Jerome, Arizona
Jerome is a town in the Black Hills of Yavapai County in the U.S. state of Arizona. Founded in the late 19th century on Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Verde Valley, Jerome is located more than 5,000 feet above sea level. It is about 100 miles north of Phoenix along State Route 89A between Sedona and Prescott.
Supported in its heyday by rich copper mines, it was home to more than 10,000 people in the 1920s. As of the 2010 census, its population was 444. It is now known for its tourist attractions, such as its "ghost town" status and local wineries, and "The Gold King Mine."
The Gold King Mine
When they dug a 1270 foot mine shaft, (you can still visit it today) searching for copper, they struck GOLD! The location was only 1 mile north of the mining town, Jerome, but they became their own mining camp called “Haynes”. In 1901, the population was 30! They even had their own post office from 1908 – 1922. Of course, the gold ran out and the mine was closed.
Years later, 91 years later to be exact, the area was rediscovered by Terry & Don Robertson. The year was 1981 and Dons’ dream was to share with the world some of the most unique and important icons of the industrial revolution. Today, the property is filled with vintage transportation: over 180 cars, trucks & motorcycles, including Studebaker’s and Harley’s. There is mining equipment, historic buildings and a Stamp Mill that was used for crushing the ore along with a working sawmill and Blacksmith shop.
