Exposing The World

Clarkdale

A Company Town

Originally built in 1924 by the United Verde Copper Company to refine the ore being produced uphill in Jerome, Clarkdale was, in contrast to most mining towns of its day, a highly modern planned community, though the planning included such cultural features f itsvtime as segregation. Though copper production faded after WW II, con structure of a cement plant under 1959 brought new life to the town. This plant provided all of the cement for Glen Canyon Dam.

R: Historic smelting gear

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This is the view from the copper mine above. The train is a tourist short line running to Perkinsville at the top of the verde Valley.
Site of the US Copper smelter
The old mine infirmary buildings are now a civic center
The present day police station…
…and library
Saint Cecilia’s Catholic church
The commercial district: first, an alley behind the strip
A decorated fence
A caboose turned into a diner
The park, backed by a snowy Mingus Mountain
The bungalow was the most popu;ar option
Over the years, some of these houses have been extensively remodeled
A lunch spot, with atmosphere
The Clarkdale Lodge
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