Although it’s been described as a ghost town, one visit to Chloride assures visitors that this old mining town is alive and well. First founded in 1863, Chloride continues as a mining town, surving on one of the oldest mining operations in Arizona. Peaking in the late 1800s with a population of about 3000, today as many as 400 people still call Chloride home.
   Placed on a map with the arrival of postal service in 1873, Chloride stakes its claim as having the oldest operating post office in the state, continuously serving the town since 1893. Named for its large deposits of silver chloride, mine operators still dig for silver, gold, zinc, lead and turquoise. Here in the hills, today's modern mining equipment requires a substantially fewer amount of workers than in the 19th century boom years. So, the majority of the town’s people welcome tourists. And the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is the best place stop before heading off to find the old mining town landmarks, old relics and the Chloride Murals.
   Located in the Mojave Desert in the foothills of the Cerbat Mountains, Curious guests are directed into the hills (with a distinct warning to bypass all mining roads) to experience Roy Purcell’s mountain murals. Here among the colorful painted cliffs you'll find a rendering of the town, as seen from this high perch in the rocks. If you hadn't veered from the main dirt track, you can't miss the Chloride Murals ... but the ancient petroglyphs are a little more elusive.
   Back in town, restaurants, bars, gift-shops, and the post office are found on the main street (Tennessee Avenue), while other points of interest are mixed in with residential homes. A Chamber map lists of over two dozen must see shops and buildings, helping with your ghost town explorations.

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