Jerome ghost town, Arizona

Jerome

Jerome was once Arizona's third-largest city with 15,000 residents. After the copper mines closed in

State: Arizona County: Yavapai County

Jerome was once Arizona's third-largest city with 15,000 residents. After the copper mines closed in 1953, the population plummeted to under 100. Today it's a National Historic Landmark and one of Arizona's most haunted towns.

History

Perched precariously on Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Verde Valley, Jerome is one of America's most dramatic ghost towns—though calling it a 'ghost' town is somewhat misleading, as about 450 hardy souls still call it home.

The Story

The town's modern history began in 1876 when prospectors discovered rich copper deposits. By 1883, the United Verde Copper Company had formed, named after financier Eugene Jerome. When William A. Clark acquired the operations, the mine became the largest producing copper mine in Arizona Territory.

Today

At its peak in the 1920s, Jerome had over 15,000 residents and earned the nickname 'The Wickedest Town in the West' for its notorious collection of saloons, brothels, and opium dens. The United Verde mine alone produced nearly 33 million tons of ore worth over $1 billion in metals.

Timeline

  • 1876 - Copper deposits discovered
  • 1883 - United Verde Copper Company formed
  • 1912 - Little Daisy Mine developed
  • 1920s - Peak population of 15,000; known as 'The Wickedest Town in the West'
  • 1929 - Copper production peaks
  • 1953 - Mines close

Photos

Historic buildings in Jerome, Arizona
Historic buildings in Jerome, Arizona (Photo: Mike McBey)
Jerome Billion Dollar Copper Camp sign with town view
Jerome Billion Dollar Copper Camp sign with town view (Photo: D Ramey Logan)

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: Year-round

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Tips

  • Jerome is accessible year-round and makes an excellent day trip from Sedona (about 30 minutes) or Phoenix (about 2 hours). Main Street is lined with art galleries, boutiques, wine tasting rooms, and r

Quick Facts

  • Jerome was known as 'The Wickedest Town in the West' for its saloons and brothels
  • The town produced over $1 billion worth of copper, gold, silver, lead, and zinc
  • There are 88 miles (142 km) of mine shafts beneath the town
  • The 'Sliding Jail' moved over 200 feet from its original location due to mining blasts
  • Jerome Grand Hotel (former hospital) is considered one of Arizona's most haunted buildings
  • Population crashed from 15,000 to under 100 when the mines closed

Location

Address: Jerome, AZ 86331

Coordinates: 34.7489, -112.1138

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Sources