Globe, Arizona: Copper, Culture, and Canyon Country – The Evolution of a Mountain Mining Town

Perched at the base of the Pinal Mountains and surrounded by rugged canyon lands, Globe, Arizona is a town forged by copper, shaped by cultural diversity, and sustained by its mountainous landscape. Once a booming mining camp turned regional center, Globe’s story is rich with labor, legacy, and the determination of a high-desert community that has endured since territorial days.

Tribal Lands and Ancient Trade Routes

Long before miners descended into the copper-rich hills, the area that would become Globe was part of the ancestral lands of the Western Apache. These lands—dense with oak, juniper, and pine—offered seasonal hunting grounds, natural springs, and sacred sites for Indigenous peoples who navigated the region through well-worn trade routes stretching between the Mogollon Rim and the Sonoran Desert.

The Salt River, not far to the north, provided water and transportation corridors. Archaeological sites in the surrounding areas, including ancient tools, pottery, and petroglyphs, reveal that the Salado culture also left its imprint here, connecting Globe’s land to centuries of habitation.

Conflict escalated as American expansion moved into the region. The area became part of a contested zone during the Apache Wars, with fierce resistance led by figures like Geronimo and Cochise, whose bands resisted military and settler incursion well into the 1880s.

Mining Strikes and a Town is Born (1870s–1900)

The formal founding of Globe traces back to the 1870s, when prospectors discovered silver, and later, vast deposits of copper in the surrounding hills. The name “Globe” reportedly comes from a silver nugget found in the shape of a globe, although exact accounts vary. What followed was a rapid influx of miners, engineers, merchants, and laborers eager to stake their fortunes.

The U.S. Army established Camp Thomas nearby to protect settlers, and Globe quickly grew into a raucous frontier town of saloons, boarding houses, and rough justice. In 1875, it became the seat of newly formed Gila County, solidifying its political and economic influence.

As copper demand surged with the rise of electricity and industrialization, Globe became a key supplier. The nearby Old Dominion Mine, opened in 1881, emerged as one of the most productive copper mines in the Southwest. A railroad spur linked Globe to the broader Southern Pacific network, ensuring that ore could be shipped efficiently across the country.

Globe’s early population was a mosaic of Anglo settlers, Mexican miners, Chinese laborers, and Native Americans—many of whom worked side by side under grueling conditions. This diversity gave the town a unique cultural blend that persists today.

Prosperity, Fire, and Rebuilding (1900–1930s)

The early 20th century brought both prosperity and hardship. Globe blossomed with grand architecture, brick civic buildings, and churches. The Gila County Courthouse, completed in 1906, and the elegant Globe High School became symbols of permanence in a town once known for transience.

But fires, floods, and labor unrest also left their mark. Several destructive fires swept through downtown, prompting reconstruction efforts that led to a more durable and cohesive architectural identity. Labor strikes, particularly in the copper mines, highlighted the tensions between industrial owners and the working class, especially during the rise of the labor movement and the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World).

Despite these trials, Globe held fast to its role as a regional hub. Businesses thrived, newspapers circulated, and the arts took root with the establishment of libraries and civic clubs.

Decline and Reinvention (1940s–1980s)

By mid-century, Globe, like many mining towns, faced a new chapter. The postwar era saw fluctuations in copper prices and increasing mechanization, leading to layoffs and reduced economic activity. The Old Dominion Mine closed in 1931, though mining continued in nearby communities like Miami and Superior.

Globe adapted by diversifying its economy. The development of roads and infrastructure made the town a convenient stop between Phoenix and the White Mountains. Tourism began to grow, particularly among visitors drawn to Globe’s well-preserved historic core and its access to outdoor recreation in the Tonto National Forest.

Public works programs during the New Deal era, including road paving and building restoration, helped sustain local jobs and preserve civic landmarks. Educational institutions, including Eastern Arizona College – Gila Pueblo Campus, provided pathways for younger generations to remain connected to the community.

Globe Today: Heritage with a Hometown Spirit

Today, Globe is home to roughly 7,500 residents and continues to blend its mining past with a growing arts and tourism scene. The town’s historic downtown district features antique shops, art galleries, cafes, and the famous Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park, where visitors can explore reconstructed ruins of a Salado pueblo that once flourished in the area.

The Cobre Valley Center for the Arts, housed in the restored courthouse, showcases local talent and hosts cultural events year-round. Annual festivals like the Apache Jii Day, Copper Dust Stampede Rodeo, and Globe Historic Home Tour celebrate the town’s multicultural roots and pioneer spirit.

While mining is no longer the dominant industry, the legacy remains etched into the identity of Globe—from street names to school mascots to public sculptures made of copper and steel.

Looking Forward: Legacy in the Landscape

As Globe moves into the future, it seeks to honor its past while embracing innovation. Downtown revitalization, ecotourism, and historic preservation projects are breathing new life into aging structures and reintroducing visitors to the town’s rich narrative.

Whether exploring the narrow canyon roads or walking past century-old storefronts, visitors to Globe find a town where copper built the foundation—but the community continues to shape its course.