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Bisbee was known as the "Queen of the Copper Camps." The discovery of the
Copper Queen Lode in Bisbee led to its tremendous growth. Ores mined here
include gold, lead, silver and zinc. Phelps Dodge| Phelps Dodge | (fe'lps do'j) | A large mining company founded in 1834 by Anson Greene Phelps. |
built a railroad into Bisbee and began
its operations here in 1892. The town is built in Mule Pass Gulch. The
homes and businesses were built up the sides of the steep gulch.
There are several mining museums in the town. The town was named
for Judge DeWitt Bisbee, who was a backer for the Copper Queen Mine. By
the early 1900's, rich mineral sites helped it to become the largest city
between St. Louis and San Francisco with a population of over 20,000 people.
Though considered a highly cultural area, Bisbee also had its rough side
in places like the Brewery Gulch. A terrible fire swept through Bisbee's
Main Street in 1908, destroying everything in its path. By 1910, nearly
all had been rebuilt and the town became as it is seen even today.
Gradually, the major mining began to play out and operations began
to shrink. By 1975, mining ceased to be a major part of the economy of
the area. Bisbee then became known as a great retirement area and artist
colony. There are many events with an emphasis on the arts and on tourism.
Bisbee welcomes visitors from all over the world. There are many well-preserved
Victorian structures in Bisbee. Old boarding houses have been restored
and many made into entertaining and comfortable Bed & Breakfast Inns. Shops
abound in former saloons.
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