The Importance of Copper Mining

Strip away the buildings and the story is still copper. From the first rich surface strikes in 1877 until the last underground mine closed in 1975, Bisbee's Mule Mountains gave up more than eight billion pounds of copper, along with gold, silver, lead, and zinc, one of the most productive mining districts on earth. That output built the town's improbable substance: brick business blocks and steep residential streets that let Bisbee call itself the largest, most cultured city between St. Louis and San Francisco. The mines are quiet now, but the ore is why any of it exists.

What the plaque says

The Importance of Copper Mining. , Rich copper mines transformed Bisbee from a rough camp in the late 1800's to one of the largest and most cultured cities between St. Louis and San Francisco by the early 1900's. From the time of the discovery of rich surface deposits in 1877 until 1975, when the last of the underground mines closed, Bisbee's mountains yielded more than 8 billion pounds of copper, as well as gold, silver, lead, and zinc, representing one of the most productive mining districts in the world. The wealth generated by copper mining built not only the expansive business and residential districts, but was responsible for untold contributions worldwide.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Bisbee — 0.2 mi
  Queen of the Copper Camps — and the deportation it tried to forget
• Tombstone — 21 mi
  The silver strike named for a death that never came

More markers nearby

• Bisbee City Fire Hall — steps away
• Brewery Gulch — steps away
• Phelps Dodge General Office Building — steps away
• Copper Queen Plaza — steps away