Thursday, July 4, 2024
Small Town Vibe
Population 3000-4999

Clarksdale, AZ: 5 Reasons to visit this historic master planned community!

Small Town Vibe

March 2024: Our Spring Break Road trip involved a wonderful day in Verde Valley wine country! One of our small town stops was Clarkdale, AZ (pop.4,419*), which is 4 miles west of the larger town of Cottonwood (pop.11,265*), home to many regional wineries. We were impressed with the many amenities of such a small town! Clarkdale, it turns out is a unique example of an early planned community designed specifically to support a nearby mine (learn more history below!). We discovered a small town with a lot to offer, including an appealing hub for a wide variety of area activities.

Clarkdale is a town in Yavapai County. The Verde River flows through the town as does Bitter Creek, an intermittent tributary of the river.

Clarksdale – A Brief History

The history of the small town of Clarkdale is heavily tied to the Copper Mining operation in Jerome, AZ just a few miles to the west. The Jerome Mine itself was established in 1876, but largely unmined until it was purchased by William A. Clark, an entrepreneur involved with mining, banking, railroads and politics. Experienced in the operations of Copper mining, Clark developed his new Jerome mining acquisition – the United Verde Copper Company – into one of the largest copper mines in the world. He established Clarkdale to be one of the most modern mining towns in the world and an early example of a planned community, which providing housing, services and a smeltering operation for the mine. Much of the town’s original floorplan exists today with many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • 1887 – Jerome Copper mine is sold to William A Clark
  • 1912 – Clarkdale (unincorporated) is founded by William A Clark as a “company” town, starting by constructing a Smelter to support the Jerome copper mining operations
  • 1914 – Construction begins for upper town, which includes today’s downtown business block and housing for the mine’s leadership
  • 1927 – Clark Memorial Clubhouse and Memorial Library are opened
    • Note: today the Clark Memorial Clubhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the official meeting place of the Town Council.
  • 1935 – The United Verde mining operation changes hands to Phelps Dodge. In the unincorporated town, the people of Clarkdale experience significant change.
  • 1953 – The mine is sold again, starting an era of various new owners and even more changes for the town.
  • 1957 – The Clarkdale Community Betterment Association is incorporated into the town of Clarkdale under a Council Manager form of Government.
  • 1959 – The Salt River Materials Group (formerly Phoenix Cement Company) is established, starting a new era of industry in the area
  • 1988 – Clarkdale is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
  • 1990 – Verde Canyon Railroad is re-opened for passenger service and becomes a popular tourist attraction
  • 2012 – The Arizona Copper Art Museum is opened in the old High School building (1960-2002) after 8 years of renovation

Interesting Historical Factoids (source: Wikipedia)

  • List of historic properties in Clarkdale, Arizona – Wikipedia – interesting in the context of Clarkdale being the first Master Planned community in Arizona!
  • Clarkdale was a segregated town for much of its early history. Mexican and Mexican-American laborers were restricted to living in Patio Town (see neighborhoods), with a separate swimming pool and park; the town swimming pool was marked “whites only.” Additionally, Upper Clarkdale was designated for engineers and executives, while Lower Clarkdale was for the “working class.”
  • The town center and business district were built in Spanish Colonial style, and feature the Clark Memorial Clubhouse and Memorial Library, both still in use. 
  • Several motion pictures have been shot in Clarkdale, including Desert Fury, Midnight Run, Universal Soldier, Benefit of the Doubt and Brothel

5 Reasons to visit Clarkdale – and consider it a weekend get-away hub for area activities!

#1. Fun local food / drink options – including an excellent Brewery!

#2. Walkable Historic downtown with several museum options!

#3. Several Fun local downtown shops

#4. Multiple area things to do and see…consider a stay in Clarkdale as a less crowded hub for your adventures

#5. Located near several towns with even more amazing things to do and see

More to Explore!

Annual Events

Economic Development

Map of Clarkdale

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