Attraction: Jerome State Historic Park - Douglas Mansion
Jerome State Historic Park Grand Re-Opening Oct. 14 The Jerome State Historic Park Grand Re-opening is scheduled for October 14 at noon with celebrations on the grounds of the stunning Douglas Mansion overlooking the vast Verde Valley.
The park will be open five days a week with a fee of $5 per adult and $2 for children, however on October 14, the park entrance fees will be waived for the celebration and Park Mansion tours that day.
Volunteer spirit and enthusiasm are needed at Jerome State Historic Park and the park will be looking for individuals or groups who care about the preservation and interpretation of historical places. If you are a history buff and just love to talk with people, you can assist by interpreting the history of the Douglas family, miners/mining, and the geology of the region, please sign up as a volunteer on the Arizona State Parks website. For detailed information about becoming a volunteer call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703), visit the website at AZStateParks.com or Facebook/Twitter AZStateParks.
Jerome State Historic Park Facilities
Historic mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Antique mining equipment
History exhibits
Video presentations
Picnic area with tables and restrooms
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.
