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Mining
Mementos at Jerome Museums
The "Billion
Dollar" Copper Camp
Jerome's modern history began in 1876 when three prospectors staked
claims on rich copper deposits. They sold out to a group which formed
the United Verde Copper Company in 1883. The resultant mining camp of
board and canvas shacks was named in honor of Eugene Jerome, the
venture's principal backer. Hopes for the enterprise ran high, but the
costs of operating, especially for transportation, outstripped profits,
and the company folded in less than two years.
It took the vision and vast financial resources of a
new owner, William A. Clark, to bring in a narrow gauge railroad and
reduce freighting costs. By the early 20th century, the United Verde was
the largest producing copper mine in the Arizona Territory. Jerome was
becoming a frame and brick town, and could boast two churches, an opera
house, a school and several civic buildings.
In 1912, James S. Douglas purchased and began
development of the Little Daisy Mine. By 1916, Jerome had two bonanza
mines. Copper production peaked in 1929, but the Depression and low
grade ore deposits reversed the fortunes of the town.
The Little Daisy shut down in 1938. Phelps Dodge took
over the United Verde in 1935, but loss of profits brought the operation
and Jerome's mining days to an end in 1953. |
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