Jerome was founded in 1876 and named a U.S. Centennial City in 1976. Once home to the wealthiest mine in the world owned by one man, the whole town was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1967.
The third largest town in Arizona at its peak, the boom town was called the Wickedest City in the West in 1903. A local count showed 37 bars, 13 bordellos, and four churches, which the locals thought was just about right. Jerome was the largest producer of copper, gold, and silver in Arizona simultaneously in the 1920s before the mines closed in 1953 and it became the largest ghost town in the west.
Beginning in the 1960s, the town was restored with historic accuracy and revitalized as an arts community, featuring multiple art studios and galleries and a monthly Art Walk. With a wide selection of wine tasting rooms, unique specialty shops, restaurants, hotels, and Bed & Breakfast's, there is no doubt Jerome is a truly special destination.
Jerome hasn't forgotten its history. The Jerome State Historic Park provides a look at the lifestyle of one of the wealthy mine owners 100 years ago. The Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum provides a great look at the details of this unique community.
Nestled a mile high on the side of Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Verde Valley with spectacular views of the Red Rocks of Sedona and the distant San Francisco Peaks above Flagstaff, Jerome is a clear 'don't miss' stop in Arizona.
