Explore Arizona's Mining History At This Underrated State Park
By Katie Lawrence|Published June 29, 2022
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
The mining industry is, in large part, what built Arizona. While most of the mines have been dry for decades, their legacy lives on all across the state. Jerome is one of the best places to explore Arizona’s rich mining history, as it’s home to Jerome State Historic Park. One of the best state parks in Arizona, it features the Douglas Mansion, a former hotel for mining executives that now serves as a museum dedicated to how the mining industry shaped this famous ghost town.
Perched on a hilltop in the "Wickedest Town in the West," Jerome State Historic Park is impossible to miss when you're traveling through the area.
The park is centered around the Douglas Mansion, built in 1916 by mining tycoon Jimmy Douglas. Designed as a hotel for mining executives as well as Douglas' own family, the home is the largest adobe structure in Arizona.
A little way down the hill, the Little Daisy Hotel served as a dormitory for mine workers. The building still stands, and has since become a private residence.
Douglas' sons donated the mansion to the State of Arizona in 1962, and the park opened three years later. It is now a museum dedicated to preserving Jerome's rich mining history, as well as the history of the Douglas family.
Nearby, you can actually gaze down into a real mine shaft at the Audrey Headframe Park (don't worry - it's covered). The shaft is 1,900 feet deep, taller than even the Empire State Building.
If you're in the mood for some more adventure, stop by the Gold King Mine and Ghost Town on your way out of town. This interactive park offers gold panning, a petting zoo, and tons of vintage cars and historic buildings that really bring the Old West back to life.
Have you ever been to Jerome State Historic Park? If so, do you think it’s one of the best state parks in Arizona? Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about the most haunted hotel in Arizona (that also happens to be in Jerome).
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