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The town of Bisbee is one of the richest mineral sites in the world. It is interesting to know, that it began very simply with Hugh Jones in 1875, who came through looking for silver. Hugh decided to move on after only finding copper stains. Then in 1877, a government scout named Jack Dunn came across an outcropping of ore. Jack took some samples before leaving the area.
Later on, Dunn met up with George Warren, a prospector with a shady background. Warren agreed to file claims on Dunn's behalf. Unfortunately, Warren told others of his agreement and filed claims with his new home partners. The Copper Queen Mine was born. Several years later, Warren lost his share of the mine by losing a bet. Around this period, electricity became popular and so was the need for copper. In 1880, Judge DeWitt Bisbee of San Francisco decided to invest in the Copper Queen Mine. Then shortly there after, the town of Bisbee sprang up, getting its name from the investor.
Following its purchase, a smelter was built and the mine operated 24 hours a day pulling out an endless supply of ore. Later, Dr. James Douglas visited the area and convinced Phelps-Dodge to purchase a mine near the Copper Queen Mine. After years of fighting over the ore at the boundary lines of these two mines, the two mines decided to merge and became the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Company.In 1898, another mining company popped up on the scene. The Calumet and Arizona Company was soon a rival to Phelps Dodge. During those rival years the town of Bisbee began to take off. Bisbee soon became a rowdy little town. The town is made up of two canyons. One canyon called Main Street and the other is known as Brewery Gulch.
Brewery Gulch was a popular spot for saloons and wild women. It was said that Brewery Gulch had nearly 50 saloons. It is still a popular site to visit today. Bisbee also attracted immigrants to town. There were individuals from Germany, Italy, Ireland and Russia. All of these people came to work in the mine. High copper prices allowed miners to be paid high salaries. This caused Bisbee to be the wealthiest city in Arizona and one of the largest mining sites in the world. Bisbee held the title of being the largest cosmopolitan town between St. Louis and San Francisco. At one time, the town soared to a population of 20,000. The town's growth was most evident in 1902, when the four-story Bisbee-history/Copper Queen Hotel was built. The Copper Queen has high ceilings, chandeliers and long hallways.
This elegant hotel's guests include Teddy Roosevelt and Black Jack Pershing. During a visit to Bisbee you can stay in this historic hotel.It wasn't until 1925 when Phelps Dodge Mining Corporation bought out all the small mines including Calumet and Arizona Company. This purchase gave Phelps Dodge ownership of over 9,000 acres. Then in the 1950's, the Lavender Pit opened. The pit was named after Harrison Lavender, a manager of the Copper Queen branch of Phelps-Dodge. This pit sunk to more than 900 feet and enclosed more than 300 acres. Phelps-Dodge operated the underground Queen Mine and the Lavender open mine pit for many years. By the end of the 70's most of the mining had closed down, due to falling copper prices.
It is amazing to think by the time mining ended, the Bisbee area had produced 6.1 million dollars from 3 million ounces of gold, over 97 million ounces of silver, over 8 billion pounds of copper, nearly 273 pounds of zinc and 304 million pounds of lead. Mining has seen many improvements through the years from mules to earthmoving equipment and Bisbee has followed in the steps of mining history by making changes in order to thrive. Today the town has switched gears and has become a haven for artists and cultural events.
The Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum is a terrific spot to start your visit in the town of Bisbee. The museum gives a great overview of the town's history. The building was once the headquarters of the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Company. Visitors will see exhibits and displays recounting the rich local history and its culture. Much of the focus of the history, the museum has collected is from 1877 to 1917. One of the highlights of the museum is a mural-sized photo of Bisbee shot in 1908. The photo was taken when residents showed up in full force to see the arrival of the trolley.
On the second floor of the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, you will discover a collection of western ranch memorabilia. The collection is made up of photos and includes descriptions of ranch life. Visitors will see a variety of photos such as horses and chuck wagons. Life was tough on the ranch. The museum also has a library filled with information. The Shattuck Memorial Archival Library has photographs, books and documents describing Arizona and Bisbee's mining history. The Library has a daily new homespaper from 1902 that can be see on microfilm.
The Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum is open everyday from 10:00 to 4:00. The museum is closed on Christmas and new home Year's Day. The admission to the museum is $3.00. Seniors over 65 are charged $2.50 and children under 18 are free. You will find the museum in Bisbee at 5 Copper Queen Plaza, between Main Street and Brewery Gulch. If you have any questions, call 520-432-7071.
Bisbee is in Southern Arizona . It is in Cochise County. The town is located on State Highway 80, close to the border of Mexican. You can get to Bisbee from Phoenix by taking Interstate 10 south out of town. Once you get to Tucson, you will need to continue on Interstate 10 east out of town. Bisbee is approximately 100 miles southeast of Tucson. While traveling on Interstate 10, you will come to State Highway 80, just past the town of Benson. Take State Highway 80 south to the town of Bisbee through the Mule Pass Tunnel and into town. Bisbee is a great town to take in the history of the old west and to see the works of artists of today. It is a small town that has its roots in mining.
Bisbee has long been known as "The Queen of the Mining Camps". Today Bisbee has a population of 6,300. The town is at an elevation of 5,300 feet. Bisbee is the county seat for Cochise County. The climate is pleasant all year round. The low Temperature in the winter is 34 degrees and the high in the summer is 90 degrees. Bisbee is an eclectic place filled with small shops, cafes, galleries and antique shops gripping to the canyon sides surrounding the town. Bisbee is proud of its colorful history and mining saga, but its people continue to look forward to the future. You will find a variety of attractions in the town of Bisbee. The Muheim House is a turn-of-the-century residence that has terrific views of the town.
The Queen Mine Tour is one of the best tours around. You will see first hand what it is like to be down in a mine and learn of the many hardships miners endured in the tunnels. The tour begins by visitors donning slickers, 5 pound light packs and hard hats. Then the tour heads down into the once active copper mine, which has been closed since 1943. The trip is in open mining cars and is very exciting. You will travel down into the mine's tunnels. The tour goes approximately 1,800 feet into the 10 level mine.
Along the way, you will learn about the drilling and blasting that occurred to get the copper ore out of the rocks and on their way up to the smelter. Former miners host the hour-long tour. These miners will explain the workings of the copper mine and answer your questions. The tours are available everyday, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tours begin at 9:00, 10:30, 12:00 noon, 2:00 and 3:30 pm. The admission charge is $10.00, children between 7 and 11 are $3.50 and children 3 to 6 are $2.00.
The Queen Mine Tour recommends bringing a sweater or jacket, since Temperatures can hover around 46 degrees. Visitors should also be aware of the narrow 8 foot by 6-foot tunnel that the mine cars travel through can cause claustrophobia. The Queen Mine Tour encourages visitors to call and make a reservation in advance. If you are interested in taking the tour, call 520-432-2071.
It is an unforgettable experience. You will leave the tunnels wondering how men could mine everyday. It is a way of life that can only be understood by walking in their path, so to speak. It is a must do tour!
The Muheim House is a turn-of-the-century house hidden at the top of Brewery Gulch. The house was finished in 1914. The owner was a prominent businessman of Bisbee, who began as a bartender. Later he became a merchant, a banker and a mining magnate.
The Muheim House has a wonderful view of historic Brewery Gulch. The house is filled with furnishings and items of the period. The Bisbee Council of the Arts and Humanities sees to the house's restoration.
The Muheim House is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 to 4:00 pm. It is also open Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 to 3:30 pm. The Bisbee Council would appreciate a $2.00 donation when visiting the historic house. If you would like more information on the house, you may call 520-432-7071. The Muheim House is located in Bisbee at 207 Youngblood Hill. You will love your visit to the house. It is a look at the town's past through the eyes of a resident.
The Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum gives visitors a chance to see what mining life was like in the late 1800's and early 1900's through displays and photos. The Queen Mine Tour is one of the most exciting and interesting tours around. The tour takes you down into the tunnels on a string of mining cars. The tour provides visitors hard hats and jackets, which adds to the authenticity of the experience. Bisbee has a variety of outdoor spots. Ramsey Canyon Preserve is a unique place for hiking and taking in nature. The preserve also has cabins to rent with a stream nearby to enjoy.
Garden Canyon is a beautiful area filled with wildlife. Some of the animals in the canyon are unique to the area. The Coronado National Memorial is a great place to learn about the Spanish influence and history. The memorial offers a scenic drive and hiking trails. For those who enjoy a real adventure the memorial has a natural cave to go exploring in. The is new home to over 100 species of breeding birds. The area is also a habitat for over 250 migrant and wintering birds. Some say that the San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area is one of the best birding spots in the country. You see some unique birds and beautiful views during your visit.
