True story, the genesis of the Greenlee Tourism Association (GTA) began in 2010 on the shoulders of the very successful Cochise County Tourism Association.
Cochise County leaders did a superb job of attracting each and every incorporated community in Cochise County, all 7 of them, plus the county government as well as SEAGO. It was a joy to participate in such a diverse and dynamic organization.
Meetings were productive and enlightening – complete with ideas and solutions. A well developed calendar of events became a central theme, o communities did not ‘compete ‘ for an audience, or if there was overlap, how to maximize the overlap and turn it into more reasons for out-of-town and out-of-county guests to travel, recreate and stay overnight.
Thus the GTA fashioned itself in a similar manner, only with fewer participants – Clifton, Morenci/FMI, Duncan, Greenlee County and SEAGO were all founding members.
There was one very memorable and historic joint meting of both tourism groups in 2012 – showing support for each other while also showing off upcoming events. The enthusiasm weas contagious. GTA meetings often included guests from New Mexico as well as Graham County.
So here we are in 2025, bursting with activities plus one major program, the San Francisco Revitalization Project (SFRRP). A large scale plan that dovetails on the Town of Clifton General Plan regarding the rebirth and reawakening of the river that bifurcates Clifton with a stream of water that runs 24/7/365.
The goal is to reestablish businesses, commercial operations and housing along the river which was mostly lost in the flood of 1983. There is so much history in this little valley it cannot be covered briefly – so we can hit some headlines – Francisco Vázquez de Coronado led his band of treasure seekers an adventurers through this land in 1540,, remnants of helmets and other conquistador gear are still unearthed by history seekers to this day.
Much later the great chief and leader Geronimo was born in 1829 just north of Clifton near the upper and lower Eagkle Creek area, although there is disagreement about that fact, the indigenous people regard his birthplace as sacred and revered.
Also in the 1820’s Mountain Men, also known as Beaver Trappers descended on the rivers that flowed through Greenlee land until the beavers were all but extinct. However these resilient mammals/rodents are still present in this modern day, mostly in northern Greenlee County.
The great winding road, previously called the devils highway now the Coronado Trail is a National Scenic Byway ( Route 191 ) also cuts through Greenlee County.
But when copper , gold and silver were discovered in 1870’s the future of the are changed forever. Today the largest open pit copper mine in North America is located here in Greenlee County, the Morenci Mine currently owned by Freeport McMoRan operates on an impressive schedule, much like the rivers – 24/7/365. The mine produces mostly copper that serves the need of America and beyond.
Let’s end on the wild west features and history of Chase Creek Street in Clifton, home to brothels, saloons, gunfights, food and drinks – again on a mostly 24/7/365 schedule – a theme for these parts!
Come for a visit and spend a lifetime exploring and enjoying the broad range of cuisines from Filipino to Sonoran and of course steaks and BBQ. Or as the Visitor Center managed by Leslie Ray likes to remind everyone, ‘where visitors become friends’.