Cerbat and Mineral Park

Cerbat

Cerbat is located about 10 miles northwest of Kingman. A post office was established in 1872 and discontinued in 1912. During the 1870's, Cerbat was substantial enough to have been the Mohave county seat. Cerbat boasted the usual stores and saloons of early mining towns, but also had a school, two doctors, and two lawyers to serve the 100 residents. Today, remains of the Golden Gem and Idaho Mines, the rubble of a few buildings, and a modern-day ranch mark the site of Cerbat.

 

 

The headframe at the Golden Gem Shaft

 

 

Mineral Park

Mineral Park is located about 20 miles northwest of Kingman in the Cerbat Mountains. The town began with a five-stamp mill in 1871 and not long afterwards, the population grew to 200, seven saloons, a school, stores, and a post office were established. By 1877, Mineral Park was the largest town in Mohave County and served as the county seat. With rich ore deposits and the completion of the railroad, Mineral Park's economy grew rapidly. By the early 1880's, the population had reached 700 and more stores, a hotel, restaurant, and a weekly newspaper, the Mohave County Miner, were among the amenities of the town. Like many other mining towns, prosperity for Mineral Park was fleeting. The post office closed in 1912. Mining by Cyprus Amax Corporation continues today at Mineral Park. Ruins of several buildings, headframes, and foundations mark the townsite.

 

Mineral Park School (Thanks to Linda White for the info)

 

 

 

Wood and metal miner's shack