Mining for relics of Jerome’s heyday in monochrome
Jerome, Arizona set against the backdrop of Cleopatra Hill
We recently had an opportunity to visit the rediscovered and reinvigorated former copper mining ghost town of Jerome, Arizona. This eclectic town, which clings onto the eastern slope of Cleopatra Hill, is a delight for artists, historians, and shutterbugs alike. Provided throughout this post are select black and white images from our journey to Jerome, with a few colorful ones sprinkled in just for fun.
The Jerome Grand Hotel -upper structure
In an unusual twist for ghost towns, these images will attest to the fact that visitors to Jerome are more likely to see skeletons lounging about the community rather than ghosts. The skeletons appear to have become a sort of unofficial mascot for Jerome.
Just hanging out
The entire town is filled with narrow streets, often twisting around hairpin curves or limited to being one-way. As with many hilly western mining towns, there is a significant network of steep stairways interlacing the various levels of Jerome.
Just multiple dozens of stair steps to the next level of town. Narrow and one-way streets and stairway networks are the norm throughout hilly Jerome.
Once home for 15,000 people during its copper mining heyday, Jerome dwindled to less than 100 souls at its nadir just three decades later, before being rediscovered by artists, area locals, and others seeking a new life and opportunity in the virtually abandoned town. Today, Jerome has roughly 500 residents and loads of tourists. More images of Jerome are provided below.
Asylum Restaurant entrance to the Grand Hotel Old Hotel Connor A light from another age. Front desk bell at the Grand Hotel
If you are ever in North Central Arizona, consider a side trip from Flagstaff, Sedona, or Prescott to see Jerome. An intriguing, informative, and perhaps even eerie adventure awaits. Peace!
Some skeletal walls have withstood both time and the elements.
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