Arizona State Parks:
Jerome State Historic Park

In 1876, 3 prospectors staked claims on some rich copper deposits in the mountains between Prescott and today's Cottonwood. They sold their claim to the United Verde Copper Company in 1883. That began a chain of events that brought James S. Douglas to Jerome in 1912. That's when he bought and began to develop the Little Daisy Mine. Shortly after he began to work the original mine, his workers cut into an extremely rich ore vein. Shortly, the Little Daisy Mine was one of the top producing copper mines in Arizona, just about the time copper prices soared at the beginning of World War I. Copper production peaked in 1929 and the Little Daisy Mine finally shut down in 1938.

In 1916, James Douglas built the Douglas Mansion on the hill just above his copper mine. The building was constructed of adobe bricks made on the site, and was designed not just for his family but also as a hotel for investors and mining officials. For extra amenities it had a wine cellar, marble shower, steam heat, and a billiard room.

The Douglas Mansion now houses a museum dedicated to the Douglas family and the history of Jerome. Exhibited in the museum are minerals from the local mines, and period artifacts and photographs in addition to a video presentation and a 3D model of Jerome and its labyrinth of underground mines. The Douglas library has also been restored with period furnishings. On the grounds of the mansion are more displays and a picnic area with a panoramic view of the Verde Valley.

Jerome State Historic Park is open daily (except Christmas) from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Douglas Road, just off State Route 89A in the town of Jerome.