Clarkdale

Clarkdale, AZ! Why here? Answer is, we just need a place to stop with possible exploration opportunities. Plus, the campground that we are staying in was calling to us. It's new, relatively small, has all the amenities, and offers some spectacular views of some gorgeous scenery. And it has a nice name, Rain Spirit.

This area consists of 3 closely situated towns - Cottonwood, Clarkdale, and Jerome. Of the three, Cottonwood is by far the largest. It provides the majority of the commercial, retail, and service needs of the area. Cottonwood also provides a unique shopping area called "Old Town" consisting of several blocks of retail therapy opportunities within historic buildings. Cottonwood came to be as a result of residents seeking freedom from the "company town" regulations found in Clarkdale and Jerome.

The 3 towns are situated in the Verde Valley, which is the geographic center of Arizona. The Verde River runs through it and 80% of the Valley is National Forest. This provides for natural beauty that is augmented by red rocks, hills, and mountains. Sedona and its Red Rock beauty is a short drive away.

The real story here lies with the towns of Jerome and Clarkdale. Early in the 20th century, these towns were the epicenter of the copper mining industry. Jerome was a roaring boom town and home to one of the largest copper mines in the world. Back in the day Jerome was the 3rd largest town in Arizona. Today mining is gone and the town exists on tourism and a cement mill. Clarkdale was created after the copper smelter in Jerome had to be moved when high grade copper ore was found beneath it. A new smelter and town, Clarkdale, were built. Clarkdale, named after the mine owner, was a true company town. It was one of the most technological advanced towns of its time, having luxurious amenities of telephone, electricity, sewer, an water systems. A true planned community. Today Clarkdale is known as a "Former Company Town".Read more