Bisbee Arizona was founded in 1880 and was one of the largest copper centers in the U.S. It also produced a large supply of gold, silver and zinc. Needless to say, with these amounts of ore deposits in a nation that was growing enormously, the number of mining jobs created caused the population to swell to over 20,000 in the early 1900's. The Big Town of Bisbee
The town really became more of a city. Streetcars, opera houses, fine hotels and dining came along quickly with it's mining prosperity. Bisbee even had several stock exchanges operating and was a major stop in the early 1900's for the vaudeville circuit.
Many stars of that era including Fatty Arbuckle made Bisbee Arizona part of their traveling performance circuit. Keep in mind that Bisbee is located only about 10 miles as the crow flies from the Mexican border, so having such a largely populated town so removed from the center of emigration with it's vast cultural and financial infrastructure was certainly a one of a kind happening.
Many people astounded when they learn that Bisbee, AZ was such a large and thriving metropolis considering it's out of the way location. This was a town with streetcars and stock exchanges. The culture of this town in the late 1800's and early 1900's was on a par with St. Louis and San Francisco.
Visiting Bisbee Arizona
When I traveled to Bisbee it was as a side trip heading east from Tucson. One route south from Interstate-10 also takes you straight through Tombstone, AZ which most of us know is a large tourist attraction itself. When you continue past Tombstone you will head directly to Bisbee. Bisbee is located between Tombstone Arizona and Douglas Arizona.Great overnight lodging is available right in the heart of Bisbee. We stayed at the Letson Loft Hotel which was superb and not pricey. Many shops and restaurants are in the center of this picturesque town.I would also recommend the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum which is affiliated with the Smithsonian. Lots of interesting exhibits as well as a detailed history of the many European immigrants who because of the many and good paying mining jobs emigrated from such faraway places to the town.
Bisbee was destroyed by fire in 1908 but the residents rebuilt within a few years and the town is pretty much the same to this day.
Another interesting side note is that the town has a 100 year old baseball stadium (Warren Ballpark) with a rich history. Baseball legends like Connie Mack and Charlie Comiskey brought their teams down to Bisbee during it's golden years to play against the local team. Today the town has the Bisbee Copper Kings playing in this same ballpark. They are part of the Pacific Southwest Baseball league.
Bisbee and Tombstone Arizona
If you find yourself traveling in southern Arizona I would definitely recommend spending a night or two in Bisbee. It is located 94 miles southeast of Tucson, AZ in Cochise County. Bisbee is a short 23 mile drive east of Tombstone Arizona. Many people who visit this part of southern Arizona make trip stops at both Bisbee and Tombstone.
If you're a northerner who likes to travel south in the winter, you'll find the Bisbee Arizona weather quite enjoyable while visiting a truly unique destination. You will also enjoy our article on nearby Tombstone Arizona.
I recommend the following websites for more information:
www.disccoverbisbee.com
www.bisbeemuseum.org
www.letsonlofthotel.com
(Article copyright Western Trips)
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