Jerome, Arizona, nestled high up in the mountains overlooking the Clarkdale and the beautiful Verde Valley, is a town steeped in history and known for its unique attractions. The Jerome State Historic Park, perched on Cleopatra Hill and housed in the old James S. Douglas Mansion, is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the fascinating history of the Jerome area and mining operations.
What is the Jerome State Historic Park?
Visitors to Jerome State Historical Park can explore an indoor and outdoor museum and fascinating historic buildings and immerse themselves in the rich history of the area. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the town’s history from its mining origins and underground mines to its cultural transformation into an artist’s paradise and tourist destination.
The State Park indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring mining equipment, how copper is used, mining artifacts, minerals, historic photographs, a video presentation, a wine cellar, billiard room, picnic tables, a 3-d model of the town, the Douglas library and a beautiful panoramic view of the verde valley.
The historic mansion was constructed of adobe bricks that were made on the site and is the largest adobe structure in Arizona.. The house is the largest adobe structure in Arizona. The home was built with a unique central vacuum system.
Museum exhibits are present in and around the historic former home of the James S. Douglas Mansion built in 1916. The location is the hill just above his Little Daisy Mine.
In 1962, the Parks board finalized negotiations with the Douglas Family. The Douglas Family agreed to convey the Douglas Mansion and 2.43 acres of their land to the state to establish the State Park. The park is a part of the Arizona State Parks System. The mansion also has period rooms upstairs including a marble shower.
The Jerome State Historic Park’s Grand Opening occurred on October 16, 1965.
The Audrey Headframe Park is also nearby with remnants of a massive headframe structure that once supported mining operations in Jerome to explore.
And there’s also the Mine Museum up in town
History of Jerome
The City of Jerome played a pivotal role in the mining industry, particularly in the extraction of copper and other valuable minerals. It was once known as the wickedest town in the West due to its rowdy reputation. Jerome was a bustling boom town during the early 20th century. Today it stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of the people who called it home.
Origins and Early History
Jerome began in the late 19th century when prospectors discovered rich deposits of copper, gold, and silver in the area. The town was founded in 1876 and quickly became a bustling mining camp. It was named after Eugene Jerome, a financier who invested in the mining operations.
Mining Boom and Growth
During its heyday, Jerome became one of the largest copper mining towns in the United States. The population swelled as immigrants and miners from all over the world flocked to its town in search of prosperity. The mining industry thrived, and Jerome was known for its bustling streets, saloons, and lavvy entertainment.
The United Verde Copper Company was formed in 1883 with Eugene Jerome being the principal backer. The company folded in less than two years. The new owner, William A. Clark, built a narrow gauge railroad to reduce freight costs, making the operation more cost-effective.
See our Youtube video on the Verde Canyon Railroad, which kind of gives you a good description of how they use the railroad to support the mining operation.
In 1912, Clark purchased the Little Daisy Mine. Both mines were highly successful, with copper production peaking in 1929. The Little Daisy Mine shut down in 1938. Phelps Dodge took over the United Verde Mine. In 1935, but shut down the man in 1953 due to budget cuts and declining profits.
Decline and Revitalization of Jerome
By the 1950s, the pricing and demand for copper declined and minds began to close. The town fell into a state of decline with many buildings abandoned and left to decay. Fortunately, in the 1960s, artists and entrepreneurs recognized the town’s unique charm and began restoring its historic buildings. The Jerome Historical Society influenced much of the revitalization of the town. Today, Jerome is alive again with art galleries, shops, and restaurants that attract visitors from all over the world.
Where are the Jerome State Historic Park and other Historical Buildings Located?
To get to the park from Clarkdale, just head up the hill on Highway 89A. You’ll see a street sign, turn right onto Douglas Road. Continue on Douglas Road until reaching the Audrey Headframe Park. Continue forward a short distance to this eye-catching landmark of the Douglas Mansion.
To get to the Mine Museum, you take the same way up from Clarkdale on 89A. It winds around, and you’ll pass where you would have taken that right to go to the Historic State Park. And you keep going down Main Street till you get to Jerome Avenue. You take a left and there’s Main Street In the city with all the shops along the strip.
Visitor Information and Practical Tips
The Jerome State Park and the historic Douglas Mansion are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holiday hours, of course, may vary, so check with their website for more info. An entrance fee for the Douglas Mansion Museum is $7 for ages 14 and older. Restrooms and a picnic area are also available for park visitors.
Conclusion
Jerome is a cool town sitting high up on the mountain and definitely worth a visit. It started initially as a mining town and now it’s a kind of art district and a tourist attraction. So definitely stop by the historic Mansion and the State Historic Museum, the Audrey HeadFrame Park, and the Mine Museum up in town. Together, they paint the history of Jerome, where it’s been and where it’s going, and of course, visit all the different various sites and buildings in Jerome. It’s a really interesting, historic town.
And look, if you like this content, you’ll want to check out all our other posts (and YouTube) videos covering nearby attractions in Jerome, including the Sliding Jail, and other attractions near Cottonwood, where the Origins B&B was located. This includes attractions such as Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale, Tuzigoot National Monument, Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, and Bell Rock as well, closer to Sedona. Also, check out all our other posts and videos covering the many fun historical attractions on our epic Arizona trip. Do us a favor, and subscribe and share this post with your family and friends. They’re going to enjoy it too. Remember to put a comment below if you’ve been to Jerome and checked out the town or the historic state park.
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