Eclectic, ghostly, and wildly refined, Jerome Arizona is a quaint mining town with a big personality. Like a scene from a movie set, this once thriving copper mining town has the rough and tumble appeal of the old west, with a polished, cultural alter ego. If you happen to be traveling between Flagstaff, and Prescott, this unique little town is definitely worth the stop. Sitting atop Cleopatra Hill, Jerome was the largest copper mine in Arizona, and despite it’s current population of about 456, it’s now a favorite for local artisans, musicians, diverse shopping, and great food. From it’s infamous haunted landmarks, and well preserved historic buildings, to the views that photographers will be mesmerized by, it’s no wonder Jerome earned the namesake, “The Wickedest Town In the West.”
Founded in 1876, Jerome was home to a booming copper industry where hard labor, and investment moguls turned the city’s underground riches into a prosperous community. After the closure of the mines in 1953, Jerome State Historic Park has since become an extraordinary, hilltop destination still set in the past, but with a modern twist. Remnants of old mines, and much of the original architecture mingles with contemporary art galleries, and shops. The Jerome Historical Society’s Mine Museum brings the town’s past to life displaying original mining equipment, and what remains of its gambling, and multicultural history. Back in the day, the city was both unorthodox, and civilized with brothels, and churches operating within the same vicinity to cater to wealthy, and working class citizens.
There’s something mysterious about this town, whether it’s the unique way the architecture sits high on the hill, or perhaps its reputation for having a “spirited” past. Visitors can take a delightfully eerie walking tour of Jerome’s haunted sites including the Connor Hotel, and The Mile High Inn. From wine tasting, to live music, this diamond in the rough is a great place to explore a significant part of Arizona’s history, and enjoy a weekend getaway. On the first Saturday of every month, art lovers can take part in the Jerome Art Walk with everything on display from contemporary exhibits, to historic artifacts. For such a small town, Jerome is big on local flavor. Foodies will find fantastic cuisine with everything from high end bistros, and grills, to off-the-wall joints like the Haunted Hamburger. Wild west, and fine wine may not be the likeliest of pairings, but wine connoisseurs can embark on an award winning wine tour, and taste the region’s finest. While Jerome’s affluent mining trade is now a page of history, visitors will find a one of a kind town that’s still very much alive with a few of it’s “locals” still keeping watch
