Kingman in Mohave County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Water Tanks

Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 24, 2024

1. Wide View Photo of the Water Tanks Marker

Inscription. In about 1910 these water tanks, painted black, were installed to accommodate new larger steam engines as part of an Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad infrastructure upgrade. They became a dominate feature of the city's skyline.

By 1953, the railroad had updated almost its entire fleet and ownership of these tanks was transferred to the City of Kingman for use as storage for the fire department. The tank facing east on Route 66 was painted silver, and a notation promoting 1,000 Miles of Shoreline, a reference to Mohave County's Colorado River frontage, was added.

By 1986, the rusty and leaking tanks were listed as a liability. Betty McBrayer recognized their historic significance and initiated a campaign to save them from demolition. The colorful mural depicting a vintage locomotive bursting from the tank was funded by the Route 66 Association of Kingman. It was completed by mural artists Dan and Vicki Louden.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.

Location. 35° 11.298′ N, 114° 3.1′ W. Marker is in Kingman, Arizona, in Mohave County. It is on East Andy Devine Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500510 E Andy Devine Avenue, Kingman AZ 86401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Colorado River Valley.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Depot Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Depot (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Depot (about 400 feet away); Miner's Mineral Monument (about 400 feet away); Central Commercial (about 500 feet away); Running Hare (about 500 feet away); Art Hub (about 500 feet away); Hotel Brunswick (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kingman.

Water Tanks Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 24, 2024

2. Water Tanks Marker

Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 24, 2024

3. Water Tanks Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 163 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 2, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Closeup photo of the marker. • Can you help?