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. Four disastrous fires destroyed large sections of the town during its early history, resulting in the incorporation of the City of Jerome in 1899.
Founded in 1876, Jerome was once the fourth largest city in the Arizona Territory. The population peaked at 15,000 in the 1920′s. The Depression of the 1930′s slowed the mining operation and the claim went to Phelps Dodge, who holds the claim today. World War II brought increased demand for copper, but after the war, demand slowed. Dependent on the copper market, Phelps Dodge Mine closed in 1953. The remaining 50 to 100 hardy souls promoted the town as a historic ghost town. In 1967 Jerome was designated a National Historic District by the federal government. Today Jerome is a thriving tourist and artist community with a population of about 450.
OK, enough history. First a lunch recommendation, the Haunted Hamburger. What a view of the valley from their dining room and great food. They have many great items on the menu.
When you are finished with lunch head on down to the Audrey Shaft Headframe Park. Located right next to Jerome State Historic Park is the Audrey Shaft Headframe Park, which is open daily from 8 am – 5 pm. The Headframe Park is managed by the Jerome Historical Society External Link. At the Headframe park visitors can stand on glass above a 1,900 foot shaft. The shaft is 650 taller than the highest point of the Empire State Building! It is the largest wooden headframe still standing in Arizona; it was completed in 1918.
In 1912, James S. Douglas purchased and began development of the Little Daisy Mine. By 1916, Jerome had two bonanza mines. Copper production peaked in 1929, but the Depression and low grade ore deposits reversed the fortunes of the town. The Little Daisy shut down in 1938. Phelps Dodge took over the United Verde in 1935, but loss of profits brought the operation and Jerome's mining days to an end in 1953.
Douglas' grandfather began the family's involvement in copper mining in Canada. As an engineer and scientist, his father, James, traveled all over the world. Son James Stuart took to mining with gusto. It was in Nacozari, Mexico, that he acquired his nickname ("Rawhide") inspired by use of rawhide to reduce roller wear on a cable car incline.
During development of the Little Daisy Mine in Jerome, his men cut into an extremely rich ore vein just in time for the soaring prices of World War I.
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