Clarkdale Arizona
Now largely a retirement community of about 3,422 residents (census 2000), this town has its beginnings thanks to William A. Clark, a Senator of Montana from 1901 to 1907. Mr. Clark bought the original United Verde mines property in 1884, later proposing the erection of a smelter. Ground was broken in 1910 on the Jordon Ranch and the town of Clarkdale was laid out in 1914. Processed copper ore was brought down from the mines until 1953 and the town was incorporated in 1957.
Built on a ridge, overlooking the smelter complex, Clarkdale was designed and built from a master plan unlike the haphazard company towns of that period. Complete with residential homes, a commercial area, an administrative center, schools, recreational and cultural facilities and parks, Clarkdale remains a model of good urban planning.
The Verde Canyon Railroad offers visitors a four-hour excursion to view the now protected ecosystem of the Sycamore Canyon wilderness. The business district downtown boasts numerous historical treasures, and two museums were expected to open in 2005.
The National Park service operates the 42-acre Tuzigoot National Monument, an 800 year old Sinagua pueblo, surrounded by hiking trails, and the bordering Tavasci Marsh has been designated an Important Birding Area by the North American Audubon Society.
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