The Bisbee Historic Tour

Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Old Town Bisbee on this walking tour that begins at the junction of Tombstone Canyon and Zacatecas Canyon. This area, known as Brewery Gulch, became the center of one of the world’s largest copper strikes and was once bustling with miners traveling to and from their homes at the start and end of long shifts. As the town grew, Brewery Gulch developed a reputation as one of the wildest spots in the Southwest, filled with saloons, gambling establishments, opium dens, and houses of ill repute. Tour participants will learn how the copper claim filed by Jack Dunn in the late nineteenth century set the foundation for Bisbee’s rise to become Arizona’s largest and most prosperous town. Along the way, visitors will hear about the natural disasters, fires, floods, and diseases that shaped the town’s history and the reckless lifestyles that led to numerous tragedies.

Discover how Bisbee evolved from its earliest days as home to Apache communities to a mining camp of tents and shacks, eventually becoming a respectable city and the county seat for Cochise County. The tour highlights the impact of changing morals, prohibition, and the mining industry on the community, including the effects of the mines closing in the mid twentieth century. Participants will gain insight into the town’s transformation, learning about both its vibrant cultural heritage and the hardships that defined its past. This walking tour provides a fascinating exploration of Bisbee’s social, economic, and historical evolution, offering a comprehensive understanding of how the city’s unique character was shaped over time. Visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation for the resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit of the people who built and continue to maintain this extraordinary town.