Bisbee, Arizona

Bisbee, Arizona—where the spirit of the Old West blends in a sort of ethereal way with artistic charm and a bohemian flair. Let's take a journey through Bisbee's rich historical tapestry and get to know what really makes this high desert town a gem.

The Birth of Bisbee:

Bisbee was founded in 1880 and quickly became one of the most prosperous mining towns in the American Southwest. Named after Judge DeWitt Bisbee, a financier of the Copper Queen Mine, the town was founded after a recce party found rich mineral deposits in the Mule Mountains. The prospects for copper, gold, silver, and lead brought miners and businessmen to the region.

Boomtown and Mining Town:

By the beginning of the 20th century, Bisbee had developed into a major mining center of copper production. The Copper Queen Mine had been one of the richest mineral sites in the world, owned by Phelps Dodge Corporation. With that, the population quickly surged and soared to more than 20,000, making Bisbee the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco. Great buildings funded by the town's wealth sprang up, and the town got a name for being cultured and advanced with its opera house, hotels, and a library.

The Bisbee Deportation:

One of the most important events that occurred in Bisbee's history happened in 1917, during World War I. More than 1,000 striking mine workers, together with their supporters, were forcibly removed in what has come to be known as the Bisbee Deportation. They were mostly members of the Industrial Workers of the World and were protesting poor working conditions and low wages. The striking workers were rounded up by Phelps Dodge and local authorities, loaded onto cattle cars, and deported to New Mexico with a stern warning never to set foot in the area again. This incident is still very much a controversy in labor history.

Decline and Change:

As copper went out of demand in the mid-20th century, so too did the luck of Bisbee. Most of the mines had closed by the 1970s, and the population of the town had dwindled. But Bisbee was not destined to be a ghost town. People finally started coming in the 1970s and 1980s—artists, musicians, all sorts of free spirits who could not resist its low housing costs and eccentric nature. They took up renovating the abandoned buildings and began breathing life back into the place.

A Cultural and Artistic Renaissance:

Today, Bisbee is known for its vibrant arts scene and eclectic community. The architecture of the buildings from the Victorian and early 20th century has been well preserved within the historic district. The streets are filled with galleries, antique shops, and cafes that draw tourists as well as new residents. Bisbee's festivals include the Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb, a fun run and walk up many of the town's public stairways, and the Bisbee Blues Festival.

Exploring Bisbee's History:

Visitors can explore Bisbee's rich history at several sites. The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, in connection with the Smithsonian Institution, houses exhibits of the town's mining history and its evolution. Visitors can take a tour of the Queen Mine, get dressed up in hard hats, and enter one of the original shafts accompanied by former miners who explain what it was like working there.

Ghosts and Legends:

Bisbee, like so many old towns, has its share of ghost stories. Notably, the Copper Queen Hotel is said to be haunted by a lady who used to work as a maid there and died in an inexplicable way, and a young boy. This has also brought about popular ghost tours and paranormal investigations for those interested in all things supernatural.

A Naturalist's Paradise:

Tucked within the ragged beauty of the Mule Mountains, Bisbee is truly a naturalist's paradise. Hiking, bird watching, and visiting nearby parks like the Coronado National Memorial and Chiricahua National Monument help visitors to experience the stunning landscapes of southern Arizona.

Just walk the winding streets and alleyways of Bisbee to see a great symphony of historical charm and contemporary creativity. The resilient spirit and rich heritage of Bisbee combine into making it a must-see destination for those looking to experience the true soul of the American Southwest. ~~~