THE WICKEDEST TOWN IN THE WEST

Jerome

The Surgeons House is pleased to remain

establishment.

The historic town of Jerome, Arizona is located high on top of Cleopatra Hill between Prescott and Flagstaff. Once known as the Wickedest Town in the West, Jerome has seen days as a billion-dollar copper mining camp and a bona fide ghost town. Today, the mile-high town is a scenic and historic boutique arts and wine destination. Jerome is open year-round and offers visitors a wide variety of activities in which to indulge.

Jerome eateries are all within a 5-minute saunter of The Surgeon’s House, and each is delish in its own right. Jerome also boasts a broad expanse of every creative energy and every medium imaginable in its shops and galleries.  More than thirty working studios, galleries & gift shops line Jerome’s crooked streets – filled with original, one-of-a-kind creations from talented local artists. Jerome also offers two museums that specialize in the history of Jerome from the early wild west days, through the booms and the busts, up to the present day. There are two fun and friendly bars in the downtown area, and entertainment is regular and rockin’. Great bands love to play in Jerome, and music festivals throughout the year bring incredible talent to the town.

Whether it’s a long weekend getaway or just a day trip, Jerome offers something for everyone. The town’s galleries, shops, eateries, bars, and tasting rooms, historical sights, and glorious vistas will all add up to a most memorable visit to mile-high Jerome!

Visit the Jerome Chamber of Commerce website or walk into the Jerome Visitor Center to learn more about places to eat, drink, shop, and sightsee in Jerome!

The J of Jerome
The Rim from Jerome

UP ON CLEOPATRA HILL

History of Jerome

Jerome was built on Cleopatra Hill above a vast deposit of copper. Prehistoric Native Americans were the first miners, seeking colored stones. The Spanish followed, seeking gold but finding copper. Anglos staked the first claims in the area in 1876, and United Verde mining operations began in 1883, followed by the Little Daisy claim.

Jerome grew rapidly from tent city to prosperous company town as it followed the swing of the mine’s fortunes. The mines, the workers, and those who sought its wealth formed Jerome’s colorful history. Americans, Mexicans, Croatians, Irish, Spaniards, Italians, and Chinese made the mining camp a cosmopolitan mix that added to its rich life and excitement.

Jerome was the talk of the Arizona Territory, the boom town of its time, and the darling of promoters and investors. The mines were nourished and exploited by financiers, and brought billions of dollars in copper, gold, and silver from their depths. Changing times in the Territory saw pack burros, mule-drawn freight wagons, and horses replaced by steam engines, autos, and trucks.

The population peaked at 15,000 in the 1920’s but fire ravaged the clapboard town and landslides destroyed whole sections. Jerome was always rebuilt. At the mercy of the ups and downs of copper prices, labor unrest, depressions and wars, Jerome’s mines finally closed in 1953. After the mines closed in 1953 and “King Copper” left town, the population went from a peak of 15,000 in the 1920s to just 50 people. The Jerome Historical Society guarded the buildings against vandalism and the elements, the Douglas Mansion became a State Park in 1965, and Jerome became a National Historic Landmark in 1965.

During the 60’s and 70’s – the time of the counter culture – Jerome offered a haven for artists and hippies. Soon newcomers and Jerome old timers were working together to bring Jerome back to life. Today, Jerome is very much 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.

Learn more about the incredible history of Jerome, Arizona with a visit to the Jerome Historical Society website.

Jerome’s extensive history and mining operations are featured at Jerome State Historic Park, also known as The Douglas Mansion, named after James S. Douglas. This world class museum hosts a collection of artifacts and exhibits where visitors can learn about turn-of-the-century mining and lifestyle of Jerome.

VISIT JEROME

So Many Ways To Enjoy Your Stay!

Jerome Artists CoOp

Housed in the historic old Hotel Jerome, this impressive artists’ cooperative showcases the works of more than 30 local artists from the Verde Valley area. Learn more about the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery here.

Jerome Art Walk

Every first Saturday, the creative community of Jerome is pleased to host an evening of art, music and entertainment with open studios and galleries displaying local, regional and national artistic treasures. Learn more about Jerome Art Walk here.

Nelli Bly, Jerome AZ

A “must see” gallery of kaleidoscopes and glass art located on Main Street, Jerome since 1988. Nellie Bly is the largest dealer of kaleidoscopes in the world and features over 90 kaleidoscope artists. Learn more about Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes here.

Ghost Town Tours, Jerome

Ghost Town Tours offers both historic & haunted tours of the largest ghost town in America. Learn the fascinating history and mysteries of Jerome. Quite often, truth is stranger than fiction! Learn more about Ghost Town Tours here.

Gold King Mine Ghost Town

Visit Jerome’s Gold King Mine to explore vintage transportation, mining equipment, historic buildings and a Stamp Mill that was used for crushing ore. You’ll also find a working sawmill, a blacksmith shop with gold panning and a petting zoo for the kids. Learn more about The Gold King Mine here.

Located just minutes from Jerome, Old Town Cottonwood is known for its charming Main Street businesses that attract visitors and support local residents. Old Town Cottonwood is ideally situated near the Verde River, offering a variety of recreational activities to please everyone. Learn more about Old Town Cottonwood here.

Old Town Cottonwood
Experience Clarkdale

Designed and built by Senator William Clark, Clarkdale was founded as a company town for the employees of the mines in Jerome. Today, Clarkdale is a vibrant town with friendly people, beautiful vistas, thriving small businesses and global industries. Learn more here.

Sedona

Sedona, Arizona has become a mecca for spiritual healers, mountain bikers, hikers, artists, nature photographers, and even film makers. This vibrant and stunning town is host to an eclectic, unique culture unlike anywhere you’ve ever experienced. Learn more about Sedona here.

Located in beautiful central Arizona, the Verde Valley Wine Trail invites wine enthusiasts to experience a destination rich in history, beauty, and the production of exquisite Arizona wines. Learn more about the Verde Valley Wine Trail here.

Verde Valley Wine Trail

Hop in one of Clarkdale Kayak Company’s top of the line, hard-shell kayaks and cruise down the scenic Verde River. Kayaking the Verde River in Clarkdale is an absolute blast! It’s a fun, interactive experience where you get to cool off and learn about the unique history of the Verde River. Learn more here.

Sedona Wine Adventures

Sedona Wine Adventures offers private, personalized, everything-included outings to Arizona wineries and tasting rooms throughout the Verde Valley. Learn more about Sedona Wine Adventures here.

Verde Canyon Railroad’s rare ribbon of rails runs through a dramatic high desert landscape adjacent to a precious riparian ecosystem. The scenic excursion first launched in 1990, offering a glimpse of this treasured landscape to visitors while providing an unforgettable encounter that transcends generations. Learn more about the Verde Canyon Railroad here.

Verde Canyon Railroad
Blazin' M Ranch

Featuring mouth-waterin’ BBQ ribs and chicken and a toe-tappin, knee-slappin’ hour-long live Western stage production by award-winning musicians. Get fired up for fun! Learn more about the Blazin’ M Ranch here.

The Verde Valley Cycling Coalition

There are over 200 miles of bike friendly trails in the Verde Valley just waiting to test your skills! Slick rock, chutes, turns, climbs, loose and chunky stuff, flow trails, bike park with a million-dollar view, technical challenges, desert riding, and even riding in the junipers and pines with big red rock landscapes and stunning views at just about every turn. Learn more at The Verde Valley Cycling Coalition.

Considered the hiking center of Sedona, The Hike House offers all the elements that bring the Sedona hiking experience to life: Sedona Trail Finder, Hiking Footwear & Gear, On & Off Trail Apparel, Hiking Safety, Guided Adventures, free Hiking Clinics, and the hiker’s Energy Café. Learn more here.

The Hike House

Three Black Kats TAROT — Over 40 years experience. Forty dollars for your first half-hour reading, and thirty dollars for each half-hour thereafter. Please call 928.451.1103 for an appointment or ask Andrea to book it for you. Either way be certain to mention that you are staying with us.

OTHER

Historic Jerome’s Lodging Establishments

If we’re not able to host you at The Surgeon’s House, please consider a stay at one of Jerome’s historic lodging establishments: The Ghost City Inn B&B, The Connor Hotel or the Jerome Grand Hotel. Your patronage at these locally-owned and locally-operated venues supports our Jerome community, and helps preserve the historical authenticity of the town.

Historic Jerome Lodging Map
Ghost City Inn

The Ghost City Inn has provided lodging for over 120 years and continues to be one of Jerome’s favorite B&B’s. A true feeling of the past and views of the entire Verde Valley await your arrival. This unique, one-of-a-kind B&B has been featured in many articles over the years. The Ghost City Inn will create memories to be cherished forever.

Phone: (928) 634-4678

Connor Hotel

The Connor Hotel has operated in the heart of Jerome since 1989. This historic hotel features shops, rooms upstairs and the famous Spirit Room downstairs. Each room has its own individual custom features and furnishings that will delight any guest. Restaurants, shops, galleries and museums are just steps away.

Phone: (928) 634-5006

The Grand Hotel, in Jerome, is a popular destination and features the Asylum Restaurant.

The Jerome Grand Hotel is Jerome’s only full-service hotel with its 1926 Otis elevator serving all 5 levels, a 24-hour lobby and our award-winning Asylum Restaraunt and Lounge. Eight varieties of rooms to choose from, all having climate control, HDTV and Wi-Fi. Complimentary pastries, bagels, coffee and tea served every morning in our lobby. Early check-ins are welcome with availability.

Phone: (928) 634-8200

COME VISIT US SOON

Drive up the hill & into the past!