Jerome was an industrious copper mining town in 1882, grew to the fifth largest city in Arizona with a population of 15,000 residents. The depression years slowly declined the town’s prosperity, so the town closed its mining in 1950.

14 November 2007

JEROME ARIZONA ­ GHOST TOWN
1882 ­ 1950

I remember my first trip to Jerome back in the early 50s, the roads were dirt back then, including Black Canyon Highway. Today, the old road can be seen from the new highway.
The town was super fun for a young adventurous kid then, there were old vacant dwellings to explore and play in. There was only a handful of people living there in the 50s.

Jerome was once an industrious mining town that had a population of 15,000 residents and ranked the fifth largest city in Arizona. On September 10, 1883, Jerome opened up its first post office. This post office still exist today and has never closed its doors since its opening. It was rumored that the tuzigoot Indians first mined this area for copper over one thousand years ago. The Copper demands increased and so did the mining in Jerome. In 1882 the copper mines
were owned by the United Verde Copper Company.

During the depression years, the mining community ceased to prosper and officially closed their mines in 1950. The town’s population declined drastically until the town was considered a Ghost Town. Some residents got together and decided to save what was left of the town after the mining people left. Together, they founded the Jerome Historical Society and proclaimed Jerome to be America’s newest and largest ghost city. These people saved the town from disappearing on the map. Jerome is now considered the capital of Ghost Towns.

Jerome is located in Yavapai County and sits on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill. The road leading up to the ghost town is a drive few will forget. The road is somewhat steep and winding as it passes abandoned dwelling sites before arriving to the main part of town. The buildings have been well preserved and cared for, and appear to be in good condition. The main ruins are located above the town. Jerome, is a city that has attracted many people who seek to start new businesses and to live there.

Most people who visit here are struck by the town’s history and how this town looks today. Jerome survives today because of its business owners, tourism, retirees and the foundation that was created in 1950. There are small shops and stores that people can visit and most of the housing area around town is now inhabited. Today, Jerome still has plenty to offer any visitor as a Ghost Town and as a friendly community of good people.

Jim Heitmeyer . Author . Writer