Clarkdale, AZ copper history (# 0493)

One thing I had not known about the area was the scale of copper mining and processing in the area.

Above the Verdes Canyon RR in this picture are the remains of the Clarkdale Smelter. Looking at a larger version of the picture will give you some hint as to the size of smelter operation, but the copy of the satellite view (adjacent) gives the most detail.

The Clarkdale Smelter was completed in 1918 by United Verdes Copper Company and continued in operation until 1953; from 1935 to 1953 it was operated by Phelps Dodge.

See:
www.azarchivesonline.org/xtf/view?docId=ead/nau/unitedverde.xml
www.clarkdale.az.gov/history.html