Prescott National Forest in Yavapai County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Cleator, Arizona

1. Cleator, Arizona Marker

Inscription. Cleator was established in 1884 as a placer gold mining site in the Turkey Creek Mining District. A post office opened in July of 1869, but closed a few months later. James Cleator came to Arizona in 1900 to prospect in the Bradshaw mountains. In 1905 he bought half of the interest in Turkey Creek's store and saloon from Lev Pierce Nellis. After the partnership split, in 1915, James Cleator became the town's owner and also opened a post office. In 1920 mining declined and the population fell. Turkey Creek was renamed Cleator in 1925. James Cleator died in the late 1950's.

Erected 2014 by By the Ancient and Honorable Order Of E Clampus Vitus Lost Dutchman Chapter 5917+4.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Postal Mail and Philately series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1869.

Location. 34° 16.777′ N, 112° 13.986′ W. Marker is in Prescott National Forest, Arizona, in Yavapai County. It is on Crown King Road (Route 259), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Forest 259 Road, Mayer AZ 86333, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Mogollon Rim

and in the Prescott Area.

It is also in the American Southwest

and in the Mountain West.

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. At

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least 2 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Mining in Arizona (approx. 8.6 miles away); The Sunset Point Rest Area (approx. 8.6 miles away).

Additional keywords. mining towns

Photographed by Dean Whittle, September 1, 2018

2. Cleator

Marker is at ground level to the left of the stairs.

Photographed by Dean Whittle, September 1, 2018

3. Cleator

Cleator Lane Road Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Whittle, September 1, 2018

4. Cleator Lane Road Sign

Mining Equipment image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Whittle, September 1, 2018

5. Mining Equipment

Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2014, by Keith B. Dodds of Maricopa, Az.. This page has been viewed 1,775 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 7, 2014, by Keith B. Dodds of Maricopa, Az.. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 3, 2018, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.