When was jerome az founded

At one time, Jerome was the fourth largest town in the Arizona Territory with a rowdy population that reached over 15, When gold and copper deposits dwindled, Jerome AZ became a veritable ghost town with about 50 residents that stayed behind. Although Jerome is now a treasured tourist magnet, comprised of artists, writers, unique boutique shops, wine bars, quaint dining spots and amazing views across the Verde Valley.

Its appearance has not changed much in the last years. Many of the old buildings from the late s still stand and are occupied by proprietors while many structures are fragment relics from its very early days. Because Jerome was built on the side of a hill, gravity and erosion has caused building to slide down the 30 degree slope.

Tourists can enjoy walking among the buildings of historical significance while shopping for art treasures and dining on outside patios overlooking the views. During its rough and tough days, Jerome was given the distinction of "Wickedest Town in the West".

His worldwide career in geology brought him home for work on the Little Daisy in its last years. James S. Douglas built the Mansion on the hill just above his Little Daisy Mine in Douglas designed the house as a hotel for mining officials and investors as well as for his own family. It featured a wine cellar, billiard room, marble shower, steam heat, and, much ahead of its time, a central vacuum system. Douglas was most proud of the fact that the house was constructed of adobe bricks that were made on the site.

He also built the Little Daisy Hotel near the mine as a dormitory for the miners. The concrete structure still stands. This former home is now a museum devoted to history of the Jerome area and the Douglas family. The museum features historical exhibits of photographs, artifacts, and minerals in addition to a video presentation and a 3-D model of the town with its underground mines.

One room, the Douglas library, is restored as a period room. There are more displays outside along with a picnic area offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Verde Valley.

Douglas built it on the hill just above his Little Daisy Mine. This former home is now a museum devoted to the history of the Jerome area and the Douglas family. The museum features photographs, artifacts and minerals in addition to a video presentation and a 3-D model of the town with its underground mines.

New ore bodies were found and mining operations grew. New smelter and a narrow gauge railroad to the main line were built. Eventually, the smelter towns of Clarkdale and Clemenceau, complete with standard gauge railroad, were built to handle the ores being mined in and around Jerome. During the boom years that began in the early s, Jerome was a diverse community, with over 30 different nationalities inhabiting the town of nearly 15, people.

During the latter part of the nineteenth century, at least five major fires ravaged the hastily constructed frame buildings that made up most of the town. Despite resistance from George W.

In , the County Board of Supervisors granted incorporation for Jerome. The new Council promptly outlined a fire district and a building code was adopted, designed to lessen the occurrence of fire. Jerome prospered until the lack of high grade ores and the Depression signaled its decline. Severe slides plagued Jerome and caused extensive damage. All of the vegetation for miles around Jerome had been killed by smelter fumes, causing excessive runoff and soil erosion. After the high-grade ores played out, open pit blasting started.

Blasts of 5, pounds of explosives rocked the town.