Great Small Towns: Jerome, Arizona

In the Spring of 2008, my husband, our two then teenage sons, and I spent a week in Sedona, Arizona.  One of the highlights of that vacation was our day trip to Jerome, Arizona.  With a population of about 400 today, Jerome perches on the side of Cleopatra Hill at an elevation of 5,200 feet and is only 20 miles from Sedona.  It's a really neat little town with a fascinating history and a hopeful future, and it's a fun place to spend the day.

Jerome was founded in 1876, and by the 1920s it was a bustling copper mining town with a population of about 15,000.  People from all over the world made their way to Jerome in search of work in the copper mines and in hopes of making their fortune in gold rumored to have have been hidden in the area. Once called "the wickedest town in America," Jerome seems to have seen its share of gun fights, gambling, prostitution, and drinking back in those early days.  The demand for copper greatly diminished by the 1950s and the mines began to close.  Jerome became little more than a ghost town.  Thanks to the dedication of the few remaining citizens and some others enchanted by Jerome's history and location, the town has made a comeback as an artists' haven and a tourist destination. It's a great small town that is worth a visit.

  Getting to the town from the valley floor is a fun drive on a series of switchbacks. 

The views from Jerome of the Verde Valley and distant mountains are worth the trip.

Once in Jerome, you'll find lots of shops, restaurants, and a couple of museums, and if you decide to stay for more than a day there are several inns, a hotel, and a few vacation rentals and B & Bs.  Most of these establishments are in buildings that were part of early 20th century Jerome, so much of what you see is like peaking into a time capsule.  You'll also see ruins of the copper mining industry and shells of deserted homes and buildings.  You can learn more about the history of the town at Jerome State Park (sometimes called Douglas Mansion State Park) located just below town.  There is also a mine museum in town and a place called Gold King Mine and Ghost Town where you can see an actual mine shaft as well as some touristy displays and activities.  Haunted tours are offered and so are home and garden tours at certain times of the year.

Once home to the workers at the Little Daisy Mine, this is now a private residence.

The Liberty Theatre once hosted silent movies and vaudeville acts (1918-1929).  

Old movie projector outside The Liberty Theatre

A unique jewelry store

Nellie Bly was my favorite store. Numerous unique kaleidoscopes are the stars of this place.

Historical plaques recall Jerome's feisty past

Jerome Mine Museum

The original Hotel Connor and The Spirit Room pub on the first floor

The Jerome Grand Hotel, originally a hospital, is also home to The Asylum restaurant.

The entire town of Jerome is now on the National Historic Register, and it is well worth a visit for the history, the fun, and the beautiful views it offers.