Jerome Essential Info
Overview
Jerome is an old copper mining town set on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill between Prescott and Sedona. Once the fourth largest city in Arizona, it became one of the West's largest ghost towns in the 1950s. Now designated a National Historic District, the town has gained new life as an artist colony and tourist attraction.
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Basics
Best Time To Go
Mar-Oct
Current Time
Current Weather
66 °F
Mostly Clear
Fun Facts
- Between 1897 and 1899 Jerome caught fire numerous times. One fire destroyed 24 saloons and 4 Chinese restaurants. But each time the residents quickly rebuilt, and by 1900 it was the fifth largest city in Arizona.
- In 1927 the “Spanish Mission” style United Verde Hospital opened. Newspapers described it as the most modern and well equipped hospital in Arizona and possibly the Western States. Not only was the hospital fireproof, it was designed to withstand the blasts of up to 100,000 pounds of dynamite set off by the mine.
- Before the turn of the century, Jerome had burned down and been rebuilt three times, but eventually the residents just gave up and for more than 20 years Jerome sat quietly, the largest ghost town in America.
- In the 1970’s groups of artists moved into the empty buildings and the ghost town was rebuilt as an arts community.
- The current population of Jerome is under 500.
Popular Foods
- Sonoma Chicken
- Diablo Burger