The Secrets and History of Jerome, Arizona
“Wickedest Town in the West”
The History of Jerome:
Jerome, located at the top of Cleopatra Hill, is between Prescott and Flagstaff. This historic copper mining town was once known as the “Wickedest Town in the West” and is now viewed as a historical ghost town.
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. The Great Depression slowed the mining operations and World War II greatly increased the demand for copper. After the war demand decreased dramatically for the need for consistent copper mining. With Jerome’s economy completely dependent upon the demand for copper, Phelps Dodge Mine closed in 1953. This closure forced the population of approximately 50 to 100 people to relocate down the hill and abandon the city of Jerome.
In 1967 Jerome was designated a National Historic District by the federal government and is a thriving historical ghost town landmark for tourists. Jerome's new population count is approximately 450 people but sees almost 90,000 tourists a year. Jerome still holds its title as what was once the largest copper mines in Arizona in its day with the astonishing 3 million pounds of copper it produced per month. Today the mines are sealed and serve as a Historial landmark for tourists to stop and read about.
Must-See Tourist Spots in Jerome:
1.The Audrey Shaft:
The Audrey Shaft is the center segment of the main United Verde Extension mine shaft. Inside this shaft (See side photo) is a void of approximately 1,900 feet! Just for comparison, that is taller than the Eiffel Tower, Chrysler Building, Great Pyramid, and the Empire State Building.
When looking at the shaft from the side view, if you look closely you will see a plexiglass crosswalk barrier. This is a clear plexiglass barrier that serves as a vantage point to view the 1,900-foot drop into the earth that was created by the brave mining pioneers of Jerome.
“Between 1915 and 1938 almost 4 million tons of ore were extracted from this mine, producing 397,000 tons of copper, 221 tons of silver, and 5 1/2 tons of gold. Ore was brought to the surface then transplanted by train and burro train to the railhead in the valley. Later, ore was taken out underground through the Josephine tunnel, which was 1,300 feet down and 2 1/2 miles long.” Historical Audrey Shaft Headframe sign.
2. The Bartlett Hotel
3. Jeromes Town Hall and Historical Fire Department Truck
4. Hotel Connor: “Spirit Room”
Hotel Connor, built-in 1898 by David Connor, was a bustling hotel for the many workers of the producing mines. As mining demand decreased, the hotel became known as a low-end hotel that began housing prostitution, two separate fires that burned the hotel to the ground, and unpredicted deaths. Newly renovated, this hotel is open again to the public. Guests who have dared to stay at Hotel Connor report hearing a woman whispering and laughing in Room 1, seen objects move around in Room 2, and have heard a ghostly dog growling under the door of Room 4.
Some Extra Sites to See When in Jerome:
Thanks for reading friends!
#Jerome #ghosttown #getoutandexplore
