With the […] These stories tell how the “Wickedest Town in The West” got its name and how men who sought their fortunes in this billion dollar mining camp lived, played and fought. The mission of the Jerome Historical Society is to collect, protect, preserve and present the unique physical, cultural and mining history of Jerome through its buildings, archives, library, museums and other programs. These historic structures are identified by the Jerome Historical Society Plaque Project. Tracy Weisel, Sergeant of Arms, PO Box 156 During the 60’s and 70’s, during the time of the counter culture, Jerome offered a haven for artists. • Abbott, Lon; Cook, Terri (2007). Author: Briggs, D.F. Jerome was built on Cleopatra Hill above a vast deposit of copper. Perched high atop Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Verde Valley is the historic mining camp of Jerome, Arizona. Jerome is a town in the Black Hills of Yavapai County, Arizona, founded in the late 19th century on Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Verde Valley. The district's mines surround the community of Jerome, which is located at an elevation of about 5,200 feet. Filled with exhibits of photographs, artifacts, and minerals, plus a 3-D model of the town and underground mines, this mansion lets visitors step back in time to experience Arizona at the height of the copper boom. Fires ravaged the clapboard town and landslides destroyed whole sections. The Spanish followed, seeking gold but finding copper. Americans, Mexicans, Croatians, Irish, Spaniards, Italians, and Chinese made the mining camp a cosmopolitan mix that added to its rich life and excitement. 407 Clark Street All rights reserved. After its founding in 1876, Jerome was at one time the fourth largest city in Arizona with the population peaking at around 15,000 in the 1920s. Jerome was built on Cleopatra Hill above a vast deposit of copper. Information for Jerome, Arizona. The historical society struggled to keep Jerome alive, trying to achieve their dream of making Jerome the “greatest outdoor museum.” In 1956 the society completed negotiations with Phelps Dodge assuring that no mor… "Now it is located on the east side of Hull Avenue, near the intersection with Diaz Street, down the hill from the parking area for the Jerome Visitors Center." (928) 634-1066 Jerome, Arizona’s history is full of stories. Anglos staked the first claims in the area in 1876, and United Verde mining operations began in 1883, followed by the Little Daisy claim. Once known as the wickedest town in the west, Jerome was a copper mining camp, growing from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community. If These Walls Could Talk. Frank Vander Horst, Treasurer Walk below the Visitor’s Center to Jerome’s Sliding Jail Park. Today, Jerome is an artist’s and tourist’s community of about 400 residents, but that has not always been the case. Mr. The revived copper mining ghost town of Jerome, Arizona is not only filled with historic buildings and rich history but is also said to be the home place of a number of lingering ghosts. Jerome, AZ 86331 In addition, the society succeeded in purchasing most of uptown Jerome, securing Main Street. Steve Pontious, President Once the fourth largest city in the Arizona Territory, Jerome boasted a population of nearly 15,000 on its hilltop haven. With Jeromes economy completely dependent upon the demand for copper, Phelps Dodge Mine closed in 1953. David F. Briggs, Geologist – History of the Verde Mining District Charlie Connell ~ StampMillMan Alenius, E.M.J., 1968 – A Brief History of the United Verde Open Pit, Jerome, Az: Arizona Bureau of Mines Bulletin 178 Jerome State Historical Park Michael Thompson – Photographer Terry Molloy & Jerome Times Staff www.JeromeTimes.com These experiences are best for tours in Jerome: Discover the Legends of Quirky and Strange Jerome Scavenger Hunt; Historic Tour of Jerome; Sedona with Jerome and Montezuma Castle One-Day Van Tour; Wine Discovery Tour from Sedona with 3 Wine Tastings; Montezuma Castle, Jerome and Sedona Day Tour From Scottdale or Phoenix Today, the Jerome Historical Society owns eight commercial buildings. Geology Underfoot in Northern Arizona. During its heyday, men and women from all over the world made their way to Arizona to find work and maybe a new way of life. The Army built a wagon road connecting Camp Verde with Prescott to the west. They form a peaceful, colorful, thriving community built on a rich foundation of history and lore. Top Jerome History Museums: See reviews and photos of history museums in Jerome, Arizona on Tripadvisor. The Spanish were the first Europeans to explore the Verde River area in the 16th century. … History of the Verde Mining District, Jerome, Arizona. One … With over 11,000 photos, numerous maps, newspapers and documents all filed and easily accessed with the assistance of our Archivist, researchers are welcome. Official website of the Town of Jerome, Arizona. FAX (928) 634-7122, Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum & Gift Shop, Contact | Forms | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy, Copyright © 2019 Jerome Historical Society. Before Jerome was Jerome it was the site of a small dig mined by the local Yavapai tribe. Situated at the top of Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Verde Valley, Jerome started as a mining claim in 1876. After the mines closed in 1953 and “King Copper” left town, the population went from a peak of 15,000 in the 1920s to a low of 50 people. The mines, the workers, and those who sought its wealth formed Jerome's history. FACE MASKS NOW REQUIRED IN JEROME - June 23, 2020. If you want to get a better sense of what life in the mines was like, especially in the 1800s and early 1900s, you might want to check out a mining history museum, like the Mine Museum in Jerome or the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum.. Jerome, Arizona - Arizona Ghost Town Jerome, Arizona was built on Cleopatra Hill above a vast deposit of copper. Jerome is located between the cities of Phoenix and Sedona. The Jerome Historical Society guarded the buildings against vandalism and the elements, the Douglas Mansion became a State Park in 1965, and Jerome became a National Historic Landmark in 1976. Please enable JavaScript on your browser to best view this site. Jerome was the largest producer of copper, gold, and silver in Arizona simultaneously in the 1920s before the mines closed in 1953 and it became the largest ghost town in the west. Anglos staked the first claims in the area in 1876, and United Verde mining operations began in 1883, followed by the Little Daisy claim. At the mercy of the ups and downs of copper prices, , labor unrest, depressions and wars, Jerome’s mines finally closed in 1953. Lets take a closer look at the history of this lovely mining town. Prehistoric Native Americans were the first miners, seeking colored stones. The history of Jerome, Arizona is a much longer one than that of the town itself. Once the fourth largest city in the Arizona Territory, Jerome boasted a population of nearly 15,000 on its hilltop haven. The mines were nourished and exploited by financiers who brought billions of dollars in copper, gold, and silver from its depths. Jerome, Arizona is the 90th largest city in Arizona based on official 2017 estimates from the US Census Bureau. The mines, the workers, and those who sought its wealth, formed Jerome’s colorful history. Allen Muma, Vice President Jerome, Arizona's estimated population is 457 according to the most recent United States census estimates. These stories tell how the “Wickedest Town in The West” got its name and how men who sought their fortunes in this billion dollar mining camp lived, played and fought. They were a brave and raucous mix. Jerome was the talk of the Territory, a boom town of its time, the darling of promoters and investors. Phone 928-634-1066, Jerome Historical Society Mission Statement. When major companies wanted his interests, his price was one million dollars. Located high on top of Cleopatra Hill(5,200 feet) between Prescott and Flagstaff is the historic copper mining town of Jerome, Arizona.Once known as the wickedest town in the west, Jerome was a copper mining camp, growing from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community. How to get here: 200 Hill Street Jerome, AZ 86331 Originally built as the United Verde Hospital in the late 1920s, stories of supposed spirits lingering … Jerome, Arizona’s history is full of stories. This Arizona state park is a dream … The remaining … The Great Depression slowed the mining operation and the claim eventually went to Phelps Dodge, who still holds the claim to this day. Since saloons were a ridiculously popular establishment to frequent during leisure time, you might be interested to see some that still exist today! the mines closed in the 1950s, the population of Jerome dwindled to a handful of people. Jerome was always rebuilt. Photograph Jerome’s Sliding Jail. Paul & Jerry’s Saloon Oldest family owned saloon in Arizona 206 Main Street Jerome, AZ 86331 (928) 634-2603 Daily 10:30 am to 2 am . Soon newcomers and Jerome old timers were working together to bring Jerome back to life. approximately 25 miles northeast of Prescott, Arizona (Figure 1). Jerome, Arizona "America's Most Vertical City" and "Largest Ghost Town in America". Furthermore, it affords you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Jerome's history. The property, on Hill Street in Jerome was originally the George W. Hull Homestead Tract. Jerome History Tours is dedicated to providing 100% historically accurate history tours about Jerome, Arizona which are both entertaining and factual. Once a thriving copper mining town, Jerome has survived by becoming a mecca for artists and tourists. Missoula, MT: Mountain Press Publishing. A stay in one of these Jerome traditional hotels can transport you to a bygone era right from the start. Take the Jerome Arizona Survey! Hotel History – Jerome Grand Hotel 1994 – Present / United Verde Hospital 1926 – 1950 The United Verde Hospital was constructed in 1926, to replace the old hospital constructed in 1917, when a fault shift, due to blasting, damaged the south wing. For more than half a century, Jerome was virtual a ghost town. Bringing the Past to Life Through our one-hour walking tour, we are providing the guest with a first hand look at what the "Wickedest City in the West" used to look and feel like. For more than half a century, Jerome was virtual a ghost town. Early History of Jerome, Arizona. The balance of the buildings owned by the society were sold back to the community and persons interested in historic restoration. When the mines closed in the 1950s, the population of Jerome dwindled to a handful of people. Like most places in Arizona, the area was first inhabited by … Clark was responsible for bringing in the narrow gauge railroad, which boasted 187 curves and 28 bridges in the last 14 miles of its 27 mile run. The Spanish followed, seeking gold but finding copper. Beginning in the 1960s, the town was restored with historic accuracy and revitalized as an arts community, featuring multiple art studios and galleries and a monthly Art Walk. People have inhabited these hills for thousands of years, but the history of mining dates back to the late 1800s. ISBN 978-0-87842-528-0. JAVASCRIPT IS DISABLED. Today, the house is a museum devoted to the Douglas family history and history of Jerome. Jerome is an old copper mining town set on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill between Prescott and Sedona.Once the fourth largest city in Arizona, it became one of the West's largest ghost towns in the 1950s.Now designated a National Historic District, the town has gained new life as an artist colony and tourist attraction. The population density is 529.03 people/mi² census2020.gov Jerome is a fascinating old mining town hosted within the hills of Yavapai County. The Haunted Hamburger 410 Clark St. Jerome, AZ 86331 (928) 634-0554 11am-9pm Daily "A small biography and some pics of my family history are in a 3 ring binder in the lobby." Changing times in the Territory saw pack burros, mule drawn freight wagons, and horses replaced by steam engines, autos, and trucks. Basic Information. The town became a National Historic Landmark in 1967. However it’s described, one thing for certain is that this old mining town is unique. History of Jerome, Arizona The first mining claims were filed in 1876, but it was William A. Clark who would put Jerome on the map by purchasing the United Verde Copper Company in 1888 for $80,000. the Connor Hotel in 1899 Built in 1898 by David Connor, the Connor Hotel of Jerome has a colorful past, ranging from the heights of luxury to the depths of squalor and back again. Jerome grew rapidly from tent city to prosperous company town as it followed the swing of the mine’s fortunes. It wasn’t until the formation of the Jerome Historical Society in 1953 and the opening of the Jerome Mine Museum that the town came alive. Learn about history and nature at the Jerome State Historic Park. Camp Verde, a U.S. Army post after 1865, was about 15 miles southeast of Cleopatra Hill. Today, Jerome is very much alive with writers, artists, artisans, musicians, historians, and families. Not all structures within the district qualify as historic. Jerome, AZ 86331 (928) 649-9800 Sun-Thurs 11-6, Fri-Sat 11-7 . Official website of the Jerome Chamber of Commerce, 55th Annual Jerome Home and Building Tour. The historical society struggled to keep Jerome alive, trying to achieve their dream of making Jerome the “greatest outdoor museum.” In 1956 the society completed negotiations with Phelps Dodge assuring that no more buildings would be torn down in the main part of Ghost City. The Society will be the repository for primary materials that document this hsitory and will be committed to public and scholarly inquiry. Staying in a Jerome historic hotel still accommodates you with a fully-furnished room that is also bustling with personality. Prehistoric Native Americans were the first miners, seeking colored stones. This is the only photo known showing both hospitals before the removal of the damaged wing. Originally designed with 20 rooms upstairs, this first-class lodging establishment also offered a barroom, card rooms, and billiard tables on the first floor. To help with your visit, the Jerome Historical Society’s Mine Museum, located on Main Street, has numerous displays depicting life in Jerome from its beginnings to its present time. Hull was far-sighted and industrious, and obtained what became the town site of Jerome, Arizona and much of the surrounding mineral rights. Precariously perched on the steep, northeastern slope of Cleopatra Hill, the Jerome mining camp overlooks the Verde River Valley, There are so many words to describe the town of Jerome in Arizona: fun, kitschy, weird, artsy, historic… haunted. Located high on top of Cleopatra Hill (5,200 feet) between Prescott and Flagstaff is the historic copper mining town of Jerome, Arizona. Jerome History Cleopatra Hill is in central Arizona, 20 miles northeast of Prescott, the capital of the new Arizona Territory in 1863. Another way the Historical Society preserves the past for the present is through its large archives. Mary Beth Barr, Secretary Description: The copper mining operations of the Verde Mining District near Jerome were similar to Arizona's other great copper districts in many ways, but differ in other respects. When. Today, when you visit Jerome and its historic buildings, you are given an opportunity to take a step back in time, feel the past and experience life as it might have been in Arizona’s rough and rugged days. Visit the Jerome Historical Society to learn more. World War II greatly increased the demand for copper, but after the war demand decreased dramatically. It wasn’t until the formation of the Jerome Historical Society in 1953 and the opening of the Jerome Mine Museum that the town came alive. , colorful, thriving community built on a rich foundation of history Museums: reviews. 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