Jerome, AZ — One of America’s Most Haunted Mining Towns

Spend Halloween in a Haunted Mining Town

Located in Verde Valley, Jerome is a former mining town that sits on Cleopatra Hill. Today tourists visit Jerome to learn about its history and to shop at the local gift stores and galleries. Once labelled the “wickedest town in the west,” Jerome has turned into an artisanal community that embraces its colorful history.

Haunted Jerome, AZ

Jerome, Arizona is a special place to be in October. There’s an annual Halloween celebration, with guided “Spirit Walks” that explore the local historic buildings accompanied by narratives of spooky tales.   Every year new stories surface of eerie events that have taken place in Jerome’s history.

Jerome Grand Hotel — in Jerome, Yavapai County, Arizona. Finetooth, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. It is part of the Jerome Historic District, a National storic Landmark.

The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel is considered the “most haunted” of all the buildings in Jerome. If that doesn’t scare you, consider that it used to be the Jerome Mining Hospital, where spirits of the lost souls who died there are rumored to still haunt the building.  The infamous “Death Rooms,” where former patients were once left to die, are now hotel rooms where  guests can stay.  The Grand Hotel often sells out their rooms a year in advance, reserved for Halloween celebrations, but there are other hotels where you can stay.

The Jerome Grand Hotel was originally constructed as the United Verde Hospital in 1926. The hospital was considered to be the most modern and well-equipped medical facility in Arizona and possibly the entire western region. However, the hospital closed in 1950, and the building remained unused until it was purchased and renovated into a hotel in the 1990s.

Hauntings and Ghost Stories About Jerome’s Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel is often referred to as the “most haunted” building in Jerome. Given its history as a hospital, many believe that the spirits of those who died there still roam its halls.

Death Rooms
These rooms were once where terminally ill patients were placed to live out their final days. Today, these rooms are part of the hotel, and guests have reported strange occurrences, such as cold spots, unexplained noises, and even apparitions.

The Ghost of Claude Harvey
Claude Harvey was a hospital maintenance man who died under mysterious circumstances in 1935. His body was found pinned under the hospital’s elevator, and though his death was ruled an accident, many believe there was foul play involved. Guests and staff have reported hearing phantom footsteps and the sound of an elevator moving when none is in operation.

Phantom Coughs and Cries
Given its past as a hospital, it’s not surprising that guests have reported hearing the sounds of coughing, labored breathing, and cries of pain emanating from empty rooms or hallways.

Apparitions of Nurses and Patients 
There have been numerous sightings of apparitions dressed in old-fashioned nurse uniforms or patient gowns. Some guests have even reported being “tucked in” by an unseen presence.

Unexplained Phenomena 
Beyond apparitions, guests have reported a range of paranormal activities, including lights turning on and off by themselves, doors opening and closing without human intervention, and objects moving on their own.

The Jerome Grand Hotel embraces its haunted reputation and offers ghost tours for those interested in learning more about its paranormal history. Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or just interested in the rich history of the building, the Grand Hotel offers a unique experience for all its visitors.

The Cuban Queen Bordello and its Madam

The Cuban Queen Bordello was one of the most famous brothels in Jerome during its mining heyday in the early 20th century. The bordello got its name from its most famous madam, who was known as the “Cuban Queen.” She was reputed to be a beautiful and charismatic woman who ran one of the most successful and luxurious establishments in town.

Like many establishments in Jerome, the Cuban Queen Bordello is said to be haunted. Visitors and locals have reported seeing the apparition of a woman, believed to be the Cuban Queen herself, wandering the premises. Some say they’ve heard the faint sound of 1920s music and laughter, echoing from a time when the bordello was in full swing.

There are also tales of the Cuban Queen’s love affairs, particularly one with a handsome miner. Their love story is said to have ended tragically, adding another layer of mystery and intrigue to the legend.

While the original building of the Cuban Queen Bordello no longer stands, its legend lives on. Jerome, with its haunted hotels, historic buildings, and ghost tours, embraces its paranormal past. The story of the Cuban Queen Bordello is just one of many tales that captivate visitors and keep the town’s history alive.

If you’re interested in the ghostly tales of Jerome, there are several ghost tours available that delve into the town’s haunted history, including the legend of the Cuban Queen Bordello.

Mile-High Inn

The Mile High Inn, located in Jerome, Arizona, is a historic establishment with a rich past. Like many buildings in Jerome, it’s said to be haunted, and one of its most famous ghostly residents is believed to be Madam Jennie Bauters.

Madam Jennie Bauters
Jennie Bauters was one of the most successful madams in Jerome during its mining boom days. She arrived in Jerome in the early 20th century and quickly established herself as the owner of a profitable brothel. Her establishment was known for its luxury and high-end services, catering to the town’s elite.

Jennie became one of the wealthiest women in the area, owning several properties. However, her life was not without tragedy. It’s said that she lost three husbands, all under mysterious or tragic circumstances. Some say they were murdered, while others believe they might have met with mining accidents.

On September 8th, 1905, tragedy struck at Gold Roads Mining Camp (Mohave County) when Jennie Bauters, who had been the mistress of Lement C. Leigh for several years, was fatally shot by a jealous Leigh, as reported by the Bisbee Daily Review newspaper article. The article revealed that Jennie was trying to break things off with Lee and had been paying attention to someone new, which fueled Lee’s jealousy and ultimately led to the tragic incident.

Even though Jennie Bauters met her tragic end at Gold Roads mining camp and not in Jerome, AZ, she is still believed to haunt the Mile-High Inn building, adding to the town’s collection of ghostly tales.

Mile High Inn
The Mile High Inn, formerly known as the Clinkscale Building, was one of the properties Jennie owned. After the decline of the mining industry and the closure of many brothels, the building went through various transformations. Today, it operates as an inn and is a popular destination for those interested in Jerome’s history and ghost stories.

Hauntings at Mile-High Inn
Guests and staff at the Mile High Inn have reported numerous paranormal activities. These include the apparition of a woman believed to be Jennie, mysterious footsteps, cold spots, and even the sounds of cats – even though no cats are present. Madam Jennie Bauters is often considered the primary spirit residing there, but other ghosts, possibly from its bordello days or from other periods in its history, are believed to haunt the inn as well.

In addition to its ghostly tales, the Mile High Inn is known for its historic charm, offering visitors a glimpse into Jerome’s vibrant past.

The Connor Hotel

The Connor Hotel, located in the historic town of Jerome, Arizona, boasts a rich history dating back to its initial construction in 1897 by David Connor. This establishment served as a luxurious accommodation for visitors during Jerome’s mining heyday, offering a glimpse into the opulence of the era. However, the hotel faced several challenges, including devastating fires, which led to multiple reconstructions. Despite these setbacks, the Connor Hotel has been meticulously restored, preserving its historical charm while providing modern amenities.

The Connor Hotel in Jerome, Arizona, is reputed to be home to several spirits, contributing to the town’s reputation as a haunted locale. Guests and staff have reported a variety of paranormal activities, including unexplained noises, doors opening and closing on their own, and sudden temperature changes. One of the most frequently encountered apparitions is that of a woman named Sammie Dean, a prostitute who was allegedly strangled by a client in the hotel. Her spirit is said to roam the hallways, seeking justice for her untimely demise. Additionally, the spirits of former patrons and miners are believed to linger in the hotel, contributing to the eerie atmosphere and mysterious occurrences that continue to intrigue both locals and visitors alike.

History of Jerome, AZ

In the late 19th century, Jerome’s fate was forever changed with the discovery of rich veins of copper, gold, and silver. “In 1876, mining claims and a mill were located near the town,  These claims were puchased in 1882 by the United Verde Company, and the tent camp was named Jerome after Eugene Jerome, a major financier of the company.  Senator William Clark of Montana purchased the company in 1883.  By the mid-1920s the population had grown to almost 15,000 before it began to decline.”  Source: Historic Plaque in Jerome.

The Wickedest Town in the West

However, with prosperity came vice. The town’s numerous saloons, gambling dens, and brothels earned it the moniker “Wickedest Town in the West.” Despite its vibrant life, Jerome was not without challenges. Fires, a common menace in mining towns, ravaged Jerome multiple times, reshaping its landscape.

Panorama of the United Verde Smelter as it appeared around 1909, before the mine became an open-pit operation. Public domain.

The Great Depression, coupled with waning copper demand, marked the beginning of Jerome’s decline. By 1953, mining operations ceased, and the once-thriving town saw its population plummet to below 100. The streets that once echoed with the cacophony of miners, traders, and revelers now whispered tales of a bygone era.

The 1960s and 70s brought unexpected saviors to Jerome: artists and historians. Attracted by the town’s rich history and affordable properties, they breathed new life into its streets. Jerome began its transformation into an artists’ community, with galleries, studios, and boutiques springing up in its historic buildings. The town’s haunting charm became its unique selling point, drawing tourists eager to explore its paranormal lore and artistic treasures.

In 1967, in recognition of its historical significance, Jerome was designated a National Historic District. The Jerome State Historic Park, featuring the Douglas Mansion, offers a deep dive into the town’s mining heritage.

Today, Jerome stands proud as a beloved tourist destination. While its population remains modest at just over 400 residents, the town buzzes with events, festivals, and a palpable sense of community. From a mining powerhouse to a ghost town and now an artistic haven, Jerome’s journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people and the timeless allure of its history.

If you take a walk through Jerome, it’s like walking back in time.  You’ll pass by old saloons and historic buildings that still hold their iconic southwestern character.  There are even remnants of a once bustling red light district.

If you go during Halloween …

There are Spirit Walks and Ghost Tours that take you through the ruins and historic buildings Jerome is famous for. You can see a list of ghost tours with links to reserve a ticket on Tripadvisor.

The Annual Halloween Dance Party takes place primarily in Spook Hall. For more than three decades, the costume ball has been a fundraiser for the town’s fire department.  “It’s quite an event,” says Fire Chief Terry Molloy, “the whole town has taken it up; even the bars are decorated, and people book rooms six to 12 months in advance.”