Bullhead City Arizona Tourism

In the 1860’s William Harrison Hardy was one of the first men to call this area his home. Back then it was called Hardyville.

The founder was a unique man, willing to take risks with unknown ventures. He was a postmaster, county supervisor and a member of the Territorial Legislature. Before Hardyville was abandoned for a ghost town it had mining activities which pushed away from the Colorado River and Hardyville as well as the railroad which was constructed from Needles through Yucca to Kingman and farther. The only thing that marks Hardyville’s existence is a cemetery. Though abandoned, its resurrection would happen, not as Hardyville but as Bullhead City, with the coming of Davis Dam.

Along the Colorado River was an old landmark called Bull’s Head Rock. From this landmark the city received the name of Bullhead City. During the use of steamboat travel up the river, it was used as a navigation point. When the waters began to rise behind Davis Dam, creating Lake Mohave, Bull’s Head Rock gradually disappeared, with only a small, undistinguishable part remaining uncovered.

In 1902 the site for Davis Dam was selected, but the construction did not start until 1942. It was discontinued in December of that year due to the war. The construction resumed in April, 1946, and the dam was completed in 1953. Bullhead City was incorporated on August 28, 1984.

Bullhead City Waterfront