Arizona is rife with abandoned mining towns, but Bisbee is unique in that it's still a thriving, populous community. Not only do over 5,000 people live in this small city, but a generous amount of unseen visitors -- or ghosts, as they're more commonly known. Many workers met a tragic demise in the copper shafts, and their souls have unfinished business in the most haunted town in Arizona. Despite this, even if you don't have any paranormal encounters, the town is absolutely charming.
Like many small towns in Arizona, Bisbee owes itself to the mining industry - copper, to be precise.
Founded in the 1880s, the city of just over 5,000 has seen its fair share of tragedy despite being little more than a blip on the map.
Taken in 1905, this shot highlights some of the earliest mining operations in the state.
Over the years, many a worker would perish on the job and leave behind grief-stricken families and unfinished business.
Queen Mine produced nearly 10 million pounds of various metals, primarily copper, before closing in 1975.
It extends a whopping 1,500 feet below ground, featuring hundreds of shafts and corridors that were a breeding ground for accidents.
Hop in a mining cart and descend into the darkness for an experience that's both educational and a little spooky.
Some of the tour guides are former miners themselves, each one with plenty of beyond-the-grave encounters to share.
Would it really be a haunted town without at least one hotel where ghosts are rumored to walk the halls?
We think not, and Bisbee has a grand total of three. The Copper Queen Hotel has three resident specters, and a ghost ledger at the front desk encourages guests to record their encounters.
Here at the Bisbee Grand Hotel, there are exactly 13 rooms - a fact that sends shivers down our spine in and of itself.
All of them are rumored to be haunted, with guests often experiencing overturned items, misplaced towels, and unexplained noises. It is a former boarding house for miners, so do what you will with that information.
Even restaurants can't escape unseen visitors.
Contessa's Cantina, a family-owned Mexican restaurant, is rumored to have a friendly ghost that roams the dining room long after guests have cleared out. Even if you don't see anything out-of-the-ordinary, the delicious food and innovative cocktails are reason enough to eat here.
Feel free to explore on your own, or visit the Old Bisbee Ghost Tour website or Facebook page to learn more about their guided walking tours.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
