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A Tale of Mines, Men, and Money
The Early Years
Jerome was built on Cleopatra Hill above a
vast deposit of copper. Prehistoric Native Americans were the first
miners, seeking colored stones. 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 1883, followed by the Little
Daisy claim. Jerome grew rapidly from tent city to prosperous company
town as it followed the swing of the mine's fortunes. The mines, the
workers, and those who sought its wealth, formed Jerome's colorful history.
Americans, Mexicans, Croatians, Irish, Spaniards, Italians, and Chinese
made the mining camp a cosmopolitan mix that added to its rich life
and excitement.
Jerome was the talk of the Territory, a boom
town of its time, the darling of promoters and investors. The mines
were nourished and exploited by financiers who brought billions of dollars
in copper, gold, and silver 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 and landslides
destroyed whole sections. Jerome was always rebuilt. At the mercy of
the ups and downs of copper prices, labor unrest, depressions and wars,
Jerome's mines finally closed in 1953.
Jerome Today
After the mines closed in 1953 and "King
Copper" left town, the population went from a peak of 15,000 in
the 1920s to a low of 50 people. 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 1976. During the 60's and 70's, during the time of the counter culture,
Jerome offered a haven for artists. Soon newcomers and Jerome old timers
were working together to bring Jerome back to life. Today, Jerome is
very much 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.
For additional history check out the Jerome
Historical Society |
