THE
TREASURE
REMAINS

• Turn-of-the-Century Charm

• Fine Lodging & Dining

• Art Galleries    Shops

• Queen Mine Tours

• Mild, Year 'Round Climate

Bisbee, 100 miles southeast of Tucson, is the picturesque county seat of historic Cochise County.  The community was founded in 1880 and named after Judge DeWitt Bisbee, a financial backer of the Copper Queen Mine.  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 1900's, 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.

Come stay in Bisbee.  Stroll its sidewalks and find delight in the many art galleries, gourmet restaurants, coffee houses, book stores and specialty shops.  Visit the charmingly restored neighborhoods of Victorian and European-style homes perched miraculously on the hillsides.  Unwind ... relax ... and find soothing respite from your everyday world.

Old World Charm

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.  Former saloons are now quaint shops, antique stores or art galleries, cafes and restaurants.  Many travelers return year after year to relax and enjoy a quiet week in Old Bisbee re-discovering these many pleasures.  A popular activity is Bisbee's excellent self guided fully illustrated Walking Tour, which details each historic structure and guides the visitor with a map.  Included in the Walking Tour is would famous Brewery Gulch which in its heyday boasted upwards of 47 saloons and was considered the "liveliest spot between El Paso and San Francisco."  Other activities include the Queen Mine Tour, a trip down into the now inactive copper mine, a visit at the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, a must for history buffs, the historic Muheim House, an outstanding example of 19th century architecture and elegance, and the Lavender Pit Open Mine.

 
                                            Movie Location

Because Bisbee is so well preserved historically, it is a natural magnet drawing film companies here for a host of settings.  Bisbee can become Spain, Greece, Italy, or turn of the century New York City with a little creative movie magic.   Visitors to Bisbee have often happened upon a film crew feverishly working to complete a day's shooting in Old Bisbee.  Many Bisbee residents have been cast as extras in a number of films.

   Wonderful Climate

Bisbee's perfect location in the Mule Mountains (5300 Ft) of southern Arizona protect it from blistering summer heat and bitter winter cold.  Summers are noticeably cooler than in torridly hot Phoenix and Tucson, the evenings in Bisbee being delightfully comfortable.  Winters are crisp and short with plenty of sunshine and daytime highs are often in the 60's.  The air is always crystal clear throughout the year.

Average Daily Temperature
Fall/Winter: October - March 64º
Spring/Summer: April - September 84º

Creative Colony

Bisbee has become a haven for artists, poets, writer, healers, and other free sprits fed up with city life.  Rich in architecture and culture, Bisbee has been named one of the nation's best small arts communities.  Bisbee's artists sell their work in numerous art galleries, crafts' shops, and artists' cooperatives.  Others merely enjoy Bisbee as a source of inspiration, a place where they can work in relative anonymity.  Although only a small town in terms of population (approx. 6000).  Bisbee supports a lively cultural scene featuring music ranging from street dances to classical concerts at the Bisbee's Women's Club, gallery openings featuring southwest and local artists, plays at the Bisbee Repertory Theater and numerous cafes with poetry readings and open-mike-cabarets.  Bisbee also has many restaurants for fine dining, a microbrewery, historic saloons with live music, antique shops, and unique specialty stores.  In addition, most weekends will find some special event taking place in Old Bisbee.

Quality Retirement

Bisbee's wonderful climate and rural location make it an ideal place of retirement for those fleeing urban sprawl.  Retirees, artists, craftspeople, educators, and technology-based professionals find a compatible home in Bisbee.  Bisbee is also attracting a significant number of individuals who have decided to start a business or practice their profession in a developing rural area.  A host of national publications have consistently rated Bisbee high on list of nation's best retirement locations.  Crystal clear air, golf, low crime rates, beautiful scenery, and active community, business, and senior organizations are just some of the benefits of living in Bisbee.

Cochise County

With its fine lodging, dining, history, art, culture, shopping and entertainment, Bisbee is the perfect base location for exploring the diversity of Cochise County.  A trip in any direction in a history lesson on the American Frontier.  The Apache Wars were fought in the area.  The close proximity to Mexico allows visitors to enjoy border culture, Natural and historical attractions include the Chiricahua National Monument, Cochise Stronghold, San Pedro Riparian Conservation Preserve, Southeastern Arizona, Bird Observatory, Slaughter Ranch, Ramsey Canyon Nature Preserve, Arizona Cactus and Succulent Research Center, Fort Huachuca, ghost town, the City of Tombstone, Montezuma Pass and the Coronado National Forest named after the Spanish explorer who traveled the area in search of his "Seven Cities of Gold".

Event Full

Bisbee is the host to many annual events including La Vuelta de Bisbee, Bisbee Poetry Festival, Historic Home Tour, 1000-Stair Climb, Mule Mountain Marathon, Bisbee Art Festival, Brewery Gulch Days, Bisbee Mineral Show, and the Fiber Arts Festival.  The annual Calendar of Events includes something for everyone.

Perhaps You'll Never Leave

Many a story is related about a visitor who came to Bisbee and never left.  Those who do leave often return year after year until one day they too decide to make this wonderful place their permanent home. Bisbee was recently named one of "the best new American Destinations" by Travel & Leisure magazine, a "hot vacation spot" by Rolling Stone magazine, and USA Today states "there is an excitement about Bisbee's newfound fame."  Visit Bisbee, stay a few days, breathe the crystal clear mountain air, and enjoy the art and history of Arizona's most fascinating city.

Vital Statistics 

• One of Arizona's oldest golf courses
• Desert Botanical garden
• 23 Restaurants
• 12 Historic B 7 B's
• 3 motels
• 4 RV Parks
  

• Mine tour
• 2 Historic Hotels
• 2 Banks
• 2 Museums
• The oldest continuous AZ library
• 8 Antique Stores
• NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS

Bisbee Chamber of Commerce
PO Box BA
Bisbee,  AZ   85603-0560
(520) 432-5421

*Brochure copied courtesy of the Bisbee Chamber of Commerce. (1999 version)