Historic Jerome Arizona – Haunted Jerome Grand Hotel

Historic Jerome as seen from Clarkdale, Arizona

The archives record it as Historic Jerome, Arizona. However, people visiting from around the world speak of it as picturesque, distinctly western, fun, friendly and HAUNTED.

Jerome is located at an elevation of 5,200 feet on the side of Cleopatra Hill, a portion the east rim of Verde Valley. It occupies a prominent status on the original stretch of Highway 89A from Prescott to Clarkdale.  Arizona Department of Transportation first defined route SR 89A as a State Highway in 1927.  No intersections, no choices of highways, there is one way in and one way out of this old historic mining town.

From the east, it is a short but scenic climb up Cleopatra Hill from the town of Cottonwood.

Cabin in trees between Clarkdale and Jerome

As you make the climb through Clarkdale, you pass the botanical gardens and arrive in Jerome. It’s difficult to keep your eyes on the road as you stare up at this haunting western town. Watch your back as you pull over and snap a picture.

Verde Valley from SR 89A above Jerome

Arrival from the west is a dazzling drive over the Black Hills Mountain pass from Prescott Valley. This dynamic 20 mile stretch, known as The Old Prescott Jerome Highway, is packed with hairpin switchbacks and scenic views making it a most enjoyable ride.

Historic Jerome Arizona

The quaint mining town of Jerome is brimming with museums, gift shops, galleries, fine food and drink, and a host of activities. Once known as the “wickedest town in the west” for gambling, brothels and heavy drinking miners.  Today, Jerome is a tourist hot spot, yet remains a place where bikers and aristocrats rub shoulders on the streets and in its bars.

Bikers and the Historic Connor Hotel and Spirit Room

Jerome’s past is full of legends and folklore. Birthed with the discovery of copper, gold and silver in 1876, it’s had more ups and downs then an S&P 500 chart. It was burned to the ground three times in the three years between 1897 and 1899. Rose out of the embers and grew to a population of 15,000 before shriveling to less than 50 in the 1950’s. Today’s population of 450 is certainly a mixed bag of tricks. You’ll find artists, musicians, sommeliers, innkeepers, proprietors, museum curators and more than one hermit. In 1967 Jerome was designated a National Historic District by the federal government.

A significant impact on the resurgence of Jerome has come from its folklore as an historic ghost town. Ghost tours are one of the major attractions to the area. You can tour haunted mines, restaurants, and bars, and my favorite, the haunted Jerome Grand Hotel and Asylum Restaurant.

The Jerome Grand Hotel and Asylum Restaurant

Jerome Grand Hotel in Jerome, Arizona

The Jerome Grand Hotel was originally constructed in 1926 and opened in January 1927. It derived its original name, United Verde Hospital, from its builder, the United Verde Copper Company. The hospital was built to serve the employees of the mining company but was open to the public. Listed as one of the most modern hospitals in Arizona, many professed it to be the most well equipped hospital in the United States.

The Original Otis Elevator is still in use at the Jerome Grand Hotel

It was fitted with one of the original Otis elevators, the first self-service elevator, no operator required. This elevator is noteworthy in the hauntings of the hospital as it was a factor in the rather suspicious death of maintenance man Claude (Scotty) Harvey. Scotty was found at the bottom of the elevator shaft with his head pinned beneath the car. The coroner determined that the elevator could not have been the cause of his death and believed he was murdered and placed there for concealment. True to cover ups of our day, United Verde Copper Company was instrumental in not allowing an autopsy be performed, nor even x-rays taken on poor old Scotty’s body.

On your visit to the Grand Hotel today, you just may meet Scotty standing near the Otis, loitering in the stairwell or operating the elevator from floor to floor with no help from the living. It’s still common for the front desk staff to report hearing Claude’s coughing and sneezing from the laundry room.

Highly anticipated days of the year are fast approaching for Jerome and the Jerome Grand Hotel, it’s the haunting season.  We visited the Hotel and had a lovely lunch in the Asylum Restaurant on October 25, 2014.

Gardening Naked Sandwich at the Asylum Restaurant

The hotel staff was in celebration mode, dressed in ghoulish costumes, anticipating an October 31^st paranormal explosion.  After enjoying a delicious lunch on the viewing patio, we strolled through the web strewn bar area en route to our encounter with the Hotel.

Hotel Tour

Front desk in the haunted Jerome Grand Hotel

We visited the Otis elevator, the “termination point” for Mr. Harvey, and passed by a tormented teenager parked in a dimly lit hallway, cowering in her wheel chair. We walked the same halls often occupied by a 4 or 5 year old child running down the hallway crying or laughing. It’s common for guests to report waking in the night with her standing at the foot of the bed, watching them as they sleep.

I was a bit disappointed as we did not encounter the smells of flowers, dust, cigar smoke, or whiskey often reported. We were not privileged to meet any of the ghostly legends of the hotel, or experience the sounds and sights of their presence.

Lobby of the Jerome Grand Hotel

We ended our tour in the hotel gift shop located off the main lobby. Our last memory from the Jerome Grand Hotel is of a somber looking clerk behind the hotel desk and a ghastly phantom kneeling before a table strewn with severed hands and feet.

Although we enjoyed our time in the Jerome Grand Hotel, it is but one of the attractions that draws us back often. We love the mining history, quaint gift shops, inspirational views, assorted cuisines, multiple winery tasting rooms, and observing the unbelievable diversity of people.

If You Go, the following links will be helpful:

Jerome Chamber of Commerce

Lodging in Jerome

Dining in Jerome

Google Map of Jerome Area