Jerome AZ - A Cliff-Side, Mining, Wine-loving, Artist, Ghost Town

Jerome, AZ is built on Cleopatra Hill above a vast deposit of copper. The mines, the workers, and those who sought its wealth formed Jerome's history. They were a brave and raucous mix. Miners, smelter workers, freighters, gamblers, bootleggers, saloon keepers, storekeepers, prostitutes and preachers, wives and children all made Jerome what it was. At one point, Jerome, AZ was called the "Wickedest Town in the West".

Americans, Mexicans, Croatians, Irish, Spaniards, Italians, and Chinese made the mining camp a cosmopolitan mix that added to its rich life and filled its streets with excitement. Prehistoric Native Americans were the first miners. The Spanish followed, seeking gold but finding copper. Anglos staked the first claims in the area in 1876, and United Verde mining operations began in l883, followed by the Little Daisy claim.

Jerome grew rapidly from tent city to prosperous company town as it followed the swing of the mines' fortunes. Jerome was the talk of the territory...boom town of its time... the darling of promoters and investors. The mines were nourished and exploited by financiers who brought billions of dollars of copper from its depths.

Changing times in the Territory saw pack burros, mule-drawn freight wagons, and horses replaced by steam engines, autos, and trucks. Fires ravaged the clapboard town again and again. Jerome was always rebuilt. In 1918 underground mining was phased out after uncontrollable fires erupted in the 88 miles of tunnels under the town. Open pit mining brought dynamiting. The hills rattled and buildings cracked... the surface began to shift and sections of the business district slid downward. The sliding jail moved 225 ft. and rests across the road from its original site.

Dependent on the ups and downs of copper prices, labor unrest, depressions, and wars, Jerome's mines finally close in 1953. Forever? Jerome never knows. Jerome has always been a survivor. After the mines closed and " King Copper" left town, the population went from a peak of 15,000 in the 20s to some 50 persons in the late 50s. A few hardy souls remained, reluctant to leave a lifetime of memories.

The 60s and 70s were the time of the counter culture and Jerome offered a haven for artists who renovated homes and opened abandoned shops to sell their wares. Soon newcomers and Jerome old timers were working together to bring Jerome back to life. 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 l976.

Today, Jerome is alive with writers, artists, artisans, musicians, historians, and families. They form a peaceful, colorful, thriving community built on a rich foundation of history and lore.

What Not to Miss When You Visit Jerome, AZ

1. Jerome State Historic Park

The Douglas Mansion has been an eye-catching landmark in Jerome since 1916, when James S. Douglas built it on the hill just above his Little Daisy Mine. This former home is now a museum devoted to the history of the Jerome area and the Douglas family. The museum features photographs, artifacts and minerals in addition to a video presentation and a 3-D model of the town with its underground mines. There are more displays outside along with a picnic area offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Verde Valley.

2. Vist the Mine Museum & Explore Jerome's Mining History

The Mine Museum gives visitors a sense of what the Jerome community was like, with exhibits dedicated to the schools and emergency services as well as the town’s seedy underbelly. The initial mining claims in Jerome were staked in 1876 and William Clark soon after constructed a railroad line and turned Jerome into a boomtown. The company was later sold to Phelps Dodge who ran the mine until operations ended in the 1950’s. It is estimated that through the years millions of tons of copper, gold, silver and other heavy metal ore was mined in Jerome, giving the town one of its nicknames: Jerome, the Billion Dollar Copper Camp.

3. Jerome’s Sliding Jail

Just below Jerome, AZ's Visitor’s Center is Jerome’s Sliding Jail Park. It is one of this town’s many curiosities. The town jail began relocating itself during the 1930’s, sliding slowly downhill and resting at various locations until it landed in its current spot, 225 feet from where it started. It is presumed that the combination of Jerome being located on the Verde Valley fault and having 88 miles of excavated tunnels beneath the one square mile of town has caused the jail to find itself resting in different parts of town over the years.

4. Go on a Ghost Tour

Guided ghost walks and tours tell stories of Jerome’s most notably haunted locations. Some tours attempt to make contact with spirits of the sordid past while telling stories of those whose mortal remains lie beneath your feet. Look for tours that are supported by Jerome Historical Society for accurate information that is obtained through the JHS archives.

5. Jerome Wine Tasting

Pleasure your palate with some of northern Arizona’s most popular wines such as from Caduceus Cellars owned by Maynard James Keenan of the band Tool, Echo Canyon Winery, Bittercreek Winery, and Jerome Winery. Many winery tours also leave from Sedona and hit some of the best vineyards in Verde Valley including Page Springs Winery, Alcantera, and others.

6. Visit the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope Store

You must visit Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes, billed as the world’s largest kaleidoscope store. This shop is located on Main Street in the former brothel operated by the notorious town madam, Jennie Bauters. This is a “please touch the merchandise” store where the people who work there are happy to show you how to operate the different styles of kaleidoscopes and even help you take your kaleidoscope selfie!

7. Check Out the Old Cars and Bikes

Jerome is commonly humming with crowds and live music, especially at the Connor Hotel. Jerome is popular with bikers and classic car enthusiasts. The relationship between car lovers and Jerome goes back to the early history of the town, and Highway 89A through Jerome and up and over Mingus Mountain towards Prescott is one of the most famous motorcycle rides in America.

THINGS TO DO IN JEROME & VERDE VALLEY

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