Bisbee, AZ - journey back in time; mineral mining was the industry - founded in 1880 - it's claim was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco and by 1908 had an electric trolley running 12 miles to the smaller communities housing the miners and their families.
Under of the coldest temperatures that this part of Arizona has been subjected to in decades, we ventured out to see historic Bisbee. The main street is narrow, busy and without those annoying signal lights so one needs to be alert to cars pulling out from side streets - awkward if what you are doing is looking at the old buildings, visible artwork and sculptures and signs pointing out the old-cool stuff. So cold there were few people walking around at noon. Quite a few B&B's and inns, but we were surprised at the number of cafes that
didn't open until 5pm-at least in OldTown.
< Bisbee's Post Office is nestled back
in a corner as you enter town and the Copper Queen Mine headquarters now houses the Bisbee Mineral and Historical Museum >>>>>
Currently the Smithsonian is a part of the exhibits inside which is interesting and well done (as only the Smithsonian can do. They don't want you taking photos but I did snap (without flash) these two. I couldn't resist given the technology of the <1870's Phone and the Victoria > for both were great examples of where we were and where we are now: cell phones and I-pods....image what the people of the 1800's would think about progress in these two areas today?
The museum has a large amount of mineral ore as examples, a wealth of history on mining and the development of the union which created an uprising and eventual strike and deportation of about 1200 workers.
It was truly sad to then drive out of town to see the large open pit Lavendar mine. This sign stands in the parking lot where visitors can 'view' the now non-operational Lavender pit. It scars the land for miles as the tailings are piled high for what seems forever. Some of the photos we took of the pit are posted in the "Additional photos of the day" to the right of this post, and it also includes some artwork photos from around town too!
Next stop - Tombstone and the Fight at the OK Corral.
Until then - Ciao.
We were also in Bisbee about this time of year. Did you do the underground mining tour where you wear the hats with lights and mining gear. Also, just south of town is a unique trailer park with a soda fountain that is worth seeing if you go back
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