The Morenci Mine is the largest open-pit copper mining operation in North America today and operated by Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold, Inc. The first mines here were underground operations in an area known as Metcalf starting in 1872. By 1937 the high-grade ore was depleted and open-pit mining processes beganContinue Reading
About halfway between Safford, Arizona and Lordsburg, NM on US Highway 70, “The Old West Highway”, is Duncan, Arizona. Situated along the banks of the Gila River and nestled amongst fields of cotton, corn, chiles, and cattle ranches, Duncan evokes memories of small-town America. Yet, in its midst, one findsContinue Reading
that the Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and the Conquistadors likely followed the Gila and San Francisco Rivers through the Clifton area in his search for the Seven Cities of Cibola? that the Apache Chief Geronimo was born in the vicinity of Clifton, AZ (near the confluence of EagleContinue Reading
The Famous Artists of Greenlee County Hart Haller “Hal” Empie grew-up in the Arizona Territory. He began his livelihood as a pharmacist, purchasing the Duncan Drug Store in 1937. He eventually renamed the store Art Gallery Drug. It remained in operation until 1986. Empie Kartoon-Kards are one of the firstContinue Reading
Dining Restaurants in Greenlee County are generally family-owned enterprises and most fall under the category of “Diners”. These homey establishments are friendly and you will find their menus list Mexican and American fare. Here you will find some the tastiest Mexican food dishes anywhere. But if that’s not your thing,Continue Reading
Attractions Historical Tour of Duncan Also see: Southern Arizona Guide Historical Chase Creek Walking Tour Pick up a walking tour pamphlet at the Greenlee County Historical Museum, or for an online version go to: Come to Clifton Clifton Historical Museum Also see: Come to Clifton Clifton Union Hall and Strike Mural Continue Reading
Crops & Cattle. While Clifton-Morenci mining activities were on the rise, the Gila Valley drew homesteaders and new ranches the late 1870’s. The towns of Richmond and Purdy, now Virden and Duncan, were established alongside the banks of the Gila River. 1884 saw the beginning of the XXX Ranch alongsideContinue Reading
Wild West Legends. Mountain men, like James Pattie, ventured up our rivers and creeks in 1825. They were looking for “soft gold” in the form of beaver pelts. Geronimo, born in 1829 “where the three rivers meet” tells his own tales of the county. Insisting he was born in Arizona,Continue Reading
