Jerome
"Wickedest Town in the West"
Present day Flatiron building in Downtown, Jerome. Photo by Darnell Renee
Jerome, Arizona
Population: 444 (2020 Census)
Founding & Early Years
Founded in 1883, Jerome became a booming copper mining town, named after E.J. “Jay” Jerome, a mining investor. Its location in the Black Hills of Arizona made it ideal for mining, and by the 1890s, the town was home to over 15,000 people, drawn by the copper boom. The United Verde Mine, one of the richest copper mines in the U.S., fueled much of the town’s growth.
Founded in 1883, Jerome became a booming copper mining town, named after E.J. “Jay” Jerome, a mining investor. Its location in the Black Hills of Arizona made it ideal for mining, and by the 1890s, the town was home to over 15,000 people, drawn by the copper boom. The United Verde Mine, one of the richest copper mines in the U.S., fueled much of the town’s growth.
Copper Boom (1890s)
During the 1890s, Jerome earned the nickname “The Wickedest Town in the West” for its saloons, brothels, and gambling halls. The wealth from the United Verde Mine made the town one of the most prosperous in Arizona, though its lawlessness became infamous. Jerome was a town of fortune and vice.
During the 1890s, Jerome earned the nickname “The Wickedest Town in the West” for its saloons, brothels, and gambling halls. The wealth from the United Verde Mine made the town one of the most prosperous in Arizona, though its lawlessness became infamous. Jerome was a town of fortune and vice.
The Bust (1930s-1940s)
Jerome’s fortunes plummeted during the Great Depression. As copper demand fell, the mines closed, and by the end of WWII, the town had become a ghost town. With the mines abandoned, Jerome’s population shrank drastically, and the once-thriving community was largely deserted.
Jerome’s fortunes plummeted during the Great Depression. As copper demand fell, the mines closed, and by the end of WWII, the town had become a ghost town. With the mines abandoned, Jerome’s population shrank drastically, and the once-thriving community was largely deserted.
Rebirth (1960s)
In the 1960s, Jerome found new life when artists and musicians began moving in, transforming old mining buildings into galleries, shops, and restaurants. This creative influx helped the town retain its historic character while giving it a new identity as an arts community.
In the 1960s, Jerome found new life when artists and musicians began moving in, transforming old mining buildings into galleries, shops, and restaurants. This creative influx helped the town retain its historic character while giving it a new identity as an arts community.
Architectural Significance
Jerome’s architecture reflects its mining heritage and artistic revival. The steep hillsides are home to distinctive buildings that blend historic mining structures with modern art. The town’s narrow, winding streets and breathtaking views of the Verde Valley give it a unique, rustic charm.
Jerome’s architecture reflects its mining heritage and artistic revival. The steep hillsides are home to distinctive buildings that blend historic mining structures with modern art. The town’s narrow, winding streets and breathtaking views of the Verde Valley give it a unique, rustic charm.
Haunting Lore
Jerome’s past is filled with ghost stories, including the famous “Lady in Red,” who is said to haunt the Jerome Grand Hotel, once the United Verde Hospital. Other ghostly tales of strange occurrences and mysterious footsteps continue to add to the town’s eerie reputation.
Jerome’s past is filled with ghost stories, including the famous “Lady in Red,” who is said to haunt the Jerome Grand Hotel, once the United Verde Hospital. Other ghostly tales of strange occurrences and mysterious footsteps continue to add to the town’s eerie reputation.
Today’s Vibe
Today, Jerome combines history, art, and tourism. The town’s preserved mining-era buildings house galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Visitors are drawn to its creative spirit, scenic views, and historical charm. Jerome offers a unique glimpse into Arizona’s mining past, coupled with an artistic vibe that continues to thrive.
Today, Jerome combines history, art, and tourism. The town’s preserved mining-era buildings house galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Visitors are drawn to its creative spirit, scenic views, and historical charm. Jerome offers a unique glimpse into Arizona’s mining past, coupled with an artistic vibe that continues to thrive.
Points of Interest
- Jerome Grand Hotel – Formerly the United Verde Hospital, now a hotel known for its haunted reputation.
- Historic District – Restored mining-era buildings now house galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
- Jerome State Historic Park – Features exhibits on Jerome’s mining history and offers stunning views of the Verde Valley.
- Architectural Walking Tour – Discover the town’s unique hillside architecture and historic buildings.