Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – Kingman Edition
Crafted from ultra-soft 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this unisex jersey tee blends everyday comfort with the vibrant heritage of the Mother Road. Featuring the slogan "Turquoise Capital of the World," it celebrates Kingman, Arizona: a city that's as rich in gemstone history as it is in Route 66 charm.
Perfect for road trippers, gem enthusiasts, or collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, this tee honors Kingman's legacy as a glittering hub of Southwestern culture.
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About Kingman, Arizona: A Gemstone Legacy on the Mother Road
Nestled along Arizona's iconic Route 66, Kingman has been a crossroads of history, mining, and Southwestern culture since its founding in 1882 as a vital Atlantic & Pacific Railroad stop. While the town quickly became one of Arizona's most important transportation hubs, it was the glittering turquoise hidden in the nearby Cerbat Mountains that would earn Kingman international fame.
The Mineral Park Mining District, located northwest of Kingman, contains some of North America's richest turquoise deposits. Indigenous peoples recognized this treasure as early as 600 A.D., mining the vibrant blue stone to craft beads, pendants, and ceremonial objects that traveled ancient trade routes throughout the Southwest.
Modern commercial turquoise mining began in the late 19th century, but Kingman's golden age arrived in the 1970s under Leonard W. Hardy, the legendary "Turquoise King." During this boom, the region's mines produced more than half of the world's turquoise supply, officially establishing Kingman as the "Turquoise Capital of the World." Today, visitors can explore this living legacy at the World Famous Kingman Turquoise Mine Store on Turquoise Mountain in nearby Golden Valley, where mining traditions continue.
What distinguishes Kingman turquoise from deposits worldwide is its exceptional color range and quality. The signature "Kingman blue" spans from delicate sky blue to deep, intense cobalt, often enhanced by striking matrix patterns in black, brown, or white. Some specimens feature pyrite inclusions that create a golden shimmer, while the finest high-grade stones display remarkable purity with minimal to no visible matrix.
Watch this video from the Kingman Turquoise Mine Store to see the traditional mining process in action. These distinctive characteristics have made Kingman turquoise the cornerstone of authentic Southwestern jewelry, prized by Native American artisans, collectors, and jewelers worldwide.
Today, Kingman thrives as one of Route 66's most authentic stops, where mining history blends seamlessly with classic roadside Americana. Explore the historic downtown district with its vintage neon-lit motels, retro diners, and museums that preserve the town's railroad and mining past. Local shops showcase turquoise jewelry sourced directly from the legendary mines that gave Kingman its reputation.
Kingman is more than a waypoint on the Mother Road: it's a living connection between Arizona's Indigenous heritage, the golden age of American mining, and the enduring magic of Route 66.
Product Features:
- 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton for premium softness
- Side seams for added structure and durability
- Tear-away label for comfort
- Classic crew neckline with a flattering unisex fit - true-to-size for all day comfort (see size chart for details)
- Fulfilled in the USA
Care Instructions:
- Machine wash: cold (max 90°F / 30°C)
- Tumble dry: low heat
- Non-chlorine bleach as needed
- Iron or steam: medium heat
- Do not dry clean
