- Jerome - The Largest Ghost Town in America :: Bon Voyage (2024)

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- Jerome - The Largest Ghost Town in America :: Bon Voyage? ›

Jerome was a copper mining camp that grew from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community. But after four disastrous fires,the Depression and the end of World War II, the thriving population of 15,000 decreased to only 100.

Today Jerome is a thriving tourist and artist hub with a population of around 450 people. Jerome resides above what was once the largest copper mine in Arizona which was producing an astonishing 3 million pounds of copper per month.

The catastrophic fires and violent deaths from the town's early days have led to Jerome's “ghost town” status. Over the years, there have been several accounts of ghosts and apparitions that roam the town's historic buildings and neighborhoods.

Crashing copper prices, sliding topography, mud, fires and disease are among the natural and manmade disasters that plagued the town throughout the 20th century. The mines, the workers, those who sought its wealth, and those who came later in the 1960s and '70s formed Jerome's history.

Jerome became a National Historic Landmark in 1967. By the early 21st century, it had art galleries, coffeehouses, restaurants, a state park, and a local museum devoted to mining history.

According to the lore, most of the concrete buildings you visit and the streets that you wander along in Jerome are made of concrete... and human ashes. There are at least two famous residents still living in Jerome. Maynard James Keenan, of Tool and Perfect Circle fame, owns the Caduceus Winery.

10 Must-Visit Historic Towns In Arizona

But with miners never having stability with mines closing and opening regularly, Jerome eventually became all but abandoned. In the 1950s, there were 50 people left from the 15,000 population of Jerome's heyday.

“Amazing Town!” You will find art, jewelry, paintings, gifts, and so much more that you have never seen in other touristy towns. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Explore different ways to experience this place.

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The hardy souls that remained, promoted Jerome as a historic ghost town and in 1967 Jerome was designated a National Historic District by the federal government. Today the mines are silent and Jerome has become the largest ghost town in America.

Do people still live in Jerome Arizona? ›

The Douglas Mansion became a State Park in 1965 and Jerome became a National Historic Landmark in l976. Today, Jerome is alive with writers, artists, artisans, musicians, historians, and families. They form a peaceful, colorful, thriving community built on a rich foundation of history and lore.

Jerome is a town in Arizona with a population of 363. Jerome is in Yavapai County. Living in Jerome offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Jerome there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.

The ghosts of Jerome Grand Hotel

There are no official records available, but according to some, over 9,000 deaths occured. Most of the deaths were caused by mining accidents, but people also died of other injuries and illnesses. Let's have a look at the hauntings at the hotel.

The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Jerome is $40,253 a year — greater than the annual cost of living for Arizona of $37,091 and greater than the national figure of $38,433.

Jerome is high enough in elevation to have snow and fog on occasion (although with Arizona's ongoing drought it's rare). Generally winter rains are gentle but can last throughout the day.

“Amazing Town!” You will find art, jewelry, paintings, gifts, and so much more that you have never seen in other touristy towns. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Explore different ways to experience this place.

By 2009 the park filed for bankruptcy, after spending an additional 11 million dollars, with 6 million of that on the Cliffhanger Roller Coaster. Ghost Town continued to struggle financially through 2009, and the park closed again.