A trip to Oatman, AZ via Route 66 out of Kingman, AZ. I realized I had almost no photos of the trip, and in particular, was largely missing images of the donkeys.

My first attempts (without reading the instructions first) at AI generation via descriptive text instructions:

I quite enjoy the “not quite right” images of the Oman Oten and the glassy-eyed evil donkeys. They are certainly creepier than the real thing, and perfect for a ghost story setting.

The prompt I entered into ChatGPT: “Write a blog post about a ghost story at the Oatman Hotel in Oatman, AZ.” The resulting story, verbatim, without edits:

Introduction: Nestled in the heart of the historic mining town of Oatman, Arizona, stands a legendary establishment that has witnessed its fair share of ghostly encounters. The Oatman Hotel, dating back to 1902, has a rich history and a haunting tale that has intrigued visitors from near and far. Join us as we delve into the chilling ghost story that surrounds this iconic Old West hotel.

The History of Oatman Hotel: Oatman Hotel was originally built to accommodate the influx of miners during the gold rush era. Its walls have witnessed the booms and busts of the mining industry and have welcomed famous personalities, including Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, who spent their honeymoon there in the 1930s. Today, the hotel retains its authentic Wild West charm and has become a popular tourist attraction.

The Ghostly Legend: Legend has it that the ghost of a former Oatman Hotel owner, known as “Oatie,” still lingers within its walls. According to local lore, Oatie was a charismatic and hospitable figure who loved the hotel dearly. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when he was murdered during a poker game in one of the hotel’s rooms. Since then, guests and staff have reported numerous paranormal occurrences, cementing the hotel’s reputation as a haunted destination.

Eerie Encounters: Visitors have shared spine-chilling tales of unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, and inexplicable cold spots throughout the hotel. Some have claimed to see the ghostly figure of Oatie himself, dressed in period clothing, roaming the halls or peering out from a second-story window. Others have reported flickering lights, doors opening and closing on their own, and objects mysteriously moving from their original positions.

The Haunted Room: Among the hotel’s most haunted spots is Room 15, where Oatie’s untimely demise is said to have taken place. Guests who have stayed in this room have experienced strange phenomena, including unexplained knocking on the walls, furniture rearrangement, and an overwhelming feeling of being watched. Some even claim to have encountered the ghostly apparition of Oatie sitting at the edge of their bed.

Oatman’s Ghostly Appeal: Despite its eerie reputation, the ghostly encounters at Oatman Hotel have only heightened its appeal to brave visitors and paranormal enthusiasts. Ghost tours are offered, allowing guests to explore the haunted history of the hotel and perhaps catch a glimpse of the supernatural themselves. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the stories surrounding Oatman Hotel continue to fascinate and intrigue all who venture into its ghostly realm.

Conclusion: The Oatman Hotel in Oatman, Arizona, is not just a historic landmark but a place steeped in ghostly tales and unexplained phenomena. From the mysterious footsteps echoing through the halls to the apparition of the beloved former owner, Oatie, this haunted destination attracts those seeking a spine-tingling experience. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, a visit to the Oatman Hotel promises an intriguing journey into the haunted history of the Old West.

So, if you dare to delve into the mysteries of the past and explore the realms of the supernatural, Oatman Hotel awaits your presence. Brace yourself for an unforgettable encounter with the ghostly inhabitants that reside within its timeworn walls.

Watch out writers. ChatGPT is playing at a theatre near you.