KINGMAN – A local history expert will get a statue made of his likeness for his contributions to the community.

Kingman Main Street is raising funds to complete a public arts project in the heart of downtown Kingman, titled ‘Kingman Tours: A Walkabout Kingman with Jim Hinckley.’

Jim Hinckley is longtime Kingman resident and an internationally acclaimed author, historian, and tour guide specializing in Route 66.

“Jim has spent years sharing the history of this community with others, and we’re excited to recognize him in this way,” said Paul Gaines, vice president of Kingman Main Street’s Board of Directors.

Hinckley hosts walking tours of downtown Kingman through Desert Wonder Tours and the Kingman Powerhouse Visitor Center. The tours include an interactive walk between significant sites along Route 66 and historic downtown Kingman.

KMS has commissioned Arizona-based J. Anne Butler, an experienced figurative bronze sculptor to create a sculpture piece to be placed at the historic Kingman Train Depot at 402 E. Andy Devine Avenue (the corner of Fourth Street and Route 66). This site would serve as the first stop of several interactive downtown walking tours, with virtual guidance and narration by Hinckley.

The historian had some peculiar input himself.

“I would’ve preferred a posthumous recognition,” Hinckley said. “Still, I’m honored and humbled. And just a tad embarrassed.”

Designs and mock-ups of the statue is underway and won’t be completed until 2022. Once the statue is completed, the walking tours will begin at the site of the –life-sized bronze sculpture of Hinckley.

Like just about everything else, COVID-19 shut down anything tourist related, but Hinckley is optimistic about future progress.

“These tours will provide additional opportunities to promote Kingman as a destination,” he said. “They will also foster development of a sense of community and community purpose.” 

KMS volunteers hope residents and visitors will use this opportunity to explore downtown Kingman businesses and history.

Kingman Main Street is an enthusiastic team of motivated volunteers working to facilitate the revitalization of downtown Kingman.

Aaron Ricca