Arizona is notorious for its ghost towns, but it is Jerome that has bragging rights to the nickname, the wickedest town in the west.
It sits at 5000′ on top of Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Verde Valley with panoramic views of Sedona. 
Like most mining towns in the late 1800’s, Jerome’s history told stories of prosperity and a bustling community; a boomtown that filled the saloons, brothels, and the mining camps. To the cosmopolitan mix of miners, outlaws, snake-oil salesmen and prostitutes, life was good.
The Depression of the 30’s brought a decline to the mining industry, and the end of World War II shut down the mines, catapulting the town to its ghost town status.
So is a visit to Jerome worth it? 
Today it is an enchanting town alive with history. The mine tours and haunted ghost tours keep the curious amused and take you back to the Wild West. A walk though quaint, streets let you experience back in time, but the personality of the town has changed since the turn of the century. It has become a mecca for those who enjoy local craftsmanship, music, and gift shops. The saloons, and bed and breakfasts, remain and it is a photographers paradise. 
Museums and galleries line the streets too, but make sure you take time to sit back and enjoy the view. 
Just don’t get too cozy.
In fun…Donna
Wind Kisses 
At least there is some peace and quiet. Perfect place for a writer. 😀
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It is that. Lots of places to curl up and write, or people watch. I love people watching.
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Me too!
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Way cool.!
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It really is. Thanks. It’s not even a “go once and done”. It is fun to go back . Every time it seems different.
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I tried to find Jerome in our old Readers Digest Atlas…no joy but my geography is improving!!
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That’s cool Marie. It would have been neat to read perspective from the Digest. Thank you.
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I absolutely LOVE that you featured Jerome. My mother lived there in the 70’s, near the hippie commune. Jerome always held a sacred place in her heart; I visited this past January and purchased a brick from the Jerome Historical Society in her honor. Thank you for the reminder of such a cozy place! May you and yours have a wonderful 2018.
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No kidding! I would love to know her story! It is a place I enjoy going back to and taking friends and family. As small as it is, there is always some new to learn, new to explore. Thank you for sharing a little piece of your world.
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I’m sure you’re already aware of these books , but if not, I recommend “Rich Town Poor Town” by Roberto Rabago and “Soiled Doves” by Anne Seagraves. Unfortunately my mother passed in 2015 before I could take her back, but it was amazing to explore the place she called home for awhile.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/altustimes/obituary.aspx?n=frankie-lou-rambo-inklebarger&pid=173987625
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Wow, she sounding like an amazing woman, with her purpose in life, all those who surrounded her. I will look for her and tell tidbits of her when we visit Jerome next time. I don’t recall seeing the bricks, so I will definitely look. Be well.
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Happen to come across your Blog here. Very good for me, since I love History. You are so lucky to see these places in the West from long ago. Wish I could. I am following.
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Thanks Les. Glad you stopped by. I am completely humbled by this amazing country we live in. Only been here six years and still have so much to do. Maybe a trip for you one day.
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