BY HELEN SERRAS-HERMAN

CLARKDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM

Copper mining has been a huge contributor to Arizona’s heritage and wealth, since the 19th century, along with its by-products gold, silver, and molybdenum. Copper still reigns as one of the most important natural resources and economies in Arizona, which has been the leading copper producer in the nation since 1910. Hence, Arizona’s nickname “The Copper State.”

The town of Clarkdale is located on the banks of the Verde River in north-central Arizona. It was founded in 1912, as a “company” mining town, mainly to serve the town’s company smelter, which was processing ore from the nearby United Verde copper mine in Jerome.

The mine was owned by William A. Clark, known as “America’s Copper King.” Clark purchased the mine in 1888 and turned it into the Arizona Territory’s (at the time) richest copper producer. In 1912 there was a need for a new smelter site to replace the outdated one in Jerome, and the smelter in Clarkdale was built between 1912 and 1915, just downhill from Jerome.

To learn more about Clarkdale’s history, in October of 2019, my husband and I visited the Clarkdale Historical Society Museum (CHSM), located at 900 First North Street in Clarkdale. The museum is housed in the old clinic building, constructed during the infl uenza pandemic of 1918-19. The clinic closed in the early 1950s, and the building became town offi ces until the renovated building opened as a museum in 2008. CHSM is a non-profi t organization. Cataloging and preserving records is some of the work the society’s volunteers tend to, as well as staffi ng the museum. CHSM Chairman, Cindy Emmett, shared their objectives: “Through its collections, public programs, and preservation activities, the mission of the CHSM is to foster a deep understanding and appreciation of Clarkdale’s and the region’s rich history as well as support economic development and contribute to a higher quality of life for its citizens.” I am very thankful for her assistance and knowledge.