This paint out is one of four paint outs occurring over a long weekend in the Prescott/Jerome/Sedona area. Other locations include Watson Woods Riparian Preserve, Mingus Mountain, and Crescent Moon Day Use Site. Exact meetup spot for all locations to be announced.

We'll paint all day in Jerome, breaking for lunch at one of the cafes in town.

Located high on top of Cleopatra Hill (5,200 feet) between Prescott and Flagstaff is the historic copper mining town of Jerome, Arizona. Once known as the wickedest town in the west, Jerome was a copper mining camp, growing from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community. Four disastrous fires destroyed large sections of the town during its early history, resulting in the incorporation of the City of Jerome in 1899.

Founded in 1876, Jerome was once the fourth largest city in the Arizona Territory. The population peaked at 15,000 in the 1920’s. The Depression of the 1930’s slowed the mining operation and the claim went to Phelps Dodge, who holds the claim today. World War II brought increased demand for copper, but after the war, demand slowed. Dependent on the copper market, Phelps Dodge Mine closed in 1953. The remaining 50 to 100 hardy souls promoted the town as a historic ghost town. In 1967 Jerome was designated a National Historic District by the federal government. Today Jerome is a thriving tourist and artist community with a population of about 450.

Your host will be camping at Mingus Mountain Campground from the 24th through, at least, the 28th. This is a first come, first served campground. Please, join me, if you're able, or find lodging in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Jerome, Sedona, or Cottonwood.