Mining has a long history in Arizona and was one of the major catalysts for the American population to rise in the mid 19th-century. Copper, silver, gold, and uranium are some of the top minerals extracted from the land around here. While the politics and questionable ethics surrounding this practice continue to be a major issue today, it’s difficult to ignore the impact mining has had for the Arizona economy.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to work inside an old mine, you’re in luck. There are several mines—both operating and closed—where you can take a tour of the facilities and the mine itself. However, there is one place that stands out.
The first mining claim made in the Mule Mountains came in 1877 after a member of the U.S. Calvary spotted minerals while looking for water sources. Later named the Copper Queen Mine, it produced a huge amount of copper which led to Bisbee’s economic growth and was worth $6.1 billion when the mine closed in 1975.
Mining work anywhere is extremely hazardous and Phelps Dodge (the company that owned the mine and others in the state) was noted among its contemporaries for treating workers fairly. Seeking better wages and improved working conditions, miners attempted to unionize in the early 20th century and led a strike. This did not go over well with the company and eventually led to the kidnapping and forced deportation of thousands of miners in 1917.
Today, the Copper Queen Mine is closed for business but continues to operate as a tourist attraction, hosting tours of the underground mine led by retired miners of the Phelps Dodge Corporation. The tour starts by donning a bright yellow slicker and a hard hat, then boarding an old mine cart.
Tourists ride 1,500 feet deep into the mine, which recreates the experience many Bisbee miners experienced for a century. If you have fears of the dark or enclosed spaces, you might want to mentally prepare yourself in advance or take your anti-anxiety medication because the tunnels are dark and narrow.Below is a short video that shows what to expect when entering the mine.
Along the way, tour guides share the history of the mine, the dangers of the job, and even their own experiences of working in the mine. This is the perfect opportunity to find out what a day’s work involved and the kinds of obstacles workers had to overcome.
The Queen Mine offers five guided tours daily and each tour lasts approximately one hour. Admission is $13 for adults and $5.50 for children ages 4-12. Information about hours and reservations can be found on the Queen Mine Tours website.
Want to check out some other cool tours around the state? We have a list of 10 unique spots to visit in our article, 10 Unforgettable Tours Everyone In Arizona Should Take At Least Once. Enjoy!
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