Yavapai County

Founded in 1876, Jerome was once the fourth
largest city in the Arizona Territory. The population
peaked at 15,000 in the 1920's. The Depression of the
1930's slowed the mining operation and the claim went
to Phelps Dodge, who holds the claim today. World War II
brought increased demand for copper, but after the war,
demand slowed. Dependant on the copper market, Phelps
Dodge Mine closed in 1953. The remaining 50 to 100 hardy
souls promoted the town as a historic ghost town. In 1967
Jerome was designated a National Historic District by the
federal government. Today Jerome is a thriving tourist
and artist community with a population of about 450.