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Historic Jerome, Arizona, Ghost City
Rate it! Votes (3) | Comments (0) By Cheri Sicard Photos: Adam Abraham Posted August 6th, 2007

JEROME, ARIZONA, USA -- Perched high atop Cleopatra Hill at an elevation of over 5,200 feet, Jerome, a copper mining town founded in 1876, is a fascinating stop for today's tourist. Located minutes from Sedona on scenic byway 89A between Prescott and Flagstaff, Jerome allows visitors to absorb the aura of bygone days.Boasting a population of 15,000 in its' heyday in the 20's, Jerome's population dwindled to some 50 die hards in the late 50's. Jerome produced over a billion dollars worth of copper, gold, silver and zinc in its 70-year active life.

During the 60's and 70's the town became a haven for artists and remains so to this day. Homes and shops were renovated and newcomers and old timers worked together to bring this unique town back to life. The Jerome Historical Society guarded buildings against vandalism and the elements and Jerome became a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

Ghosts
As one walks down the streets of Jerome you can almost feel the ghosts of the past in the air. In fact, the town is affectionately known as "The Ghost City". The city has many residents from bygone eras who refuse to leave.

Locals call their community center "spook hall" because of the ghost of a prostitute sighted there. The white misty figure of an unidentified phantom has been spotted at the Old Episcopal church (located halfway up Cleopatra Hill) and ghosts abound at the "Old Company Clinic" (now a deserted building just below the present hospital), including the spectral re-enactment of a terrible influenza epidemic that devastated the town back in 1917.

If you've ever wanted to stay in a haunted inn, then the Inn at Jerome might be just the place. Located at 309 Main Street, this charming eight guest room Inn has been lovingly restored to its original Victorian splendor.

Workers at the inn tell of a phantom cat that walks the halls and even leaves indentations on the beds where it sleeps! Maids recall objects being moved by unseen hands. The Lariat and Lace Room, which boasts a step up four poster bed and matching barnwood armoire once had the door of said armoire inexplicably flung off its hinges.

You won't be disappointed, however, if there are no ghostly occurrences during your stay. The hotel sports vistas of over 50 miles which include the Verde Valley and the Red Rock Country of Sedona. It is also beautifully furnished in authentic Victorian antiques. To make reservations call 800-634-5094.

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