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Nestled in the rugged foothills of the Pinal Mountains in central Arizona, Globe stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Western mining towns. Located approximately 90 miles east of Phoenix along the historic Old West Highway, this community of roughly 7,500 residents represents a fascinating blend of industrial heritage and small-town charm. As the seat of Gila County, Globe occupies a unique geographic position, surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes, pine-covered mountains, and the ancestral lands of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
The demographics of Globe reflect its multicultural roots, with significant Hispanic, Anglo, and Native American populations creating a diverse tapestry of traditions and perspectives. What truly distinguishes Globe from other Arizona communities is its remarkable resilience through boom-and-bust cycles of the copper mining industry that has defined the town since its founding. Unlike many former mining towns that have either transformed into tourist destinations or faded into ghost towns, Globe maintains its authentic character as a working community where mining heritage isn’t just history—it’s still a way of life for many families who have called this place home for generations.
Notable historical figures from Globe include George W.P. Hunt, Arizona’s first governor who arrived in Globe as a waiter and rose to become one of the state’s most influential political figures. The mining heritage is preserved through institutions like the Gila County Historical Museum housed in the old county jail, and the Arizona Classic Car Museum which documents transportation history in the region. Each October, the “Old Dominion Days” celebration commemorates the famous Old Dominion Mine that was once among the richest copper producers in the world.
Long before prospectors discovered the mineral wealth that would give Globe its name and purpose, the region was home to the Apache and earlier indigenous peoples including the ancient Salado culture, whose remarkable cliff dwellings can still be visited at nearby Tonto National Monument. The San Carlos Apache Reservation, established in 1872, borders Globe and represents an important part of the area’s cultural landscape and ongoing story.
Globe’s founding is inextricably linked to the discovery of silver in the 1870s, followed quickly by copper, which would become the economic lifeblood of the community. The town’s curious name reportedly comes from a globe-shaped piece of pure silver found by early prospectors. Officially incorporated in 1907, Globe developed rapidly as mining operations expanded, attracting workers from around the world and creating a surprisingly cosmopolitan atmosphere in this remote mountain setting.
The town has weathered significant historical challenges, including devastating floods, mining accidents, labor disputes, and economic downturns when copper prices plummeted. The 1910 fire that destroyed much of downtown led to the rebuilding of Broad Street with the brick and stone structures that still define Globe’s historic district today.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Central-eastern Arizona, Gila County (county seat) |
| Founded | 1876, following the discovery of silver and later copper |
| Incorporated | 1907 |
| Population | Approx. 7,200 (as of the 2020 Census) |
| Elevation | ~3,510 feet (1,070 meters) |
| Climate | Semi-arid; hot summers, mild winters |
| Known For | Copper mining, historic downtown, Old West charm |
| Major Attractions | Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park, Cobre Valley Center for the Arts, Globe Historic District, Old Dominion Mine Park |
| Key Industries | Mining (Freeport-McMoRan nearby), tourism, government services, retail |
| Cultural Significance | Strong Native American, Mexican-American, and mining-era Anglo heritage |
| Annual Events | Apache Jii Cultural Festival, Historic Home & Building Tour, Cinco de Mayo Festival |
| Transportation | U.S. Route 60 and Arizona SR-77 & 188; gateway to the Salt River Canyon |
| Education | Globe Unified School District, Eastern Arizona College – Gila Pueblo Campus |
| Nearby Natural Sites | Tonto National Forest, Pinal Mountains, Roosevelt Lake, Salt River Canyon |
| Outdoor Activities | Hiking, ATV riding, camping, mountain biking |
| Architecture Note | Victorian and early 20th-century buildings line the walkable historic downtown |
| Sister Town | Miami, AZ – forms the Copper Corridor tourism and economic region |
Globe’s cultural identity emerges from the intermingling of diverse traditions. The Hispanic community, many descending from Mexican miners who arrived in the late 19th century, maintains strong cultural traditions evident in local festivals, food, and family practices. The Anglo mining community brought traditions from Cornwall, Ireland, Wales, and other European mining regions, while the neighboring San Carlos Apache Tribe maintains its distinctive cultural practices, language, and traditions.
This cultural convergence is particularly evident in local foodways, where mining camp cuisine meets Mexican traditions and native ingredients. The famous “pasty”—a meat and potato-filled pastry originating from Cornish miners—can still be found alongside traditional Mexican dishes in local eateries.
Cultural preservation takes many forms in Globe. The San Carlos Apache Culture Center showcases tribal heritage, while the Globe-Miami Cultural Center promotes the preservation of mining history and multicultural traditions. The Cobre Valley Center for the Arts housed in the historic 1906 Gila County Courthouse serves as both gallery and performance space while preserving architectural heritage.
While English predominates, Spanish remains prevalent in many Globe households, and efforts to preserve the Western Apache language continue through programs at San Carlos. Local expressions often reflect mining terminology and ranching heritage that have permeated everyday speech.
Over time, Globe has experienced significant cultural shifts as mining operations modernized, requiring fewer but more technically skilled workers. The community has adapted by embracing tourism, arts, and service industries while maintaining strong connections to its multicultural roots and working-class values.
Globe’s artistic character reflects its dramatic natural setting and industrial heritage. The town has nurtured a distinctive aesthetic that often incorporates copper elements, mining imagery, and southwestern motifs. Local artists frequently draw inspiration from the striking desert landscapes, historic architecture, and multicultural traditions that define the community.
The town has produced notable artists including respected Western painter De Grazia, who spent his early years in nearby Morenci but maintained connections to Globe throughout his career. Contemporary artists like silversmith Maria Rios-Howard create work that reflects both Native American traditions and modern sensibilities, while photographers like Craig Tooker document the hauntingly beautiful industrial landscapes of active and abandoned mining operations.
The Cobre Valley Center for the Arts serves as the heart of Globe’s artistic community, offering gallery spaces, workshops, and performance venues. Smaller galleries and studios dot Broad Street, often occupying historic buildings with stories of their own. The annual Globe-Miami Studio Tour allows visitors to see artists at work in their personal creative spaces, highlighting the diverse artistic approaches flourishing in this small community.
Art education remains a priority through programs like Globe’s “Copper Youth Arts Project,” which provides opportunities for young people to explore traditional crafts and contemporary artistic expression while learning about local heritage. Many local artists have developed techniques incorporating copper, clay from mining tailings, and other locally sourced materials, creating authentic expressions of place that couldn’t come from anywhere else.
The dramatic natural setting—where desert meets mountains, with spectacular rock formations and abandoned mining structures dotting the landscape—provides endless visual inspiration, while the community’s industrial soundscape and rhythms influence local musicians who blend folk traditions with contemporary styles in performances at venues like the Pickle Barrel Trading Post’s music nights.
Globe’s annual calendar reflects the community’s diverse heritage, seasonal rhythms, and contemporary interests. These gatherings provide continuity with the past while creating spaces for residents to strengthen community bonds, celebrate shared values, and introduce visitors to Globe’s unique character.
The Apache Jii celebration brings together tribal members from across the region to showcase traditional dance, music, crafts, and food. Established in 1983, this two-day event held at the San Carlos Apache Cultural Center has grown into an important cultural preservation initiative. Visitors experience authentic Apache culture through demonstrations of traditional skills like basket weaving and witness spectacular Crown Dancers performing blessing ceremonies. The event strengthens cultural pride while building cross-cultural understanding between tribal and non-tribal communities.
This autumn celebration commemorates Globe’s mining heritage and the historic Old Dominion Mine that shaped the community’s development. Activities include mine tours, historical reenactments, and demonstrations of traditional mining techniques. The highlight is the Mining Competition where teams compete in old-time mining skills like jackleg drilling and mucking. Established in the 1970s when the mining industry faced downturns, Old Dominion Days serves as both a tourist attraction and a way for families to maintain connections with their mining roots across generations.
Globe’s historic downtown transforms during this holiday celebration featuring luminarias lining Broad Street, a parade of lights, and extended hours at local shops and galleries. Building on the traditional Hispanic luminaria tradition, the event has expanded to include art installations, live music, and a craft market showcasing local artisans. The celebration brings together diverse community traditions, with Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo holiday customs represented through food, decorations, and performances that reflect Globe’s multicultural heritage.
This spring tradition mobilizes hundreds of volunteers to beautify public spaces, create community art installations, and restore historic properties. Established in response to economic challenges in the 1990s, the event reflects Globe’s self-reliant spirit and commitment to preserving its distinctive character. Youth groups, businesses, and community organizations compete for awards in categories like “Most Improved Historic Property” while building community pride. The day concludes with a community picnic celebrating the collective achievement and strengthening neighborhood connections.
This relatively new tradition has quickly become a cherished community event. Established in 2007, the show features hundreds of handcrafted quilts reflecting diverse cultural traditions and contemporary designs. Many quilts incorporate mining themes, Apache patterns, or local landscape imagery. The intergenerational aspect is particularly valued, with “Mining Family” category quilts telling stories of Globe’s industrial heritage through fabric. Workshops during the three-day event pass traditional skills to younger generations while introducing innovative techniques that keep the art form evolving.
Globe embraces its identity as “Arizona’s Real Western Town,” a slogan that reflects residents’ pride in maintaining authentic connections to their mining heritage rather than creating a manufactured tourist experience. Locals sometimes refer to themselves as “Globetrotters,” with a self-deprecating humor that acknowledges both their community pride and its small-town limitations.
The physical character of Globe reflects its development as a mining town built into challenging terrain. The historic downtown along Broad Street features distinctive turn-of-the-century architecture with many original buildings now housing galleries, restaurants, and specialty shops. Residential neighborhoods climb the surrounding hillsides in seemingly precarious arrangements, with houses stacked on narrow streets that follow the contours of the land rather than conforming to grid patterns.
When describing their community to outsiders, Globe residents often emphasize its unpretentious nature and strong sense of interconnection. “Everybody knows everybody” is both observation and value statement, reflecting the reality that family histories intertwine over generations. This close-knit quality can present challenges for newcomers, but many residents point to the community’s willingness to come together in times of need as its defining characteristic.
The values that unite Globe’s diverse population include self-reliance, respect for hard work, appreciation for cultural traditions, and a deep attachment to the surrounding landscape. While political viewpoints vary widely, there’s a shared commitment to maintaining the community’s distinctive character and supporting local businesses through economic challenges. Many residents express particular pride in the community’s resilience through mining downturns and its ability to adapt without losing connection to its roots.
Globe operates under a council-manager form of government with a mayor and six council members elected to four-year terms. The city manager handles day-to-day operations while implementing policies established by the council. This structure has evolved to address the specific needs of a small community with significant infrastructure responsibilities related to its mining history and challenging topography.
Civic engagement takes many forms beyond formal government structures. The Globe Main Street Program has been instrumental in revitalizing the historic downtown, while the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce coordinates business development initiatives. The Gila House provides volunteer-driven services addressing homelessness and economic insecurity, demonstrating the community’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents.
The Globe Community Garden represents a successful collaboration between the city government, local businesses, and volunteer gardeners to transform a vacant lot into productive community space. Another notable initiative is the Historic Home Restoration Project, which provides technical assistance and small grants to help homeowners maintain Globe’s distinctive residential architecture.
Public participation in decision-making is facilitated through town hall meetings, particularly around issues like mining expansion, water resources, and development planning. These forums can become contentious, reflecting diverse perspectives within the community, but they provide important spaces for residents to voice concerns and shape Globe’s future direction.
Copper mining remains Globe’s economic foundation, though its role has evolved significantly. The nearby mining operations, including the impressive open-pit mines at Miami, provide skilled jobs with good wages, but technological advances mean fewer workers produce more copper than in earlier eras. Freeport-McMoRan, which operates these mines, remains the region’s largest employer despite workforce fluctuations that follow copper price cycles.
Tourism has emerged as an important complementary sector, with visitors drawn to Globe’s authentic Western character, historic downtown, and proximity to natural attractions like Tonto National Monument and Roosevelt Lake. Small businesses along Broad Street—including antique shops, galleries, and restaurants—have created a distinctive shopping and dining experience that attracts day-trippers from Phoenix and beyond.
The economic challenges facing Globe include dependence on a single industry vulnerable to global market fluctuations, limited workforce development opportunities for young people, and the infrastructure costs associated with maintaining a historic community. However, these challenges have also spurred innovation and diversification efforts.
Local products unique to the area include copper craft items, Western-themed art, Apache basketry, and specialty foods like prickly pear products. The Pickle Barrel Trading Post exemplifies Globe’s entrepreneurial spirit, transforming from a simple trading post to a destination retail experience featuring local crafts, imported goods, and community gathering space.
Recent economic development initiatives have focused on leveraging Globe’s location along the developing Arizona Trail to attract outdoor recreation enthusiasts and positioning the community as an authentic alternative to more commercialized Western tourist towns. The Globe-Miami Economic Development Corporation has also worked to attract small-scale manufacturing operations that can provide economic stability when mining activity slows.
The Globe Unified School District serves as both educational provider and community anchor, with deep roots dating back to the first schoolhouse established in 1881. Globe High School’s distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival campus, constructed during the mining boom of the 1914, stands as an architectural landmark and point of community pride. The district has developed specialized programs responding to local needs, including mining technology courses created in partnership with Freeport-McMoRan and cultural heritage programs developed with San Carlos Apache educators.
Gila Community College’s Globe campus provides higher education access with particular strength in nursing, industrial technology, and business programs designed to prepare students for local employment opportunities. The college also offers cultural courses including Apache language instruction and mining history.
Informal learning happens through institutions like the Gila County Historical Museum, which involves local students in collecting oral histories from mining families and developing exhibits that explore the multicultural dimensions of Globe’s development. The Copper Youth Mentorship Program pairs students with skilled tradespeople, artists, and professionals, providing hands-on learning that connects young people with community traditions while building practical skills.
A particularly successful initiative has been the “Our Globe” local history curriculum, which incorporates field trips to historic sites, guest presentations by community elders, and project-based learning about mining technology, water conservation, and cultural traditions. This approach helps students understand their community’s unique character while developing critical thinking skills applicable to future challenges.
Globe’s relationship with its natural surroundings has always been complex—a community built on resource extraction that nevertheless maintains deep appreciation for the striking beauty of the Sonoran Desert and Pinal Mountains. Residents have developed distinctive outdoor traditions reflecting this duality, from prospecting trips that combine recreation with the hope of discovery to hiking expeditions exploring abandoned mining sites being reclaimed by desert vegetation.
Traditional knowledge of local plants persists, particularly among Hispanic and Apache community members. Prickly pear fruit gathering remains a seasonal activity for many families, with the bright red “tuna” transformed into jellies, syrups, and wine. The Globe Farmers Market showcases this knowledge through demonstrations of traditional plant uses for food, medicine, and crafts.
Environmental awareness has evolved significantly, with community-led conservation efforts focusing on Pinal Creek restoration after historic mining contamination and desert habitat preservation through the Southern Gila County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The Gila County Native Plant Society maintains demonstration gardens of drought-adapted plants, while volunteer-led watershed protection initiatives monitor water quality in streams affected by historic mining activity.
Recreational traditions with deep local roots include rock hounding expeditions searching for azurite, malachite, and other minerals associated with copper deposits. The annual Round Mountain Hiking Challenge attracts participants from across Arizona to climb the distinctive landmark visible from throughout Globe, while the more recently established Globe-Miami Trail system connects historic mining sites, natural areas, and cultural landmarks through a growing network of recreational paths.
Globe’s food traditions reflect its position at the cultural crossroads of Western mining heritage, Hispanic influences, and Native traditions. The iconic “pasty”—a hand-held meat and potato pie that Cornish miners carried into the depths of Globe’s copper mines—can still be found at establishments like the Copper Hen Bakery & Cafe, though often with Southwestern adaptations like green chile filling. Mexican food traditions remain strong, with family recipes passed through generations at establishments like Chalo’s, where mining families have celebrated special occasions for decades.
The prickly pear cactus provides distinctive local flavor in everything from margaritas to desserts, while acorn flour and other traditional Apache ingredients appear in special dishes during cultural celebrations. The annual Copper Dust Chili Cook-off showcases the community’s affinity for this Southwestern staple, with categories honoring traditional recipes alongside innovative variations.
Restaurants that preserve cultural food traditions include De Marco’s Italian, established by immigrant miners in the 1920s, and Irene’s Real Mexican Food, where hand-made tortillas follow recipes brought north from Sonora generations ago. The Globe Farmers Market creates opportunities for home cooks to share family specialties while providing access to locally grown foods.
Food-centered traditions include the Hispanic Christmas tradition of tamale-making parties where extended families gather to prepare hundreds of corn husk-wrapped treasures, and the community Cookie Exchange that accompanies the December Festival of Lights, where recipes reflecting diverse cultural backgrounds are shared and celebrated.
The heart of Globe’s community life pulses along historic Broad Street, where the 1910 Holy Angels Catholic Church bells mark time as they have for generations, and the restored 1906 courthouse now housing the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts hosts everything from gallery exhibitions to community meetings. These architectural landmarks provide physical continuity with Globe’s past while serving contemporary community needs.
Informal gathering places include the Drift Inn Saloon, established in 1902 and still featuring original pressed tin ceilings above a bar where mining stories flow as freely as the beverages. The Pickle Barrel Trading Post functions as more than retail space, with its coffee corner serving as informal community hub where residents exchange news and visitors gain local perspective. Judy’s Cook House restaurant operates as a de facto community center during its monthly “Mining Family Breakfast” where retired miners gather to maintain connections and share institutional knowledge with younger workers.
Public spaces reflect Globe’s character in distinctive ways. The Globe Community Garden incorporates mining artifacts as sculptural elements and growing beds built from locally salvaged materials. Veterans Park honors the community’s long tradition of military service with monuments that include copper elements honoring the industry that built the town.
These places hold special significance because of the memories they contain—Broad Street sidewalks where generations of teenagers have “cruised” on weekend evenings, church halls where wedding receptions and funeral dinners mark life passages, and the historic Globe High School athletic field where Friday night football games still bring together residents across demographic and cultural differences.
Throughout its history, Globe has faced formidable challenges with remarkable resilience. The boom-and-bust cycles of the copper industry have repeatedly tested the community’s economic foundations, most dramatically during the mining shutdown of the 1980s when copper prices plummeted and hundreds of families faced unemployment. Environmental challenges include reclaiming areas affected by a century of mining activity, addressing water quality issues in Pinal Creek, and adapting to increasingly severe drought conditions.
The community has responded to these challenges with characteristic self-reliance and innovation. When the Old Dominion Mine closed permanently in the 1960s, residents transformed the site into a historical park rather than allowing it to deteriorate. Following severe downtown flooding in 1993, merchants not only rebuilt damaged businesses but created a more cohesive historic district that strengthened tourism potential.
Globe’s location adjacent to the San Carlos Apache Reservation has created opportunities for cross-cultural understanding but also tensions over resource use, development priorities, and cultural differences. Community leaders from both communities have worked to build relationships through shared cultural events, educational partnerships, and economic development initiatives that recognize interdependence.
Perhaps the most powerful testament to Globe’s resilience is the number of multi-generational mining families who have remained in the community through economic downturns, adapting to changing conditions while maintaining connection to their copper mining heritage. As one lifelong resident explained, “We don’t just survive here—we figure out how to thrive on our own terms.”
Globe stands at a crossroads familiar to many historic communities—how to embrace economic and cultural evolution while preserving the authentic character that makes the place special. The community has approached this challenge by identifying core values and traditions worth preserving while remaining open to thoughtful innovation and selective growth.
The Globe Heritage Plan, developed through extensive community input, prioritizes maintaining the historic downtown’s architectural integrity while adapting buildings for contemporary uses. Rather than artificial “Old West” facades, the emphasis remains on authentic preservation and adaptive reuse that respects original structures.
Digital documentation initiatives are preserving mining stories and cultural traditions through online archives accessible to younger generations, while the “Next Generation Mining” program introduces sustainable practices to an industry central to Globe’s identity. The community has been selective about new development, encouraging businesses that complement existing character rather than national chains that could undermine Globe’s distinctive appeal.
Residents express hope for economic diversification that provides opportunities for young people to remain in the community while maintaining connections to cultural traditions. Many envision Globe becoming a regional center for heritage tourism, outdoor recreation, and arts production—building on existing strengths rather than reinventing community identity. As one community leader noted, “We’re not looking to become something different—we’re looking to become more authentically ourselves.”
When asked what makes Globe special, residents offer remarkably consistent responses across demographic differences. They speak of the community’s unpretentious authenticity, the way natural beauty frames daily life, and the sense of belonging that comes from shared history and mutual support through challenges.
“It’s the way people show up for each other,” explains a teacher whose family has lived in Globe for four generations. “When the mine laid off workers in 2016, people organized food drives, helped with job searches, and made sure nobody lost their home. That doesn’t happen everywhere.”
A newer resident who moved from Phoenix describes being drawn to “a place where history is still alive—not just in museums but in the stories people tell at the coffee shop and the skills they pass down.” An Apache elder from nearby San Carlos notes the resilience that connects diverse community members: “We’ve all learned to adapt while holding onto what matters most.”
Perhaps Globe’s essence lies in this balance—a community firmly rooted in its mining heritage and diverse cultural traditions, yet continuously adapting to changing circumstances. Unlike communities that have abandoned their industrial past or preserved it as museum piece, Globe maintains living connections to its copper mining identity while evolving to meet contemporary challenges.
In the words of a high school student whose family has worked in Globe’s mines for five generations: “We know who we are here. We come from copper and courage and different cultures figuring out how to work together. Whatever comes next, that’s the foundation we’re building on.”
