Sedona, Arizona – J is for Jerome

Jerome, Arizona was once a thriving copper-producing city. It was named after Eugene Jerome, a New York lawyer who backed the copper mining venture.

Notice the “J” on the hillside. “J” is for Jerome. These hillside letters (or ‘mountain monikers’) are largely a western phenomenon. You won’t find them east of the Mississippi River, but they are quite prevalent in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and even as far west as Texas. Not much is known about how or why the practice originated.

Here is the old mine.

Jerome, like most of Arizona, is primarily in the desert, with little access to water. Fighting fires was particularly challenging, as was getting water.

Here’s an old water truck, which served a dual purpose, bringing water to Jerome, and, if needed, serving as a fire truck.

Have you ever been to Jerome, Arizona? If so, what did you think of it?