Jerome, Arizona

 

I took a trip up a winding road to the old mining town of Jerome, which is perched on a steep hillside outside of Cottonwood.   The photo above shows the remains of the Copper Cloud Saloon.

 

I walked the streets of the town that date back to the late 1800s, the first mining claim was filed in 1876.  Mining was lucrative there since copper and silver were the main products, but some gold was also mined there.  A sign in town declares that it was the "wildest, wickedest" and most celebrated mining town in Arizona.  There were two dozen saloons and a red light district in town. 
 
When the mines closed in 1962, it became a ghost town, but in 1967 it was declared a National Historical Landmark.  Subsequently, artists were drawn to the area, which is over 5000' elevation and has dramatic views of the valley below and red rocks off in the distance.  Unfortunately, the day was hazy and I didn't get any good photos of the view.

 

There were numerous old hotels in town, some of them have been refurbished and are presently in use.

 

 

The old auto mechanic shop has been turned into a sales area for various artists, while still keeping some of the antique vehicle signs and photos on display, as well as an old Plymouth.

One of the brothels was turned into an artist's residence and shop.

Ruins of one of the old buildings has been turned into a glass blowing studio.

 

The old movie house is still in use, and has one of the ancient projectors on the sidewalk outside.

 

 

 

I had a great day wandering around town and soaking up the history.