Bisbee, Arizona

The weather in Bisbee is comfortable most of the year. On an annual basis, the average daily temperature ranges from a maximum of 79.8 F to a minimum of 48.0 F. Bisbee receives approximately 16.4 inches of precipitation each year with snowfall being a very infrequent occurrence.

This Old West mining camp proved to be one of the richest mineral sites in the world, producing nearly three million ounces of gold and more than eight billion pounds of copper, not to mention the silver, lead and zinc that came from these rich Mule Mountains. By the early 1900s, the Bisbee community was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco.

It had a population of 20,000 people and had become the most cultured city in the Southwest. Despite its culture, however, the rough edges of the mining camps could be found in notorious Brewery Gulch, with its saloons and shady ladies. In 1908 a fire ravaged most of Bisbee's commercial district along Main Street, leaving nothing but a pile of ashes.

Reconstruction began immediately and by 1910 most of the district had been rebuilt and remains completely intact today. Activities began to slow as the mines played out and the population began to shrink; mining operations on a large scale became unprofitable in 1975.

Bisbee has since evolved into an attractive artist colony and retirement community emphasizing monthly special events and tourism. Travelers from all over the world come to Bisbee to savor its unique charm ... an uncommon blend of creativity, friendliness, style, romance and adventure — all wrapped in the splendor of the Old West.

To stop in Bisbee is to stop in time. Nestled in the mile-high Mule Mountains of southern Arizona, Bisbee has maintained an Old World charm seldom found anywhere in the United States.

The fine collection of well-preserved turn of the century Victorian structures are full of old west history and copper mining lore. Old miners' boarding houses have been refurbished into many charming small bed and breakfast establishments, of which no two are alike.

A popular activity is Bisbee's excellent self-guided fully illustrated walking tour (visit the Chamber of Commerce office to pick up your free copy). The tour details each historic structure and guides the visitor with a map. Included in the walking tour is world famous Brewery Gulch, which in its heyday boasted upwards of 47 saloons and was considered the "liveliest spot between El Paso and San Francisco."
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