Images of Jerome – Central Arizona, taken in April 2018.

Situated on a hillside about 5000 feet above sea level Jerome Arizona is a town born from rich copper, gold and silver deposits. In fact the copper ore deposits in this area were some of the richest ever found and in the late 19th century these deposits were being mined by no less than two companies; United Verde Mine and United Verde Extension Mine (UVX). By the 1920’s the town’s population sored to over 10,000. Thirty years later, as the ore deposits dwindled and the mines closed, the town shrunk to fewer than 100 residents.

In 1967 Jerome was declared a National Historic Landmark and today it has morphed into a tourist destination with galleries, museums and restaurants supporting its economy. It’s an interesting place with old boomtown buildings sitting flush against Arizona Route 89a which winds its way through town down the hillside toward the Verde Valley. There are approximately 400 to 500 residents here now and during tourist season many more walking the streets but the old mining town is still evident; from the old repurposed buildings to the rock mine pit walls on the edge of town and even a resident or two riding their horse down the middle of the street.