- Jerome - The Largest Ghost Town in America :: Bon Voyage (2024)

Jerome was a copper mining camp that grew from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community. But after four disastrous fires,the Depression and the end of World War II, the thriving population of 15,000 decreased to only 100. The hardy souls that remained, promoted Jerome as a historic ghost town and in 1967 Jerome was designated a National Historic District by the federal government. Today the mines are silent and Jerome has become the largest ghost town in America.

Jerome is actually an enchanting town and photographer's paradise with a thriving artist community, quirky shops and small cafes.

- Jerome - The Largest Ghost Town in America :: Bon Voyage (2024)

FAQs

- Jerome - The Largest Ghost Town in America :: Bon Voyage? ›

Jerome was a copper mining camp that grew from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community. But after four disastrous fires,the Depression and the end of World War II, the thriving population of 15,000 decreased to only 100.

Why is Jerome called ghost town? ›

World War II greatly increased the demand for copper, but after the war demand decreased dramatically. With Jerome's economy completely dependent upon the demand for copper, Phelps Dodge Mine closed in 1953. The remaining population of around 50 to 100 people promoted the town as a historic ghost town.

What is Jerome Az famous for? ›

Jerome began its association with the arts when the Verde Valley Art Association was started in the early 1950s and the town today continues to be known for its vibrant and varied art scene.

What is the world's most ghost town? ›

Source Pripyat is located in Ukraine and is the most famous ghost town in the world. Once home to around 50,000 people, the entire town was evacuated in April 1986 when a part of the Chernobyl Nuclear Station exploded.

Why is it called the ghost town? ›

Ghost towns defy easy explanation. Many are abandoned villages or cities, often with substantial visible remains. Crumbling buildings, lonely cemeteries, and rusting industrial equipment mark the graves of these communities. Some have no residents besides crows, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.

What is the largest ghost town in the USA? ›

The hardy souls that remained, promoted Jerome as a historic ghost town and in 1967 Jerome was designated a National Historic District by the federal government. Today the mines are silent and Jerome has become the largest ghost town in America.

Is Jerome ghost town worth it? ›

Not to be missed! Visiting this quirky little ghost town was a highlight of my trip. Between the winding streets and the quaint shops, Jerome is incredibly unique. If you go, be sure to stop by Canary Coffee Roasters for a little caffeine pickup.

What famous person lives in Jerome, AZ? ›

According to the lore, most of the concrete buildings you visit and the streets that you wander along in Jerome are made of concrete... and human ashes. There are at least two famous residents still living in Jerome. Maynard James Keenan, of Tool and Perfect Circle fame, owns the Caduceus Winery.

Does anyone live in Jerome Arizona? ›

Jerome, AZ is home to a population of 363 people, from which 100% are citizens. As of 2022, 4.13% of Jerome, AZ residents were born outside of the country (15 people). In 2022, there were 25.8 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (336 people) in Jerome, AZ than any other race or ethnicity.

How expensive is it to live in Jerome AZ? ›

According to C2ER (the Council for Community and Economic Research), the cost of living in Jerome is estimated to be 115.6% of the national average making it one of the more expensive cities in the US.

Which U.S. state has the most ghost towns? ›

If you've ever wondered how many ghost towns there are in Texas, the number may surprise you. Geotab, a global leader in internet of things and connected transportation, reports that Texas has about 511 ghost towns — the most in the country.

Are there any real ghost towns left in the United States? ›

There aren't any abandoned cities in the United States (yet). But there are ghost towns, or former large towns that have lost all their former inhabitants. Most of these ghost towns are out in remote regions of the mountainous American West and were settled in the mid- to late-19th century.

Can people live in ghost towns? ›

A few ghost towns have managed to get a second life, and this happens through a variety of reasons. One of these reasons is heritage tourism generating a new economy able to support residents.

Why do they call Jerome a ghost town? ›

The catastrophic fires and violent deaths from the town's early days have led to Jerome's “ghost town” status.

Are there any ghost towns in Arizona? ›

Exploring Arizona's ghost towns is a great way to embrace the state's rich history and experience a different kind of adventure. From the Wild West town of Tombstone to the small mining community of Ruby, these ghost towns offer a glimpse into the past that will send shivers down your spine.

What is the biggest abandoned city? ›

Bodie, California: This former Wild West boomtown had a population of 10,000 people in the late 1870s, but Bodie's popularity shrank over the years and it was eventually abandoned.

How did Ghost Town Trail get its name? ›

The Ghost Town Trail derives its name from numerous mining towns that once existed along the railroad corridor. Wehrum, the largest of the former towns, once had 230 houses, a hotel, company store, jail, and bank.

What does this place is a ghost town mean? ›

Idioms and Phrases. A once thriving town that has been completely abandoned, as in Many of the old mining communities are ghost towns now . This idiom implies that there are no living people left in town. [

Why did St Elmo become a ghost town? ›

At its peak in 1881, St. Elmo had about 2,000 residents as silver and gold drew miners into the area. Train service to Chalk Creek Canyon closed in 1926, causing the town's population to diminish. It's said that the town's population took the last train out and never returned.

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