OK, we admit it: that title is a bit of a stretch, but the place we're talking about today is still pretty creepy. In a state that receives a record amount of sunshine, it's difficult to find places that are particularly scary, since the "dark and stormy night" scenarios rarely play out here. However, if there is any place in the state that routinely receives a reputation for being ridiculously haunted, offering many visitors more than they bargained for during their stay, that location is definitely Jerome. Some call it the creepiest ghost town in Arizona, and we're inclined to agree.

Sitting in the middle of the Verde Valley, Jerome today really only has an "honorary" ghost town status.

Jerome currently has a population near 470 people, meaning it is certainly more populated than how one typically views ghost towns. But despite its progression into the 21st century, there is still something unnerving about this little place in the hills, even during the day.

Founded in the late 19th century, Jerome once was a bustling copper mining town, with over 10,000 residents in its heyday.

The nearby mines produced over 33 million tons of ore, including copper, gold, silver, lead, and zinc, which led mine owners to claim the town was worth at least $1 billion.

After some boom and bust times, Jerome eventually saw its demise begin during the Great Depression. Copper, previously in high demand, prices fell, and the mines began laying off employees until they closed completely.

Many of the town's buildings were falling into disrepair by this time, and they became damaged from soil disturbances (which may have resulted from the mining).

By 1953, the town barely had 100 residents.

Today, parts of the town still exist in the same state of disrepair and abandoned status as it was back in 1953.

This creates an eerie feeling throughout the town, especially as night falls.

Some current residents, former residents, and visitors also claim that the town is haunted.

Places such as the Connor Hotel, the Mile High Inn, and the old mines are supposedly rife with spirits. One of the most haunted areas of the town (and the state) is said to be the Jerome Grand Hotel, which was formerly the United Verde Hospital.

While there are many stories of the grisly events that have taken place in the former hospital and other places in town, reading some reader stories of interactions with both passive and very aggressive ghosts is just as frightening.

Take this experience from a reader named Robin, who left this comment on an article about haunted places in Arizona:

"I spent a night at the hotel in Jerome. I will NEVER go back. The evening started with sounds of deep fingernail scraping the door and the sound of a key going in and out of a lock (but there were no keyholes). Woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of heavy breathing. Woke up to the sound of the TV being lifted... (the TV) was not moved, but the sound of electronics being lifted is very distinct. Woke up to the sound of a cart (gurney?) going down the hall, but nothing was there, and the hall is carpeted. When I finally decided to leave at 5 am, my radio station, which is normally tuned to 107.9, was at 56.1. I tuned it to 95.5, and it was 73.5... So weird !!!!"

So, have you visited Jerome, Arizona, before? What was your experience like? Drop a comment in the section below, and let us know if you think Jerome should still be considered a ghost town, and whether or not it is creepy to you!