Clifton, Arizona – Mining Copper Through Thick and Thin
Nestled in the southeastern corner of Arizona, where the rugged landscape meets the shimmering San Francisco River, lies Clifton, Arizona, a town forged in the fiery crucible of copper mining. This resilient community, steeped in history and brimming with tales of boom and bust, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West. Clifton, Arizona has weathered labor disputes, economic downturns, and devastating floods, yet it persists, clinging to its rich heritage and the vast copper deposits that lie beneath its feet.
The story of Clifton, Arizona begins not with settlers seeking farmland or fortune hunters chasing gold, but with the glint of copper in the canyon walls. It is said that in 1869, Army Scouts, while pursuing Apache Indians, first noticed the mineral wealth hidden within the canyon. Some accounts suggest that Arizona Gold Miner Henry Clifton had already discovered the copper in the mid-1860s. However, it wasn’t until three years later that prospectors returned, establishing a rudimentary camp called Goulding’s Camp, named after one of the pioneering miners. This marked the genesis of a town that would become synonymous with copper extraction.
Founded in 1873, near the confluence of the San Francisco River and Chase Creek, Clifton, Arizona also holds historical significance as the birthplace of the renowned Apache leader, Geronimo. As mining claims multiplied, so did the companies vying for control of the area’s resources. Among them was the Longfellow Copper Mining Company, owned by brothers Henry and Charles Lesinsky. In 1874, they expanded their operations, constructing a more efficient smelter at the point where Chase Creek converged with the San Francisco River. This strategic move solidified their presence and fueled the growth of Clifton, Arizona. Other prominent mining companies, such as the Arizona Copper Company and the Detroit Copper Company, also emerged, further shaping the town’s industrial landscape.
The relentless pursuit of copper required innovation and infrastructure. In 1879, the Lesinsky brothers spearheaded the construction of Arizona Territory’s first steam-powered railroad, a vital artery that transported ore from the mine to the smelter. Over the next two decades, they acquired ten "baby gauge" locomotives, so-called because their tracks were a mere 20 inches wide, significantly narrower than the standard narrow gauge (36 inches) or standard gauge (58 inches). These diminutive locomotives played a crucial role in the mining operations. Today, only one of these original locomotives, the Copper Head, remains in Clifton, a cherished relic of the past, retired in 1922 and proudly displayed near the town’s iconic Cliff Jail.
The rapid growth of Clifton, Arizona brought not only prosperity but also challenges. As with many frontier mining camps, crime became a pervasive issue. To address this, in 1881, stonemason Margarito Varela was commissioned to build the Clifton Cliff Jail. Prior to its construction, criminals were sentenced to work in the mines, but escapes were frequent. The Lesinsky brothers envisioned a secure and "escape-proof jail," and Varela delivered, ingeniously embedding the jail into the side of a solid granite cliff, accessible only by climbing.
Varela, using only a pick and drill, along with blasting powder, carved out two cells within the cliff. One was a small, solitary room for violent offenders, while the other was a larger, eight by 20-foot space for other prisoners. Both cells were fortified with two-inch-wide and three-fourths-of-an-inch-thick iron bars, iron doors, and windows positioned ten feet above the floor. Legend has it that Varela, after celebrating the completion of his masterpiece, indulged in excessive drinking and caused a commotion in a local dance hall, resulting in his arrest and the dubious honor of becoming the jail’s first inmate.
In 1882, the Lesinsky brothers sold their interests to the Arizona Copper Company, backed by Scottish investors. Despite fluctuations in copper prices that hindered profitability, the company continued to expand the operation. Then, in 1902, the Shannon Copper Company constructed another smelter on what is now known as Shannon Hill, dedicated to refining ore from the nearby mining town of Metcalf.
Clifton’s fortunes, however, were not solely tied to the mines. In 1906, the Clifton Cliff Jail was decommissioned after a devastating flood nearly submerged the structure. Prisoners were rescued through a small window high in the roof, and the jail was left filled with mud and debris. Nevertheless, the jail was restored in 1929 and is now a part of the Clifton Townsite Historic District.
Among the town’s notable establishments was the Clifton Mineral Hot Springs and Bath House. Renowned for its natural thermal springs that flowed directly into the building, the bath house drew visitors from far and wide. This influx of patrons benefited other businesses in Clifton, contributing to a vibrant social life that rivaled that of larger cities. The town boasted theaters and opera houses that attracted renowned talent to their stages.
In 1909, voters selected Clifton, Arizona as the seat of the newly formed Greenlee County, marking a significant milestone in its history. A new courthouse and jail were completed in 1912. The town’s population peaked around this time, with census figures indicating 5,000 residents, though the actual number was likely higher due to inconsistent counting of Mexican and Chinese residents.
In the years leading up to 1921, many of the mining operations were consolidated under the control of the Phelps Dodge Corporation, which had previously held a partial stake in the Detroit Copper Company. Although the Stock Market Crash of 1929 led to the mines closing for four years, the introduction of open-pit mining ushered in a new era of prosperity, and copper mining continues to this day.
While the town had experienced floods in the past, the floods of 1972 and 1983 caused severe damage and economic hardship. However, each time, the people of Clifton, Arizona demonstrated resilience and determination.
Furthermore, Clifton, Arizona, along with nearby Morenci, was the epicenter of the Arizona Copper Mine Strike of 1983. This protracted labor dispute lasted nearly three years, prompting the governor to deploy the National Guard, replace striking workers, and ultimately resulted in the largest decertification of unions in U.S. history. Despite these challenges, the mining operation at Clifton/Morenci remains one of the largest in the world, second only to Escondido, Chile.
Today, with a population of approximately 3,300 residents, Clifton, Arizona showcases its rich mining heritage. Visitors can explore the Historic Depot and Visitors Center and the Clifton Cliff Jail, immersing themselves in the town’s storied past.
While much of the old downtown area remains largely abandoned, efforts have been made over the years to revitalize the district, drawing inspiration from the successful transformation of Bisbee. Clifton, Arizona, with its rugged charm and enduring spirit, continues to offer a glimpse into the heart of the American West.