Learn About Bisbee, Arizona

Bisbee Overview

Bisbee is a city in Cochise County, Arizona, known for its rich mining history.
Founded in 1880, the town was named after Judge DeWitt Bisbee, a financial backer of the Copper Queen Mine.
By the early 20th century, Bisbee was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco due to its booming mining industry.
The city's economy declined after the closure of the mines in the 1970s, but it has since reinvented itself as a vibrant arts community and tourist destination.

Bisbee was once known as the "Queen of the Copper Camps" due to its prolific copper mining industry.
The city is home to the historic Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, which showcases the town's mining past.
Bisbee was the site of the infamous Bisbee Deportation in 1917, where over 1,200 striking miners were rounded up and deported to the New Mexico desert.

Writer and poet Richard Shelton is a notable resident of Bisbee, known for his works on the American Southwest.
Artist and musician Roger Clyne, frontman of the band Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, also calls Bisbee home.

The Queen Mine Tour offers visitors a chance to explore a real copper mine and learn about Bisbee's mining history.
The Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb is a challenging event that takes participants up and down the city's historic staircases.
The Bisbee Farmers Market is a popular spot for fresh produce, crafts, and local goods.

Tombstone, known for its Wild West history, is a short drive from Bisbee and offers attractions like the O.K. Corral and Boothill Graveyard.
The Chiricahua National Monument features stunning rock formations and hiking trails just a drive away from Bisbee.

Bisbee's population peaked in the early 1900s at around 20,000 residents due to the mining boom.
Today, the city has a population of around 5,200 people, reflecting its shift from mining to tourism and the arts.

Bisbee is located in the Mule Mountains of southeastern Arizona, offering stunning desert landscapes and mountain views.
The city is situated at an elevation of about 5,500 feet, providing cooler temperatures than the surrounding desert regions.

While mining was once the primary industry in Bisbee, the city now relies on tourism, arts, and small businesses for its economy.
Bisbee's historic downtown area is home to numerous shops, galleries, and restaurants catering to visitors and locals alike.

Bisbee has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, studios, and art events held throughout the year.
The city hosts the Bisbee Film Festival, showcasing independent films from around the world.

The Copper Queen Hotel, built in 1902, is a historic landmark in Bisbee and is rumored to be haunted.
The Lavender Pit, a former open-pit copper mine, offers a unique glimpse into Bisbee's mining past.