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Cleopatra Hill LbNA #46742

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Apr 17, 2009
Location:
City:Jerome
County:Yavapai
State:Arizona
Boxes:1
Planted by:Old2AK
Found by: Lost Sailor
Last found:Jun 2, 2023
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Apr 17, 2009
The historic copper-mining town of Jerome, Arizona perches on the 30-percent grade of Cleopatra Hill along Highway 89A, between Prescott and Flagstaff.

Jerome's modern history began in 1876 when prospectors staked the first claims on rich copper deposits in the area. The United Verde Copper Company was formed in 1883. By the early 20th century, the United Verde was the largest producing copper mine in the Arizona Territory. By 1916, Jerome had two bonanza mines. The town grew rapidly from tent city to prosperous company town with substantial frame, concrete and brick buildings, and once even boasted an opera house.

The mining era ended with the closure of the last big mine in 1953. The population went from a peak of 15,000 in about 1929 to some 50 souls in the late 1950's. In the 60's and 70's Jerome was a haven for artists who renovated homes and opened abandoned shops to sell their wares. Soon newcomers and Jerome old-timers were working together to bring Jerome back to life.

Jerome became a National Historic Landmark in 1976. Now, this quaint town is very much alive with writers, artists, artisans, musicians, historians, and families. They form a peaceful, colorful, thriving community built on a rich foundation of history and lore. The population today is about 400.

To find the Cleopatra Hill Letterbox, walk or drive up Hill Street toward the Jerome Grand Hotel, which started life as the United Verde Hospital. Find the Jerome Grand parking area that's opposite the 5 MPH sign and the dumpsters; at its far end is a gravel switchback (Giroux Street) that runs above Hill Street in the direction of the "J".

Go 81 steps past Pole 497357. Look under a pile of rocks at the base of a small stone wall that's not far off the uphill side of the road, in line with a ruin's solitary brick chimney. A tangle of weathered roots and timbers is just to the left of the hiding place; a piece of flattened rusty pipe points the way. Stamp in, then take a minute to enjoy the view of the Verde Valley, the Mogollon Rim, and the San Francisco Peaks before you head back down the road!