Jerome

"America's Most Vertical City" and "Largest Ghost Town in America"

Once known as the wickedest town in the west, Jerome was a copper mining camp, growing from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community.

Founded in 1876, Jerome was once the fourth largest city in the Arizona Territory. The population peaked at 15,000 in the 1920's. The Depression of the 1930's slowed the mining operation and the claim went to Phelps Dodge, who holds the claim today. World War II brought increased demand for copper, but after the war, demand slowed. Dependant on the copper market, Phelps Dodge Mine closed in 1953. The remaining 50 to 100 hardy souls promoted the town as a historic ghost town. In 1967 Jerome was designated a National Historic District by the federal government. Today Jerome is a thriving tourist and artist community with a population of about 450.

Jerome's personality has changed dramatically in the past 30 years. Once a thriving mining camp between the late-1880s and early 1950s, Jerome is now a bustling tourist magnet and artistic community with a population of about 450. It includes a modicum of artists, craft people, musicians, writers, hermits, bed and breakfast owners, museum caretakers, gift shop proprietors and fallen-down-building landlords.

What is the Town of Jerome like today? Is it worth your time to visit? The answer is a resounding yes! Jerome is an enchanting town, and a photographer's paradise. From its external appearances it hasn't changed much in nearly 100 years. Many of the buildings used by present-day business folks are those built after the fires of 1894 and 1899. A number of the buildings have been restored and more are planned for restoration. Due to the 30-degree incline of the mountainside, gravity has pulled a number of buildings down the slope.

HOTEL/MOTEL/RESORTS/SUITES & BED & BREAKFASTS IN

 Ghost City Inn
Porches and verandas stretch across this six-unit bed&breakfast. Refurbished from an old mining company boarding house, these guest rooms offer a great place to stay while you explore this historic town.  Pets allowed in one of the rooms. Call for more details, rates from $85-125/night.

 Mile High Inn

Discover the charm of yesteryear as you step out your front door and meander the streets of this old mining town where the Old West comes alive. Out Inn has been elegantly restored to its original Victorian splendor. The eight guest rooms brim with details, as everything has been hand selected with the greatest of care. $85-120/night.

 The Surgeon's House Bed & Breakfast
Informal and relaxed atmosphere in an historic home built in 1916 for the Chief Surgeon.   Four room with private baths, 4 terraced gardens, breakfast is a special delight. Master Suite accommodates up to 4. Rates, double occupancy are from $120-175/night.

 Connor Hotel

10 delightful historic rooms in the heart of Jerome. Each room is unique, with wonderful antiques and local artwork alongside today's luxuries, such as all private baths, satellite TV, coffeemakers, and much more. $85-145/night.