has marshes, open water and desert landscape. This combination of environments allows many different kinds of wildlife to make the refuge their home. Visitors might see snow goose or even Canadian geese. Lake Havasu State Park was created in 1968 and is the largest state park. The park includes camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking and boating. There is something for everyone.
Mohave County’s motto is “How May We Serve You?” This statement symbolizes the friendliness of the residents and their desire to make your visit one you will remember.
