Arizona Travels: Bisbee "Queen of the Copper Camps"
Snuggled
below U.S. Highway 80, and 82 miles southeast of Tucson is the historic old
town of Bisbee. Like many of the mining towns in Arizona, Bisbee was first
founded because a rich vein of minerals was discovered nearby. It was in 1877
when a civilian tracker named Jack Dunn lead a small group of soldiers into the
Mule Mountains. This band of military men was on the hunt for unruly Apaches
reported in the area. To their surprise, instead of finding Apache warriors,
they stumbled across signs of mineral deposits consisting of lead, copper, and
silver. Shortly afterwards, a claim on the mine was filed and the town of
Bisbee was born.
Word
spread quickly of the wealthy find in the Mule Mountains and soon many traveled
to the Arizona Territory in hopes of striking it rich. With so many claims
being submitted, the small town of Bisbee was given the nickname as the “Queen of the Copper Camps”. The
population grew rapidly and all the men, women, and children who called Bisbee
home were lacking in basic needs. They worked diligently on improving medical
care and fire protection along with better sanitation and cleaner water. On
January 9, 1902, Bisbee grew in numbers and the town became the City of Bisbee.
By 1910, the city was the largest in the territory with a population of over
25,000 people. The mine was pumping out over 8 billion pounds of copper, 102
million ounces of silver, and 2.8 million ounces of gold along with millions of
pounds of zinc, lead and manganese. This growth also brought about a change in
the Cochise County seat moving it from Tombstone to Bisbee in 1929.
For
several decades, Bisbee enjoyed the prosperity the abundant mines were
producing. By 1974, the funds for the mines had been exhausted resulting in the
closing of all mining operations a year later. Many of the residents, miners,
and businessmen left for other places hoping to find a better life Bisbee could
no long provide. Houses and other buildings were left empty with only memories
living between the quiet walls.
Today,
with the inexpensive real estate, ideal weather, an extraordinary history,
Bisbee has attracted various types of people who call Bisbee home. This unusual
mix of hippies, retirees, investors, and artist are among the residents living
in this quirky mining town. There are many homes which sit high above the main
street of old historic Bisbee. From the street below, some of the houses have
hundreds of stairs leading to their front doors. Some of the structures are
empty and are in need of repair, but some have been restored to their former
glory by the souls living in them.
The
architecture and history of Bisbee has been refurbished and is kept well
preserved which is apparent when you walk along Main Street. The historic
buildings lining the street are filled with antique, new age and other unique
shops. There are plenty of places to eat, drink, and satisfy your sweet tooth
along the way. At night the streets are dark and eerie but the saloons and bars
are lively with local entertainment. If you plan to spend a night or two in
Bisbee, the town offers several different hotels and inns for your sleeping and
dining pleasure. The astonishing history and the many claims of paranormal
activity are some of the reasons this small mining town has survived throughout
all the hardships time has thrown upon it.
City
of Bisbee
118
Arizona Street
Bisbee,
AZ 85603
Websites:
www.cityofbisbee.com
and www.discoverbisbee.com
Things
to do and places to stay while in Bisbee.
Queen
Mine Tour
478
Dart Road (south of Old Historic Bisbee exit)
Bisbee,
AZ 85603
Phone:
(520) 432-2071 or toll free 1 (866) 432-2071
Website:
www.queenminetour.com
Tour
Times: 9am, 10:30am, Noon, 2pm, 3:30pm
Tour
Rates: Adults - $13.00 (ages 12+)
Children - $5.50 (ages
4-12)
Children under 4 are free.
*Prices subject to change.
Hotels,
Inns, Bed & Breakfasts:
Copper
Queen Hotel
11
Howell Avenue
Bisbee,
AZ 85603
Phone:
(520) 432-2216
Website:
www.copperqueen.com
Rates:
Low season – from $89 to $129; High season – from $122 to $177
This
hotel was built in 1902 by the wealthy Copper Queen Mining Company. It was
first constructed for the mining camp executives and played host to traveling
men, governors, and dignitaries. I have personally stayed here a couple of
times and enjoyed my stay. I love how the furnishings in each room, sitting
areas, and lobby are decorated in the 1920’s era. We liked spending time in the
bar at night and consuming a delicious breakfast in the restaurant in the
morning. My friends and I were drawn to this place because of the many ghost stories.
We were not disappointed.
Oliver
House (B&B, Hotel)
24
Sowles Avenue
Bisbee,
AZ 85603
Phone:
(520) 432-1900
Email:
parkerhill40@yahoo.com
Rates:
$75 to $97 per night
Located
in the historic district and built in 1909 by Edith Ann Oliver, wife of Henry
Oliver (a mining tycoon). This 12 room house was originally used as mine
offices and later became a boarding house for miners. This place has a history
of murder and violence.
Inn
at Castle Rock
112
Tombstone Canyon Road
Bisbee,
AZ 85603
Phone:
(520) 432-4449 (for room rates, details and reservations)
Website:
www.theinnatcastlerock.com
Rates:
Rooms start at $89 per night, double occupancy.
The
inn is located in downtown old Bisbee at the foot of Castle Rock. It was built
in 1895 and was called the Muirhead House, named after Bisbee’s first mayor,
John Joseph Muirhead. This building was the largest wood structure in Bisbee
and used as a boarding house for miners. In 1948 the place was turned into
apartments until the 1980’s when Jim Babcock bought the place. By 2007, it was shut down and left abandoned.
Two years later, Chris Brown bought the place, changed the name to the Inn at
Castle Rock and renovated it with plans to restore it back to its former glory.
Bisbee
has many other places to lay your hat while spending a night or two in town. To
see all this town has to offer check out the Greater Bisbee Chamber of Commerce
website: www.bisbeearizona.com
or call (520) 432-5421.
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