Before touring this historic mining town, get the backstory at Jerome State Historic Park.
At a time when the nation needed copper for electricity and telegraph lines, Jerome delivered. Copper gave life to this Old West relic as far back as 1876 when the first prospectors staked claims. By the early 1900s, Jerome was the largest copper-producing area in Arizona Territory. Notched into the side of Mingus Mountain, Jerome became the largest ghost town in the nation when mining operations ceased in 1953. The colorful city found a second life as an artists’ enclave that has become one of Arizona’s most treasured visitor attractions.
Tour the Mansion
In 1916, James Douglas built a sprawling mansion above Little Daisy Mine that doubled as a hotel for visiting mining officials. Today, the sprawling property is a museum that anchors Jerome State Historic Park. Indoor and outdoor exhibits chronicle mining operations and area geology while period rooms and artifacts detail the notorious history of Arizona’s largest mining town during the copper boom. The stately relic across the pit, The Little Daisy Hotel, was built by Douglas to house miners.
Visit Jerome
Get back on Highway 89A to make the final ascent to Jerome’s main street. Much of the former boom city either deteriorated or slid down the hill. Core buildings and the main drag remained intact, either frozen in time or repurposed to cater to the visitors. The tiny town gets many visitors year-round, and the steep roads and alleys are best explored on foot. Walk through the former high school that today houses a thriving artists’ coop and step into historic storefronts, saloons and brothels reimagined as art galleries, wine bars and eateries.
“Jerome State Historic Park is the perfect first stop of your visit to Jerome, you will learn all about the history of the town, the copper mining, and the importance the industry and sourcing of copper played during the Second Industrial Revolution. I have visitors tell me that this is one of the best museums they have ever seen, they compare it to ones like the Smithsonian.”
- Andrew Peterson, Park Manager
Andrew Peterson, Park Manager
Explore the Verde Valley
From this perch on Mingus Mountain, the Verde Valley is on display all the way to the red rocks of Sedona. Many visitors enjoy the view during a stay at Jerome Grand Hotel, a reverent remodel of Jerome’s 1926 hospital. Head down the hill to visit Clarkdale and Cottonwood, both featuring historic districts that trace their origins to Jerome’s mining operations. Today, the Verde Valley is the heart of Central Arizona’s wine country. Cottonwood has many lodging options so visitors can spend the night and take in the sights of Sedona on day two.
For More Information
Jerome State Historic Park
100 Douglas Rd.
Jerome, AZ 86331 (928) 634-5381
