Kingman Things to Do

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The Powerhouse Museum traces the history of trails through the Kingman area from pre-history through the Route 66 years to today. There are also displays about the history of the area from the early settlements of the Native Americans to today. The museum is housed in the old Desert Power & Water Company, which was built between 1907 and 1911 and was one of the one of the laegest steam generating plants on the Pacific Coast. The building also houses the Kingman Visitors Center. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hours are 9 AM to 5 PM daily. I do not remember the exact entrance fee; but it was cheap and covered the entrance for both this museum and the nearby Mohave Museum of History & Arts.

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The plaque reads:

This building has been placed on
The National Register of
Historic Places
By the United States Department of the Interior
Mohave County Jail
Built 1910
Noteworthy as one of the first cast-in-place concrete structures in Kingman, the county jail building was constructed in 1910. Metal floors in the jail cell area are a unique feature which has caused jailers to call the cells, "natural lie detectors." The Mohave County Jail is one of the few historic detached county jail building remaining in the State of Arizona.

Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), City of Kingman Historic Preservation Commission, Main Street Kingman & National Park Service (NPS).

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The plaque reads:

This building has been placed on
The National Register of
Historic Places
By the United States Department of the Interior.
Bonelli House
Built 1916
Built by George Bonelli, prominent Kingman citizen, this is an excellent example of the Colonial Revival style built of locally quarried tufa stone. The captain's lookout and the encircling porches on both the first and second story are outstanding features. George Bonelli, the son of a Swiss stonemason, operated a large ranch, a general store and a jewelry store in Kingman, and a meat market in Chloride. His original home burned in 1915, prompting the construction of this house.

Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), City of Kingman Historic Preservation Commission, Main Street Kingman & National Park Service (NPS).

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This museum offers a wide variety educational information of the history of Northwestern Arizona Dioramas & murals of prehistoric times to the present. A wonderful exhibit of a local Andy Devine that became a movie celebrity. Lots of wonderful outdoor exhibits of ranching, mining, and railroad artifacts. There is even a wonderful library.

Open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
Sat 1pm-5pm
Closed Sunday and major holidays.
Be sure to call to check to see if they had any changes to times and days they are open.

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The plaque reads: Desert Power & Water Co. 1907-1911
Among Largest Steam Generating
Plants of its time on
Pacific Coast
National Register of Historic Places
Plaque Donated by
Heritage Crossroads
2003

The second sign reads: Route 66 Roadside Attraction
The Powerhouse, Kingman Arizona
Built of reinforced concrete, electricity generation began 90 years ago with operations continuing to 1938. After serving as a substation and later a recycling center, it was renovated to its current use and condition in 1997 by the "Powerhouse Gang." Recognized by Hampton Hotels Save-A-Landmark program as a site worth seeing.

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The plaque reads:

This building has been placed on
The National Register of
Historic Places
By the United States Department of the Interior.
Little Red Schoolhouse
Built 1896
Noteworthy for its age and integrity, the "Little Red Schoolhouse" is the only pre-1900 public building extant in Kingman. It is a fine example of late Victorian architecture. One of the students who attended the school was Andy Devine, film star.

Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), City of Kingman Historic Preservation Commission, Main Street Kingman & National Park Service (NPS).

The second plaque is located to the right of the entrance - dated 1974 reads:
The Daughters of
Mohave County Pioneers
Dedicate
The Little Red Schoolhouse
Kingman's first permanent school
As a
Historical Building
Erected 1895-1896

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The plaque reads:

This building has been placed on
The National Register of
Historic Places
By the United States Department of the Interior
Mohave County Courthouse
Built 1915
Built of locally quarried tufa stone, the Mohave County Courthouse has been the center of county government since 1915. It is the best example of Neo-Classical Revival style in Kingman. Its distinguishing features are a pedimented portico supported by four tapered Doric columns, a small iron-railed balcony over the main entry, and a centrally domed stained glass skylight above the second-story courtroom.

Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), City of Kingman Historic Preservation Commission, Main Street Kingman & National Park Service (NPS).

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The plaque reads:

This building has been placed on
The National Register of
Historic Places
By the United States Department of the Interior
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Built 1906 – 1907
Constructed of locally quarried tufa stone, this Mission Revival building served as the Catholic church from 1906 to 1967. The Catholic congregation was the second religious congregation established in Kingman and the building was the second church built. It is now the oldest remaining church building.

Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), City of Kingman Historic Preservation Commission, Main Street Kingman & National Park Service (NPS).

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Built around 1906, this was Kingman's third depot at this location. The first was built in 1885 and destroyed by fire in 1900 and the second 1900-1906. The building has been remodeled and houses a wonderful Train Museum and Amtrak passenger waiting area.

The plaque reads:
The National Register of Historic Places
by the United States Department of the Interior

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Depot built 1907
Kingman's early existence depended upon the railroad. The town's role as a shippiing and commerce center was enhanced by the building of a modern, large depot during the first decade of the 20th century. The depot was built in the Mission Revival style of concrete and stucco. The curvilinear parapets, open overhanging eaves treatment, and plaiin stuccoed walls are common to the Mission Revival style.

Arizona State Historic Reservation Office (SHPO)
City of Kingman Historic Preservation Commission
Main Street Kingman & National Park Service (NPS)

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The Mohave County Court House was built in 1915 next to the Mohave County Jail which preceeded it by 5 or 6 years. Both buildings were built using the Neo Colonial Revival style of architecture. the well known firm of Lescher & Kibbey from Phoenix designed the building and contractors came from Arkansas to build it. The court house was built with Tufa Stone from nearby Metcalfe Quarry. Both the court house and the jail next door are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.