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Bellevue is a ghost town in Gila County, about five miles southwest of Miami. It grew up around 1906 as the camp for the Gibson copper mine, and its post office ran from 1906 to 1927. At its peak as many as 300 people lived here, with a boarding house, a general store and a stage line to Miami. When James and Barbara Sherman surveyed Arizona’s ghost towns in the late 1960s, the concrete Gibson mill was still standing.
Bellevue was already shrinking well before its post office closed in 1927. Its 1920 population of 123 was less than half the camp’s peak of about 300.
Though only scattered ruins remain, including the old mill site and mining debris, the site offers a captivating sense of isolation and mystery. Visitors can trace the layout of what was once a lively mining camp that included homes, boarding houses, a general store, and an ore-processing mill. The ghostly outlines of this infrastructure tell the story of a frontier town that lived and died by the rhythm of the copper industry.
Bellevue’s remote desert location, tucked between low hills and cactus-covered slopes, offers a peaceful backdrop for hiking and exploring. The site is quiet and sees few visitors, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and off-the-grid adventure. The surrounding terrain is a mix of Sonoran Desert scrub and rugged foothills, offering scenic vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities.
While Bellevue itself is largely uninhabited and unsignposted, it’s conveniently located near more active historic communities such as:
Miami, Arizona, known for its antique stores, art galleries, and rich copper mining heritage.
Globe, Arizona, which features museums, historic architecture, and excellent dining.
Pairing a visit to Bellevue with these towns creates a satisfying blend of ghost town exploration and small-town culture.
As part of the greater Globe-Miami mining district, Bellevue’s ruins help paint a broader picture of how small feeder towns supported larger operations. Exploring Bellevue alongside other nearby mining sites gives visitors a more complete understanding of the boom-and-bust cycle that shaped Arizona’s early economy and settlement patterns.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Bellevue, Arizona |
| Type | Ghost town / Abandoned copper mining camp |
| County | Gila County |
| Founded | 1906 (approximate) |
| Status | Abandoned by the 1920s |
| Population (Historic) | ~300 residents at its peak |
| Population (Current) | None |
| Historical Significance | Developed around the Gibson copper mine during Arizona’s early mining boom |
| Primary Economy | Copper mining |
| Decline Factors | Mine closure, depletion of ore, and lack of supporting infrastructure |
| Nearby Towns | Near Miami and Superior, Arizona |
| Remnants Today | Not confirmed; the concrete Gibson mill was recorded standing in 1969 |
| Access | Rough roads; high-clearance or 4WD vehicle recommended |
| Elevation | ~4,700 feet (1,430 meters) |
| Climate | Semi-arid – hot summers, cool winters |
| Managed By | Not confirmed; check land status before visiting |
| Best For | Ghost town explorers, mining history fans, off-road adventurers |
Bellevue was established around 1906 as a copper mining camp for the Gibson copper mine, five miles southwest of Miami, and its post office opened in 1906. The town’s name means “beautiful view” in French.
The camp grew to as many as 300 residents, with a boarding house, a general store and the post office among its buildings, and a stage line linked it to Miami.
Bellevue’s fate was tied to the copper mining that brought it into existence. The post office closed in 1927, and the settlement became a ghost town.
Sherman and Sherman’s Ghost Towns of Arizona (1969) recorded the concrete mill of the Gibson copper mine still standing, along with metal mining equipment and piles of ore. The present condition of the site has not been confirmed by an official source.
There are no facilities at the site.
Bellevue’s decline came as the local copper operations wound down, and its post office closed in 1927.
Bellevue is one of the many small camps that rose and fell around the Globe-Miami copper district in the early 1900s. It lasted about twenty years.
Bellevue does not hold any official designation on the National Register of Historic Places or Arizona Register of Historic Places.
Those wishing to visit Bellevue should approach the site with respect for both its historical significance and its natural environment. Check land ownership before visiting, as mining claims in the area may be private, and leave all artifacts in place.
Summers are hot, so spring and fall are better seasons for exploring. Bring water, sun protection and a map, as no services are available at the site.
Those interested in learning more about Bellevue can consult the Arizona Historical Society library.
Bellevue’s residents built a community around the Gibson mine, with a boarding house, a general store and a post office that closed in 1927.